A Play Of Passion
Acis, 2026
8/10
The countertenor Daniel Moody commissions a body of work that surrounds how religion, culture and artistry has molded the world, and he’s got the PARTHENIA Viol Consort and William Simms on hand for the 24 pieces.
“Sweeter Than Roses” opens with Moody’s incredible pipes guiding the soft climate, and it isn’t long until “Long Live Fair Oriana” radiates warmth amid the meticulous strings.
Closer to the middle, “What Is Our Life” allows for the expressive pipes to shine alongside much cautious instrumentation, while “Music, When Soft Voices Die” moves with intimacy via the delicate string interaction that’s touching.
Residing late, “Clorinda” doesn’t need vocals to mesmerize us thanks to the dynamic and precise strings, and “Sestina” exits with 6 chapters, where the powerful vocals and Simms’ contributions on theorbo and lute won’t go unnoticed.
A body of work that traverses between cultures and genres, and explores free movement of ideas between England and the continent, the vocals and instruments weave between theater, song and devotion with much intrigue.
Travels well with: Janna Critz & Arash Noori- I Saw My Lady Weepe; Agave- Harmony Unchained