Now Make We Merthe: Medieval English Lyrics, Rounds and Carols;

This excellent recording is both fun and informative in its skillfully performed program of more than two dozen songs, carols, and rounds from medieval and Renaissance England. The selections are drawn from three albums recorded during the 1960s for the Argo label. The performances--of both familiar and little-known tunes--are sung and played by some of England's most acclaimed musicians, including tenor Robert Tear, harpist Osian Ellis, the London Brass Ensemble, and period instrumentalist David Munrow. Among the highlights are "Foweles in the frith," a fascinating 13th-century six-part canon; "Nowell: Dieus vous garde," a highly syncopated antiphonal 15th- century choral piece; and the gentle lullaby "Lullay, lullow: I saw a sweete seemly sight," sung by two boy trebles. The albums' original, first- rate liner notes are included. --David Vernier