Madrigal singing is one of the amateur music world"s most popular pastimes. And that"s how it should be. But if you"re going to be serious about singing this kind of very expressive, passionate music, you must acquire a certain technique--precise and purposeful inflection, clear articulation, vocal agility, and flexibility. The point is to be as expressive as possible, taking your cues from the music itself--the rhythms, the melodic leaps, the harmonies. Of course, the best madrigal composers are very adept at word and mood painting, and this recording by the excellent Amaryllis Consort not only shows off the performers" considerable vocal and interpretive skills but also provides a virtual "most-favored madrigals" concert. Included are such "hits" as "My Bonnie Lass," "The Silver Swan," "Weep, Weep Mine Eyes," and "Draw On, Sweet Night." But the real highlight is "Though Amaryllis Dance in Green," a delightfully tricky, virtuosic little masterpiece by William Byrd. --David Vernier