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Our Review

So unchristmassy, you'll think you're sitting in a candldlit, white tablecloth Italian restaurant listening to tasteful selections by a classical lute/vocal duo in the next room. And but for the candles and the lasagna, you are. The lutesong duo of vocalist Donna Stewart and lutist Ron Andrico present their own style of white tablecloth banquet, in a series of 19 hand-picked classical selections, elegantly arrayed and presented for your listening enjoyment.

Ms. Stewart's mezzo soprano imparts an authenticity to the medieval and renaissance pieces, while Ron Andrico's minimal, yet intricate lute arrangements construct a uniquely poignant blend of flavors. As a jaded and sated holiday listener, I am drawn to anything lacking in kitsch, and there is nothing I've heard this season further from the manufactured art of American Christmas than Duo Seraphim. Surely, this is listening to holiday music without listening to "holiday music".

There are a lot of ways to get at the holiday spirit; Duo Seraphim has chosen the road less traveled, putting together a unique and substantial collection of latinesque works, adorned only with voice and lute.

--Richard Banks
(Reviewed in 2008)

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From the Web site:

Mignarda is an ensemble of professional musicians formed to explore the vast and varied repertoire of music for lute and voice.

At the heart of the ensemble, the lutesong duo Donna Stewart and Ron Andrico specialize in bringing lute songs to life, with thoughtful programming designed to illuminate the vibrant mingling of renaissance music and poetry.

Capturing the nuance and intricacy of 16th century music with warmth and flair, Mignarda's engaging and accessible performances remind 21st century audiences that, at one time, this was pop music.

Duo Seraphim

Duo Seraphim: Lute Songs & Solos for Advent & Christmastide

Artist link

Track List