Rosa Mundi is a 2001 album by folk singerJune Tabor. It is a concept album that represents Tabor's exploration of the rose as a symbol of love, of beauty and hope.[1] As a folk singer, Tabor’s primary sources are traditional[2] but it is her secondary source choices, ranging from Tchaikovsky to a Great War ballad via Robbie Burns and a version of a German traditional piano song "Es Ist ein Rose Ersprungen", that separate this album from being a generalist folk music album.[1][2] Tabor's singing is understated, reflecting her desire for the songs to be centre stage.[3]
The album was reviewed favourably by a number of British music critics. RootsWorld's Jim Foley described Rosa Mundi in positive terms. stating that close attention to their lyrics renders this pleasant experience moving[4]InThe GuardianRobin Denselow praised Rosa Mundi,[3] and commented that Tabor's work demonstrated a commitment to the art of song with each song sung with Tabor's distinctive vocals. The article praised Tabor as amongst the finest of contemporary folk singers.[3] A separate RootsWorld review said that Rosa Mundi was outstanding and that Tabor was a contemporary singer of importance with an ability to express herself with clarity and beauty.[5] British folk music magazine fRoots reviewed the album at the time of release,[6] and had championed Tabor for over twenty years, republishing an interview with Tabor in the final issue in 2019.[7]
