Since Shakespeare wrote his first play and included music as part of the action, composers have taken the opportunity to write their own tunes for the Bard"s immortal lines. In addition, the plays have inspired music for dances and other instrumental interludes. This recording features "songs, dances, and instrumental music" that at various times and places "appeared in theatrical productions of Shakespeare"s plays." Most were commissioned for performance at Stratford-upon-Avon, and the 32 pieces cover the changing styles and tastes of nearly 400 years--from Shakespeare"s contemporaries Robert Johnson and John Wilson to present-day composers Richard Rodney Bennett and Guy Woolfenden. This is a terrific and fascinating musical excursion with gorgeous singing by tenor Jamie MacDougall and mezzo Yvonne Howard. --David Vernier