Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of medieval polyphony with "Machaut: The Gentle Physician," a captivating collection of songs by the renowned Guillaume de Machaut. This album, released on Hyperion, is the sixth installment in The Orlando Consort's complete Machaut series, focusing on the composer's intricate and evocative songs of courtly love. De Machaut, often hailed as France's greatest poet-musician, weaves a tapestry of longing, despair, and fleeting joy, reflecting the tumultuous journey of unrequited love.
The album spans a variety of forms, including virelais, rondeaux, ballades, a lai, and a motet, each showcasing De Machaut's mastery of medieval musical techniques. The opening and closing tracks, both titled "De Fortune," frame the collection with a sense of fate and destiny, as Lady Fortune's capricious nature guides the lover through his trials. The Orlando Consort, renowned for their impeccable vocal blend and historical authenticity, brings these timeless compositions to life with their signature clarity and expressiveness.
Highlights include the poignant "J'aim miex languir," where the lover finds solace in his suffering, and the intricate "Quant ma dame," a rondeau that explores the bittersweet nature of love. The album also features the motet "Maugré mon cuer / De ma dolour / Quia amore langueo," a complex and haunting piece that underscores the depth of De Machaut's musical and poetic genius.
Recorded in the acoustically superb Parish Church of St. John the Baptist in Loughton, Essex, this album offers an unparalleled listening experience, transporting you to the heart of medieval France. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast of medieval music or a curious newcomer, "Machaut: The Gentle Physician" promises a rich and rewarding exploration of one of the Middle Ages' most influential composers.
Vinylscout