Codex 4

Track Listings
1. Fandango    
2. Folias Gallegas    
3. Folias Espanolas    
4. Canarios    
5. Otros Canarios    
6. Jacaras    
7. Marizapalos    
8. Tarantela I    
9. Tarentela II    
10. Gaitas    
11. La Chamberga    
12. Cumbees    
13. Folias Italianas    
14. Gallaradas    
15. Zarambeques O Muecas    
16. El Paloteado    
17. Payssanos    

Codex 4, Music, Santiago de Murcia, Rolf Lislevand, Ensemble Kapsberger, Chamber, Chamber Music, Chamber Music & Recitals, Classical, Classical Music, Pop
A Portrait Of Anonymous 4
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • An aural treat for lovers of vocal music
  • Enchanting
  • If Angels Ever Recorded A CD
  • another exquisite performance
  • Anonymous, but in no way generic
 A Portrait Of Anonymous 4
Anonymous , Hildegard of Bingen , and Anonymous 4
Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. American Angels
  2. Gloryland
  3. 1000: A Mass for the End of Time / Anonymous 4
  4. The Origin of Fire: Music and Visions of Hildegard von Bingen
  5. Wolcum Yule: Celtic and British Songs and Carols - Anonymous 4 with Andrew Lawrence-King

ASIN: B0000007HW
Release Date: 1997-04-10

Tracks:

  1. Miracles Of Sant'Iago: Music From The Codex Calixtinus: Venite omnes cristicole
  2. Miracles Of Sant'Iago: Music From The Codex Calixtinus: Ad superni regis decus
  3. Miracles Of Sant'Iago: Music From The Codex Calixtinus: Portum in ultimo
  4. The Lily & The Lamb: Chant & Polyphony From Medieval England: O Maria stella maris
  5. The Lily & The Lamb: Chant & Polyphony From Medieval England: Stabat iuxta Christi crucem
  6. The Lily & The Lamb: Chant & Polyphony From Medieval England: Stillat in stellam radium
  7. A Star In The East: Medieval Hungarian Christmas Music: Primo tempore alleviata
  8. A Star In The East: Medieval Hungarian Christmas Music: Speciosus forma
  9. A Star In The East: Medieval Hungarian Christmas Music: Mi Atyank Atya Isten
  10. Love's Illusion: Music From The Montpellier Codex: Puisque bele dame m'eime - Flos Filius
  11. Love's Illusion: Music From The Montpellier Codex: Ne sai, que je die - Iohanne
  12. Love's Illusion: Music From The Montpellier Codex: Amor potest conqueri - Ad amorem sequitur
  13. Love's Illusion: Music From The Montpellier Codex: Quant yver la bise ameine - In Seculum
  14. Love's Illusion: Music From The Montpellier Codex: On doit fin(e) Amor - La Biaute - In Seculum
  15. An English Ladymass: Medieval Chant & Polyphony: Edi beo thu hevene quene
  16. An English Ladymass: Medieval Chant & Polyphony: Ave maris stella
  17. An English Ladymass: Medieval Chant & Polyphony: Salve virgo virginum
  18. On Yoolis Night: Medieval Carols & Motets: Ther Is No Rose Of swych vertu
  19. On Yoolis Night: Medieval Carols & Motets: Prolis eterne genitor - psallat mater gracie
  20. On Yoolis Night: Medieval Carols & Motets: Ecce quod natura
  21. Spiritui sancto

Amazon.com

This sampler album of excerpts from seven other Anonymous 4 releases is a good introduction for anyone who is unacquainted with the A4's startlingly pure singing and virtually celestial blend. But if you fall under the spell of this outstanding a capella quartet, the present disc will become extraneous because you'll want to own the complete recordings from which it's drawn. If you prefer complete works to samplers, try taking the plunge with "An English Ladymass" or "On Yoolis Night." --Sarah Bryan Miller

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars An aural treat for lovers of vocal music.......2007-04-14

If you love vocal music these gals are fabulous! This is a best of album, which is always good as an introduction to a new artist. It gives you a taste of their various albums, so you can go ahead and pursue the ones you like. Enjoy!

5 out of 5 stars Enchanting.......2007-01-10

If you enjoy music that takes you to a different time and place, you will get lost in time with this beautiful work.

5 out of 5 stars If Angels Ever Recorded A CD.......2006-03-16

Four female voices have never blended together so perfectly and beautifully as do those of the 'Anonymous 4.' Their CD titled, 'Portrait' contains a selection of tracks from seven other previous CD's, kind of a "Best Of" you might say.

If angels ever came down from heaven to record a CD this is what they would sound like.

Harmonious, Celestial, Purifying and Eternal.

5 out of 5 stars another exquisite performance.......2006-02-27

This amazing quartette is so talented. The Christmas cd reminds me of Christmas 50 years ago in rural England where I grew up. It contains the only rendition of The Holly and the Ivy I have heard that actually does the carol justice.

5 out of 5 stars Anonymous, but in no way generic.......2001-02-04

I learned about this quartet though a review in Stereophile magazine. Although they don't publish a lot of reviews, I've had exceptionally good luck with their past picks and have been able to branch out successfully in new musical directions as a result.

These four women are virtuoso female vocalists, hauntingly pure of voice. They perform music from centuries ago in the same type of setting that it was originally performed in, with stunning results. I'm generally not one for "religious" material (this is the first recording of this nature I've ever bought), but this music goes so far back in time that it sounds more primal than Christian overall.

A refreshing change when you're in the right mood, and something that can relax even you type A personalities out there (and you *know* who you are :) , I can suggest this one without reserve. You'll be adding a nice, quiet corner to your collection, and you'll probably wind up visiting it more than you ever imagined.
Music of the Gothic Era
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Unique
  • A classic performance
 Music of the Gothic Era
Geoffrey Shaw , David James , David Munrow , and Early Music Consort of London
Manufacturer: Archiv Produktion
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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Similar Items:
  1. Perotin / The Hilliard Ensemble
  2. Music Of The Crusades
  3. The Art of Courtly Love - David Munrow & The Early Music Consort of London
  4. Early Music Festival / David Munrow, Early Music Consort
  5. Sinners & Saints: The Ultimate Medieval and Renaissance Music Collection

ASIN: B00006L3IE
Release Date: 2002-10-08

Tracks:

  1. Viderunt Omnes - David Munrow
  2. Alleluya Pascha Nostrum - Martyn Hill
  3. Gaude Maria Virgo - David Munrow
  4. Locus Iste - Charles Brett
  5. viderunt Omnes - Martyn Hill
  6. Sederunt Principes - David Munrow
  7. Alle, Psallite Cum Luya, 3 Voc. - Martyn Hill
  8. Amor Potest, 3 Voc. - Martyn Hill
  9. S'on Me Regarde, 3 Voc. - Martyn Hill
  10. In Mari Miserie, 3 Voc. - Martyn Hill
  11. On Parole De Batre, 3 Voc. - James Bowman
  12. En Mai Quant Rosier Sont Flouri, 3. Voc. - Martyn Hill
  13. Dominator Domine, 3 Voc. - Martyn Hill
  14. El Mois De Mai, 3 Voc. - Martyn Hill
  15. O Mitissima, 3 Voc. - James Bowman

Tracks:

  1. Hoquetus I-VII, 3 Voc. Neuma-Virgo-In Seculum Longum-In Seculum Viellatoris In Seculum Breve-Seculum D'Amiens Longum-In Seculum - David Munrow
  2. Aucun Ont Trouve, 3 Voc. - David Munrow
  3. De Ma Dame Vient, 3 Voc. - Martyn Hill
  4. J'os Bien A M'amie Parler, 3 Voc. - James Bowman
  5. La Mesnie Fauveline, 3 Voc. - David Munrow
  6. Quant Je Le Voi, 3 Voc. - Martyn Hill
  7. Zelus Familie, 3 Voc. - Martyn Hill
  8. Quasi Non Ministerium, 4 Voc. - David Munrow
  9. Impudenter Circumivi, 4 Voc. - David Munrow
  10. Cum Statua, 3 Voc. - James Bowman
  11. Pantheon Abluitur, 5 Voc. - James Bowman
  12. Clap, Clap, Par Un Matin, 3 Voc. - Martyn Hill
  13. Ida capillorum, 4 Voc. - James Bowman
  14. Rachel Plorat Filios, 3 Voc. - Martyn Hill
  15. Les I'ormel A La Turelle, 3 Voc. - Martyn Hill
  16. O Philippe, Franci Qui Generis, 3 Voc. - James Bowman
  17. Febus Mundo Oriens, 3 Voc. - Martyn Hill
  18. Lasse! Comment Oublieray, 3 Voc. - Martyn Hill
  19. Qui Es Promesses, 3 Voc. - James Bowman
  20. Hoquetus David, 3 Voc. - David Munrow
  21. Christe, Qui Lux Es, 4 Voc. - James Bowman
  22. Degentis Vita, 4 Voc. - Martyn Hill
  23. Inter Densas Deserti Meditans, 3 Voc. - Martyn Hill
  24. Rex Karole, Johannis Genite, 5 Voc. - James Bowman

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Unique.......2006-02-07

This is early vocal music very much in the style currently heard in groups like the Hilliard Ensemble and Tallis Scholars. It is very spacious-sounding and solemn, which makes sense- most of the music that we have preserved from hundreds of years ago was written for use in the church. Fortunately, the gravity of the works never stops this set from being thoroughly enjoyable, too. Archiv's sound is, as always, very good.

5 out of 5 stars A classic performance.......2003-02-28

This recording remains a classic, even if (as Daniel Leech-Wilkinson points out in his accompanying notes) some of Munrow's performance practices may be disputed today. This is, quite simply, a wonderful performance and a terrific sounding recording (even after nearly 30 years)--and a wonderful way to develop an ear for the music of the 13th and 14th centuries.
Isabel I: Reina de Castilla
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • It's a gem!
  • Review: Isabel I: Reina de Castilla
  • Not always historically accurate, but fabulous performances
 Isabel I: Reina de Castilla
Hesperion XXI , Daniele Carnovich , Canciero de Montecassino Anonymous , El Cancionero de Colombina Anonymous , Johannes Cornago , Guillaume Dufay , Juan del Encina , Pedro de Escobar , Luys de Narvaez , Pedro de Tordesillas , Francisco de la Torre , Arabic-Andalusian Traditional , Sephardic Traditional , Turkish Traditional , Carlos Verardi , Jordi Savall , Carlos Mena , Andrew Lawrence-King , Begona Olavide , Luca Guglielmi , Pedro Estevan , Arianna Savall , Montserrat Figueras , and Miguel Bernal
Manufacturer: Alia Vox Spain
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Carlos V
  2. Villancicos y Danzas Criollas
  3. Music for the Spanish Kings
  4. Miguel de Cervantes, Don Quijote de la Mancha: Romances y Músicas [Hybrid SACD]
  5. Altre Follie, 1500-1750

ASIN: B0006SSNO6
Release Date: 2004-12-14

Tracks:

  1. Exultat Caelum Laudibus (Vesper's Hymn) - La Capella Reial De Catalunya
  2. Marcha Turca - Various Artists
  3. Toccata (CMC 68) - Various Artists
  4. Dinos, Madre Del Donsel (Villancico) (CMC 90) - Various Artists
  5. Je Ne Vis Oncques (CMM 46) - Andrew Lawrence-King
  6. La Spagna: Danza Alta (Instrumental) (CMP 321) - Hesperion XXI
  7. Muy Crueles Bozes Dan (Villancico) (CMC 6) - La Capella Reial De Catalunya
  8. Pavana (Pues Que Jamas Olvidaros) (CMP 30) - Various Artists
  9. Patres Nostri Peccaverunt (Hymn) (CMM 2) - La Capella Reial De Catalunya
  10. Viva El Gran Re Don Fernando (Instrumental) - Various Artists
  11. El Que Rige Y El Regido (Villancico) (CMP 275) - La Capella Reial De Catalunya
  12. Paseabase El Rey Moro (Romance) - Various Artists
  13. Levanta Pascual (Villancico) (CMP 184) - La Capella Reial De Catalunya
  14. Lavava Y Suspirava (Romance) - Montserrat Figueras
  15. Mappamundi - Various Artists
  16. Franceses, Por Que Rrazon? (Villancico) (CMP 424) - La Capella Reial De Catalunya
  17. Sanctus (CMC 47) - Various Artists
  18. Triste Espana Sin Ventura (Romance) (CMP 83) - La Capella Reial De Catalunya
  19. Cancion En Ritmo Quddan De La Nuba Gribt Al Hussein De Marruecos - B. Olavide
  20. Requiem Aeternam (Gradual) - La Capella Reial De Catalunya

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars It's a gem!.......2006-11-21

Interesting mix of styles at work here. Paseabase El Rey Moro is particularly pleasing. Montserrat lends true feeling to this piece as she sings the part of the Moorish king. Her recitation of the old man's 'Dutch uncling' is unexpected and equally passionate. All this is punctuated by a musical style that never loses its Moorish influence but changes, oh so subtly, into a more 'European' mode. In direct contrast, Begona's performance of Canció en ritmo Quddan de la Nuba Gribt: Al Hussein de Marruecos is equally compelling. The voices are married perfectly to the styles of the music. In short, if you like Iberian music of this period (circa 1492), get the album. You will not be disappointed.

5 out of 5 stars Review: Isabel I: Reina de Castilla.......2005-07-27

This is a meticulously designed and recorded compilation that provides a delightful introduction to music of the late 15th and early 16th centuries . The CD includes both instrumental and vocal compositions that are performed with considerable expertise and verve. The package contains an illustrated booklet that includes an essay on the history of the period and full lyrics but, alas, is rather weak on details regarding the music other than to place it in historical context.

5 out of 5 stars Not always historically accurate, but fabulous performances.......2005-05-23

This recording presents a selection of music from the time of Isabella of Castile (1451-1504), organised to present a hypothetical illustration in sound of the main events of her reign. Connoisseurs will be familiar with a number of these pieces, many from previous Savall recordings (Palacio, Encina, Colombina discs). Alongside the Spanish works (villancicos, romances, sacred music) are examples of Turkish and Sephardic music, and also a Dufay chanson.

As on many other recordings by this ensemble, historical accuracy is secondary to an overall aesthetic result, and it is perhaps not difficult to understand why Savall's approach has ruffled certain musicologists. Where most of the works recorded here would have probably been performed by a small group of musicians (often a cappella), in these performances there is a wide range of instruments used in addition to the voices (including shawm, cornett and sackbuts). Four tracks have 'composed' introductions [tracks 1, 4, 10, 13], whilst Narvaez's romance [track 12] is transformed from a standard example of the genre into a hybridised Hispanic-Moorish lament.

On the other hand, it is equally apparent why this group have been greeted with such unanimous international acclaim. There is, after all, a significant difference between a sound recording and a musicological article - something which is not always as obvious as it should be in some of the more "correct" renditions of this repertory. Furthermore, there are a number of tracks which are definitely plausible [tracks 5, 8, 17, 20], as well as some which frankly do not stretch extant evidence - direct and indirect - too much [tracks 4, 15, 18; a thorough and satisfactory investigation of the political villancicos and romances - tracks 7, 10, 13, 16, 18 - has yet to be undertaken...why and in what contexts would such works be performed only by small forces, given their obvious exaggerated political overtones? Would Ferdinand and Isabella really have heard, for example, Encina's lament to their dead son [18] performed by no more than four singers in the elite isolation of their private chambers...?]

But what undoubtedly sets this recording apart from so many others of this repertory is the phenomenally high standard of these performances - unsurprisingly given the personnel line-up [Begona Olavide, Montserrat Figueras, Carlos Mena, Jean-Pierre Canihac, Markus Tapio, Andrew Lawrence-King...etc]. Given that so many tracks could be singled out to support this observation - not to mention the musicians themselves - it perhaps only remains to be said that this is without doubt one of the most incredible recordings of Cancionero songs available.
Love's Illusion-Music From The Montpellier Codex 13th Century
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Excellent Rendition of Early Music. Buy It.
  • Fun and full of love
  • from a newcomer viewpoint
  • Love's Illusion
  • OUTSTANDING
 Love's Illusion-Music From The Montpellier Codex 13th Century
Anonymous 4 , and Marsha Genensky
Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems
Anonymous 4Anonymous 4 | ( A ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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Similar Items:
  1. The Lily and the Lamb: Chant and Polyphony from Medieval England
  2. Miracles of Sant'iago: Music from the Codex Calistinus
  3. An English Ladymass: Medieval Chant and Polyphony
  4. Legends of St. Nicholas: Medieval Chant & Polyphony
  5. La Bele Marie: Songs to the Virgin from 13th-Century France

ASIN: B0000007E5
Release Date: 1994-08-23

Tracks:

  1. Montpellier Codex: Plus Bele Que Flor - Quant Revient - L'autrier Joer - Flos Filius (Mo 21)
  2. Montpellier Codex: Puisque Bele Dame M'eime - Flos Filius (Mo 231)
  3. Montpellier Codex: Amours Mi Font Souffrir - En Mai - Flos Filius (Mo 111)
  4. Montpellier Codex: Ne Sai, Que Je Die - Iohanne (Mo 185)
  5. Montpellier Codex: Si Je Chante - Bien Doi Amer - Et Sperabit (Mo 311)
  6. Montpellier Codex: Or Ne Sai Je Que Devenir - Puisque D'amer - Kyrieleyson (Mo 267)
  7. Montpellier Codex: H? Dieus, De Si Haut Si Bas - Maubatus - Cumque (Mo 92)
  8. Montpellier Codex: Celui En Qui - La Bele Estoile - La Bele, En Qui - Iohanne (Mo 20)
  9. Montpellier Codex: Qui D'amours Se Plaint - Lux Magna (Mo 215)
  10. Montpellier Codex: Amours, Dont Je Sui - L'autrier, Au Douz Mois - Chose Tassin (Mo 270)
  11. Montpellier Codex: Au Cuer Ai Un Mal - Ja Ne M'en Repentirai - Jolietement (Mo 260)
  12. Montpellier Codex: Quant Voi La Fleur - Et Tenuerunt (Mo 241)
  13. Montpellier Codex: Quant Se Depart - Onques Ne Sai Amer - Docebit Omnem (Mo 131)
  14. Montpellier Codex: Joliement - Quant Voi La Florete - Je Sui Joliete - Aptatur (Mo 34)
  15. Montpellier Codex: Amor Potest Conqueri - Ad Amorem Sequitur (Mo 238)
  16. Montpellier Codex: Ce Que Je Tieng - Certes Mout - Bone Compaignie - Manere (Mo 33)
  17. Montpellier Codex: J'ai Si Bien Mon Cuer Assiz - Aucun M'ont - Angelus (Mo 128)
  18. Montpellier Codex: Ne M'oubliez Mie - Domino (Mo 236)
  19. Montpellier Codex: J'ai Mis Toute Ma Pensee - Je N'en Puis - Puerorum (Mo 255)
  20. Montpellier Codex: Blanchete - Quant Je Pens - Valare (Mo 168)
  21. Montpellier Codex: Dame, Qeu Je N'os Noumer - Amis Donc Est - Lonc Tans A (Mo 337)
  22. Montpellier Codex: Li Savours De Mon Desir - Li Grant Desir - Non Veul Mari (Mo 323)
  23. Montpellier Codex: Entre Copin - Je Me Cuidoie - Bele Ysabelos (Mo 256)
  24. Montpellier Codex: S'on Me Regarde - Prenn?s I Garde - H?, Mi Enfant (Mo 223)
  25. Montpellier Codex: Quant Yver La Bise Ameine - In Seculum (Mo 223)
  26. Montpellier Codex: Ne M'a Pas Oubli? - In Seculum (Mo 207)
  27. Montpellier Codex: On Doit Fin[e] Amor - La Biaut? - In Seculum (Mo 134)
  28. Montpellier Codex: Ja N'amerai Autre Que Cele - In Seculum (Mo 3)
  29. Montpellier Codex: Quant Je Parti De M'amie - Tuo (Mo 200)

Amazon.com essential recording

How's this for a concept: "True love may exist only outside of marriage, and a man must subject himself totally to the will of his beloved, whether or not her requests seem rational." If you think these ideas strange, be glad you weren't looking for love in France in the Middle Ages. These precepts course through thousands of song lyrics and love poetry during the 12th and 13th centuries and some of them appear on this exceptional recording by Anonymous 4. Specifically, these four women perform 13th century French motets found in an important manuscript known as the Montpellier Codex. These polyphonic works span the entire century and thus express a variety of styles. Sometimes the use of texts is striking, as when a love song, a diatribe against hypocrisy, and a rousing drinking song are sung simultaneously. Not bad, if you can get away with it. Anonymous 4 can-and does. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Excellent Rendition of Early Music. Buy It........2005-10-29

`Love's Illusion' is the third album done by the medieval vocal quartet, `Anonymous 4' and the first recording for them of secular motets, although it is important to note that to my relatively uneducated ear, I find it hard to discern the difference between these French love songs and their renditions of medieval church music.

This is not to say I have a totally tin ear but rather to indicate that there is as strong or stronger connection between these secular songs and the liturgical music of the day as there is between Aretha Franklin's soul singing and Southern Baptist church songs. One would be foolish to think that church music influenced secular music for the first time in 1956.

The text for these songs is based on the Montpellier Codex from the 13th century and, as I said, are all in what I believe is an early version of French. The accompanying booklet gives all the French lyrics, plus translations of these lyrics into English and German (since the record company, harmonia mundi, is, I believe, headquartered in Germany and the recording is manufactured in Germany.

While this is the first album I have reviewed by this group (named after an anonymous 13th century English writer on music who lived and worked in Paris and wrote about the music done) I have been listening to their recordings for several years now and I decided to start with this one and leave some of the liturgical works for later, closer to the Christmas season.

On a purely visceral level, I like this recording very much. On an intellectual level, I believe this is as good or better than any other medieval pieces, and most other Renaissance vocal pieces I have heard, except for some works with larger choruses such as Guillaume Du Fay's Mass for St. Anthony of Padua and Ensemble Gilles Binchois recording of eleventh century French Polyphony.

For those who are new to Anonymous 4 recordings, they are generally done not in a studio but in the nave of a large church, so there is a distinct sense of their singing in a great open space, with little or no sense of electronic enhancement. I really like this effect for this music and find it just one more reason to recommend this and other Anonymous 4 recordings. I think my highest recommendation comes from the fact that I can listen to this recording many times over and not become tired of it. There are other unusual types of music such as Russian chants, tangos, and even jazz which I can take for an hour or so and then must change. This material I can listen to for hours on end.

Highly recommended for fans of early music or for people who want something different.

5 out of 5 stars Fun and full of love.......2005-10-13

This is a wonderful collection of chansons, or songs, from medieval France. It is different from many Anonymous 4 collections in that this is a piece of secular songs, primarily dealing with courtly love; the songs are particularly influenced by the Arthurian romances, very much in vogue at that time. This is a collection of motets - a musical style that came out of polyphony and is an important bridge between chant and modern song styling.

The Montpellier Codex has over 300 different motets (not including duplications), including many double motets, where the tenor piece is based on a plainchant, and different voices have their own texts. These 'fin amours' songs were most likely performed mostly in private entertainment settings, and song have argued that certain parts should be done by instruments rather than voices. Of course, the Anonymous 4 is an a capella group, so that idea does not come into practice here.

This is a playful and fun recording, full of lovely songs that reach the heart in strong ways.

-- Liner Notes --
This text accompaniment to this disc is very full, so much so that the booklet is not contained within the jewel case, but rather within a slipcover in which both the CD/jewel case and the booklet reside. The liner notes include a description of the work, a brief piece about the quartet, and the lyrics of the songs both in original language and in translation - all repeated in English, German, and French sections (however, the French lyrics are in the older French language; a modern translation would be helpful). The cover art is a section of the lovely Tapestry, Lady and the Unicorn, Atelier of the Loire Valley, 'mille fleurs', fifteen century in the Museum of Cluny, France.

-- Anonymous 4 --
Contrary to the implication of their name, the Anonymous 4 are not anonymous. This is a vocal quartet made up of Ruth Cunningham, Marsha Genensky, Susan Hellauer, and Johanna Rose at the time of this recording (Ruth Cunningham will later go on to a solo career early, and another member will join - Jacqueline Horner). They came together as a formal group in 1986, and have been ensemble-in-residence at St. Michael's Church in New York City, giving concert series in New York as well as throughout North America. They have been featured a number of times on national media in North America as well as Germany. They then went on to yet more success, eventually performing more that 1000 concerts worldwide.

Their specialty is working with chant, monophonic and polyphonic music, and working with medieval texts. According to one source, 'The group takes its name from an anonymous music theorist of the late 13th century, Anonymous IV, who is the principal source on the two famous composers of the Notre Dame school, Léonin and Pérotin.'

The group ended a touring career of nearly two decades in 2004.

5 out of 5 stars from a newcomer viewpoint.......2003-02-23

LOVE'S ILLUSION is one of those uncanny instances that make tradition more unusual than avant-garde. Having two to four texts in an archaic language sung on top of each other makes the album at once chaotic and highly ordered. Some texts were clearly written after one another (cf. track 24), whereas others have but a random connection. Harmonically, however, everything falls into place.
I'm still fairly new to classical music, so I can only speak of my attempts at overcoming my difficulties in listening to mediaeval polyphony. When one knows any piece of music has a text, one wants to be able to hear the words - even if one doesn't know the language -, and this is main reason why a first listening of LOVE'S ILLUSION may be disturbing, if not annoying. One initial solution is to think of it as instrumental, and take the words for granted; I suggest also repeated listening of your favorite tracks, while trying to follow one singer's voice, with booklet in hand. I have paid some attention to this record and I believe it has helped me.
The major flaw of this record is not presenting a translation of the 13th century French songs into contemporary French. The difference is indeed quite astounding.

1 out of 5 stars Love's Illusion.......2002-12-11

Overall: Monotonous, irritating. I had a headache after only three cuts, and the cut I really wanted is barely recognizable as the melody of interest. Let's just say that this is a sound (i.e., all female vocals, no instrumental variety), regardless of performers, that I do not go looking for.

5 out of 5 stars OUTSTANDING.......2001-01-11

This is an excellent recording of some of the most beautiful music from the 13th Century. The vocal quartet "Anonymous 4" does a superb job, especially considering the entire CD is sung in Old French. This may well be the most peaceful and reaxing CD you will ever own.
Miracles of Sant'iago: Music from the Codex Calistinus
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Great, as usual.
  • Miraculous music
  • The sirens of heaven
  • A real miracle
  • "Sublime" is an understatement
 Miracles of Sant'iago: Music from the Codex Calistinus
Ambrosian Chant , Gregorian Chant , Codex Calixtinus Anonymous , Anonymous , Italian Anonymous , and Anonymous 4
Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. The Lily and the Lamb: Chant and Polyphony from Medieval England
  2. Love's Illusion-Music From The Montpellier Codex 13th Century
  3. Lammas Ladymass - 13th and 14th Century English Chant and Polyphony
  4. The Origin of Fire: Music and Visions of Hildegard von Bingen
  5. An English Ladymass: Medieval Chant and Polyphony

ASIN: B0000007F1
Release Date: 1996-02-26

Tracks:

  1. Medival Chant & Polyphony For St. James From The Codex Calixtinus: Invitatory: Venite omnes cristicole
  2. Medival Chant & Polyphony For St. James From The Codex Calixtinus: Processional: Salve festa dies
  3. Medival Chant & Polyphony For St. James From The Codex Calixtinus: Benedicamus trope: Vox nostra resonet
  4. Medival Chant & Polyphony For St. James From The Codex Calixtinus: Invitatory: Regem regum dominum
  5. Medival Chant & Polyphony For St. James From The Codex Calixtinus: Benedicamus trope: Nostra phalanx plaudat leta
  6. Medival Chant & Polyphony For St. James From The Codex Calixtinus: Antiphon: Ad sepulcrum beati Iacobi
  7. Medival Chant & Polyphony For St. James From The Codex Calixtinus: Benedicamus trope: Ad superni regis decus
  8. Medival Chant & Polyphony For St. James From The Codex Calixtinus: Brief responsory: Iacobe servorum
  9. Medival Chant & Polyphony For St. James From The Codex Calixtinus: Benedicamus domino
  10. Medival Chant & Polyphony For St. James From The Codex Calixtinus: Conductus: In hac die laudes
  11. Medival Chant & Polyphony For St. James From The Codex Calixtinus: Kyrie trope: Cunctipotens genitor
  12. Medival Chant & Polyphony For St. James From The Codex Calixtinus: Hymn: Psallat chorus celestium
  13. Medival Chant & Polyphony For St. James From The Codex Calixtinus: Prosa: Alleluia: Gratulemur et letemur
  14. Medival Chant & Polyphony For St. James From The Codex Calixtinus: Offeratory: Ascendens Ihesus in montem
  15. Medival Chant & Polyphony For St. James From The Codex Calixtinus: Agnus dei trope: Qui pius ac mitis
  16. Medival Chant & Polyphony For St. James From The Codex Calixtinus: Benedicamus trope: Gratulantes celebremus festum
  17. Medival Chant & Polyphony For St. James From The Codex Calixtinus: Conductus: Iacobe sancte tuum
  18. Medival Chant & Polyphony For St. James From The Codex Calixtinus: Responsory: O adiutor onmium seculorum
  19. Medival Chant & Polyphony For St. James From The Codex Calixtinus: Prosa: Portum in ultimo
  20. Medival Chant & Polyphony For St. James From The Codex Calixtinus: Benedicamus trope: Congaudeant catholici
  21. Medival Chant & Polyphony For St. James From The Codex Calixtinus: Prosa: Clemens servulorum

Amazon.com essential recording

The program is a selection of chant and polyphony taken from a fascinating 12th-century manuscript that includes not only music but also sermons, stories, legends, and "an informative travel guide to the pilgrimage routes through France and Spain." The collection originated in France, but since the late 12th century it has resided in the famed Cathedral of Santiago in Compostela, Spain. In a purely vocal sense, these performances are transcendent: impeccable intonation, no false turns or failed leaps, and an ethereal ambience that is hard to describe with mere words. Musically, this recording features some of Anonymous 4's most engaging repertoire. No matter how many Anonymous 4/medieval music recordings you already own, these four women will still manage to keep you transfixed throughout, bringing you awesomely close to the spiritual essence of these impassioned yet often simple works of religious devotion. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Great, as usual........2005-11-12

'Miracles of Sant'Iago' by the Anonymous 4 is yet another collection of medieval chants. This time, its from the Spanish shrine reputed to be the site of Saint James' tomb. This is significant, and the reason for the site's being a major pilgrimage destination, because James was the first disciple of Christ.

While the location is Spanish, virtually all the texts are in Latin, and practically all are in plainsong, with very little polyphony. So, if it is the multipart singing you like, this may not have as much as you would like to hear.

I have been listening to Anonymous 4 recordings for about 10 years now, but my reviewing the titles in my colleciton brings be to the conclusion that unless you are a big fan of Medieval music, you may want to pass on this particular title and go for the masses such as 'A Lammas Ladymass' or the collections of secular motets such as 'Love's Illusion'.

But, If you really like this stuff as I do, this is as good as it gets in the relatively uniform Anonymous 4 body of work.

5 out of 5 stars Miraculous music.......2005-10-12

The music in this collection is done in honour of St. James, the first of the apostles to die a martyr's death. Reportedly buried in Compostela, Spain, his burial place became a pilgrimage destination, and the music composed in his honour was very popular in the Middle Ages. This was especially true in Spain when the Christian fervour to recapture the peninsula was in full force. St. James was a miracle worker during his lifetime, and, according to legend, his presence would still enact miracles for the faithful who would trek to his shrine.

Much of this music comes from a book that has survived from the Cathedral of Santiago. Much of the music contained in that book is plainchant, with the rest polyphonic works. There are some pieces that are liturgical, and others that are sacred or so inspired, but not strictly liturgical in nature.

The compositions show somewhat of the international nature of Christendom of the time - despite being in Santiago and used by the Spanish church, much of the composition was done by French clerics and writers, written in Cluny.

According to Susan Hellauer, 'As our guiding principle we have tried to be true to the infectiously joyful and exuberant melody that pervades this remarkable collection, made for and performed by the young treble voices of a medieval French grammar school.'

The blend of voices here is superb, and the spirit is soaring in many respects. As a friend of mine and I listened to this disc last night, she remarked on one of the songs, 'That's a merry little piece!' It is remarkable to listen to the voices of women singing this music, a different feel indeed from the monks or men and boys choirs that are more standard fare.

-- Liner Notes --
This text accompaniment to this disc is very. The liner notes include a description of the work, a brief piece about the quartet, and the lyrics of the songs both in original language and in translation. The cover art features images of St. James, and there is a reprint of a page from the Codex Calixtinus inside, as well as a plate from the Forster Book of Hours.

-- Anonymous 4 --
Contrary to the implication of their name, the Anonymous 4 are not anonymous. This is a vocal quartet made up of Ruth Cunningham, Marsha Genensky, Susan Hellauer, and Johanna Rose at the time of this recording (Ruth Cunningham will later go on to a solo career early, and another member will join - Jacqueline Horner). They came together as a formal group in 1986, and have been ensemble-in-residence at St. Michael's Church in New York City, giving concert series in New York as well as throughout North America. They have been featured a number of times on national media in North America as well as Germany. They then went on to yet more success, eventually performing more that 1000 concerts worldwide.

Their specialty is working with chant, monophonic and polyphonic music, and working with medieval texts. According to one source, 'The group takes its name from an anonymous music theorist of the late 13th century, Anonymous IV, who is the principal source on the two famous composers of the Notre Dame school, Léonin and Pérotin.'

The group ended a touring career of nearly two decades in 2004.

5 out of 5 stars The sirens of heaven.......2001-05-24

This album was my entrance to the early music world and because of it i continud exploring the wonderful sounds of ancient times . the magicle voices of this 4 angles will in seconds take you into a time travel to the medieval world with so mutch beauty that u'll say "This must be a dream..."

5 out of 5 stars A real miracle.......2001-04-19

Certainly, I am not being original, if I say that the way Anonymous 4 sing in this record is itself a real miracle, but I am just telling an obvious truth.

In "Miracles of Santiago", the performers almost reach a level of divine perfection, guiding the listener to a state of pure spiritual peace, carrying him to an era where our western cultural heritage dives some of her deepest roots.

A wonderful record that I highly praise and recommend to everybody.

5 out of 5 stars "Sublime" is an understatement.......2000-11-19

Susan Hellauer, Ruth Cunningham, Marsha Genesky, and Johanna Rose have produced what is possibly the most sublime recording I have ever heard. From the first moment of the recording until the last, I was transfixed by their ethereal, uplifting sound, and found myself wanting to run right out and get their other CDs. Every person who is interested in early music will be impressed by their scholarly yet artistic aproach to these texts, and by their first rate performances.
Noël: Carols & Chants for Christmas
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Beautiful Music!
  • Compilation of 4 existing CDs
 Noël: Carols & Chants for Christmas

Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Gloryland
  2. American Angels
  3. Legends of St. Nicholas: Medieval Chant & Polyphony
  4. 1000: A Mass for the End of Time / Anonymous 4
  5. Wolcum Yule: Celtic and British Songs and Carols - Anonymous 4 with Andrew Lawrence-King

ASIN: B000A5HJUO
Release Date: 2005-10-11

Tracks:

  1. Intonent Hodie
  2. Exultemus Et Letemur
  3. Gaudens In Domino
  4. Seint Nicholas Was Borne In The Citee Of Patras
  5. Confessor Dei Nicholaus
  6. Cantu Mirro, Summa Laude
  7. Sainte Nicholaes
  8. Whanne The Bisshop Of The Citee Of My Deied
  9. Nicholai Presulis
  10. Cum Quidam Fluctuantia
  11. Novus Presul Prodiit
  12. Sainte Nicholaes
  13. All The Province Of Seint Nicholas Suffered Gret Peyne For Hunger
  14. Plaudat Letitia
  15. Salve Cleri Speculum/Salve Iubar Presulum/(Sospitati)/(Sospitati)
  16. Sainte Nicholaes
  17. A Worschipfull Man Hadde Thre Doughtres Virgines
  18. Fulget Nicolaus
  19. Ex Eius Tumba/Prosa Sospitati Dedit Egros
  20. Gaudens In Domino
  21. And Whanne Our Lorde Lust To Take Seint Nicholas Oute Of This Worlde
  22. Psallat Chorus/Eximie Pater/(Aptatur)
  23. Nicholae Presulum
  24. Nicholaus Pontifex

Tracks:

  1. Awake, And Join The Cheerful Choir
  2. Good People All
  3. The Seven Rejoices Of Mary
  4. The Lamb
  5. A Scots Lilt
  6. Balulalow
  7. Balulalow
  8. The Holly And The Ivy
  9. The Reel Of Tullochgorum
  10. I Saw Three Ships
  11. A Calendar Of Kings
  12. Air: La Fuar Geimhreadh
  13. An Teicheadh Go Heigipt (Flight Into Egypt)
  14. A God, And Yet A Man?
  15. Grene Growith The Holy
  16. Wel, Dyma'r Borau Gorau (Behold, Here Is The Best Morning)
  17. The Cherry Tree Carol
  18. Can Wassel (Wassail Song)
  19. A New Year Carol

Tracks:

  1. Hodie Christus Natus Est
  2. O Nobilis Nativitas/O Mira Dei/O Decus Virgineum/Apparuit
  3. Lux De Luce (Chant)
  4. Alleluya: A Nywe Werke
  5. Verbum Supernum Prodiens (Chant)
  6. Balaam De Quo Vaticinans/(Ballam)
  7. Ave Maria
  8. Gabriel, Fram Heven-King
  9. Lulla: I Saw A Swete Semly Syght
  10. Prolis Eterne Genitor/Psallat Mater Gracie/(Pes)
  11. Vox Claral, ,Ecce, Intonat (Chant)
  12. De Supernis Sedibus
  13. Omnes De Saba
  14. Puellare Gremium/Purissima Mater/(Pes)
  15. Lullay, Lullay: As I Lay On Yoolis Night
  16. Tria Sunt Munera (Chant)
  17. Orto Sole Serene/Origo Viri/Virga Iesse/(Tenor)
  18. Peperit Virgo
  19. Ecce Quod Natura
  20. A Solis Ortus Cardine (Chant)
  21. Ther Is No Rose Of Swych Vertu
  22. Videntes Stellam (Chant)
  23. Nowel: Owt Of Your Slepe Aryse

Tracks:

  1. Ave Spes Nostra
  2. Mi Atyank Atya Isten
  3. Veni Domine
  4. O Mundi Domina
  5. Fuit Virgo
  6. Vox Clara, Ecce, Intonat
  7. Omnes Unanimter
  8. Dum Medium Silentium
  9. Primo Tempora Alleviata
  10. Speciosus Forma
  11. Novum Decus Oritur
  12. Letentur Celi
  13. Salvator Noster
  14. Az Idvozitot Regenten
  15. Novus Annus Adiit
  16. Exulta Filia Syon
  17. Liber Generationis
  18. Gaude Et Letare
  19. Exordium Quadruplate/Nate Dei/Concrepet Infanti/ Verbum Caro
  20. Isten, Teged

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Beautiful Music!.......2006-12-20

The previous reviewer is correct - this isn't new music, so if you already have these albums, do not buy this set.

However, if you don't have these albums (or have never heard of the Anonymous 4), this is a BEAUTIFUL collection of their Christmas music. These women have amazing voices and, on top of that, a wonderful way of bringing to life music that had been thought dead since the Middle Ages. I am particularly fond of their music about St. Nicholas, being deeply interested in medieval hagiography. You simply must add this collection to your personal stash of music!

5 out of 5 stars Compilation of 4 existing CDs.......2006-12-15

This is a great compilation of Anonymous 4 Christmas music - but it is NOT new. It simply boxes 4 existing CDs together. The CDs are Legends of St. Nicholas, Wolcum Yule, On Yoolis Night, and A Star in the East. If you already have those CDs, there is nothing new here.
Legends of St. Nicholas: Medieval Chant & Polyphony
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Classical heaven
  • wonderful
  • Excellent Alternative to 'Good Saint Nick'.
  • dream becomes flesh when i hear them.
  • Anonymous 4 is Synonymous 4 Eloquence and Style
 Legends of St. Nicholas: Medieval Chant & Polyphony
Anonymous 4 , Gregorian Chant , St. Godrich , John Taverner , and Codex Las Huelgas Anonymous
Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
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Similar Items:
  1. Wolcum Yule: Celtic and British Songs and Carols - Anonymous 4 with Andrew Lawrence-King
  2. 1000: A Mass for the End of Time / Anonymous 4
  3. On Yoolis Night: Medieval Carols & Motets - Anonymous 4
  4. La Bele Marie: Songs to the Virgin from 13th-Century France
  5. The Origin of Fire: Music and Visions of Hildegard von Bingen

ASIN: B00001NTHV
Release Date: 1999-09-07

Tracks:

  1. Intonent hodie
  2. Exultemus et letemur
  3. Gaudens in domino
  4. Seint Nicholas was borne in the citee of Patras
  5. Confessor dei nicholaus
  6. Cantu mirro, summa laude
  7. Sainte nicholaes
  8. Whanne the bisshop of the citee of Patras
  9. Nicholai presulis
  10. Cum quidam fluctuantia
  11. Novus presul prodiit
  12. Sainte nicholaes
  13. All the province of Seint Nicholas suffered...
  14. Plaudat letitia
  15. Salve cleri speculum/Salve iubar presulum
  16. Sainte nicholaes
  17. A worschipfull man hadde thre doughtres virgines
  18. Fulget nicolaus
  19. Ex eius tumba / Sospitati dedit egros
  20. Gaudens in domino
  21. And whanne oure Lorde lust to take Seint Nicholas...
  22. Psallat chorus/Eximie pater/[Apatur]
  23. Nicholae presulum
  24. Nicholaus pontifex

Amazon.com

If you're feeling jaded at the prospect of the usual holiday fare, Anonymous 4 has a truly sublime musical treat in store with their latest release. The contemporary world has turned Santa Claus into an icon of consumerist mania, but the historical figure from whom he ultimately derives was a uniquely inspiring religious figure to medieval Europeans. Anonymous 4 has culled together music from the liturgy of the hours and other sources originally produced to celebrate the legends associated with the fourth-century St. Nicholas, who was considered the patron of sailors, unmarried women, Russia, and--ironically--merchants. As with their earlier Christmas celebration, On Yoolis Night, the quartet ethereally blends their seamless, unaccompanied vocals in this collection of chants, hymns, and readings recounting the saint's life and miracles on behalf of those in need. In addition to Latin settings, the program includes one of the oldest known English-language hymns ("Sainte nicholaes," by a contemporary of Hildegard) and a number of verse-refrain pieces thought to inspire dancing in church. Most of the musical material involves simple unilinear trails of chant, which the ensemble spins out with their trademark unanimous purity of tone. Elsewhere, as in the spiraling eddies of "Novus presul prodiit," their suave harmonies glint like a sudden shaft of light through stained glass. And it is all captured in a warm, ambient church acoustic that is balm for modern ears. --Thomas May

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Classical heaven.......2007-01-06

I had never heard about Anonymous 4 until i read a review in the Dallas News.
Excellent! Grab a book, a cup of coffee and this CD and you will be in
heaven. Perfect harmonies, spiritually uplifting.....I even put this on after a stressful day (I am a teacher) and I melt into a blessed slumber.

5 out of 5 stars wonderful.......2005-12-12

a previous reviewer made the comment that this must be what angels sound like. a more true statement has not been made. this is a wonderful cd. the music is amazing. if you're looking for a peaceful sound, this is it. enjoy.

5 out of 5 stars Excellent Alternative to 'Good Saint Nick'........2005-11-10

'Legends of St. Nicholas' and 'A Star in the East' are both collections of medieval Christmas music. Both are based heavily on Latin chants. The first has some old English lyrics and the second is based on both original Hungarian material and material imported into Hungary from Greece and other centers of Eastern Christianity.

If you are considering one or the other, I find the 'Legends of St. Nicholas' to be the more diverse of the two, as it has chant, polyphony, and even some solo voices. The Hungarian selection seems just a bit too much like all the other material done by Anonymous 4.

To be sure, both are done with a typically exceptional high quality voice and recording technique, so you will not go wrong with either recording.

Both are highly recommended!

5 out of 5 stars dream becomes flesh when i hear them........2001-05-02

I often make collections of early music that combine vocal and instrumental peaces that gives the ultimate pleasure for my ears. like time has stoped for a second... i feel like im diving into a world of total beauty when i hear those 4 angels "chanting" if there is heaven then "anonymous 4" are there for the soundtrack my wish is that someone will convis them to make an album with some instruments added like harp and other autenthic tools(hi hi). in short buy this disk its a treasure!!!(and its one of their best ones too.)

5 out of 5 stars Anonymous 4 is Synonymous 4 Eloquence and Style.......2001-01-26

I first sampled music from this CD last year in the "Free download" section here at Amazon. I enjoyed the music so much I purchased the CD.

Anonymous 4 has a very eloquent sound and style. Their sound is like a smooth flat rock skipping along on a placid lake, and it carries you along with it. This music has nice harmonies and a clear fully rounded sound. The CD itself contains 69 minutes of music that you can listen to while reading, studying, or whatever.

The music's story is developed around the legend or story of St. Nicholas. The CD comes with a booklet that describes this legend and gives a brief history of how it developed. All the songs are performed in a type of Medieval chant in the Latin language.

This is a very nice CD, sample the songs above and see for yourself how eloquent Anonymous 4 sounds.
The Inspired Effect
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		The Inspired Effect

    Manufacturer: RCA
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    CantatasCantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    ChorusesChoruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    HymnsHymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    MotetsMotets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    OratoriosOratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
    CDs $7 - $10CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
    All Bargain TitlesAll Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
    Classical MusicClassical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
    Classical Instrumental MusicClassical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
    Opera & VocalOpera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
    ASIN: B00000K2EM
    Release Date: 1999-09-14

    Tracks:

    1. Gloriana: Courtly Dances: March
    2. Sonata For Two Pianos, K.448: Allegro Molto
    3. Messiah: Hallelujah Chorus
    4. Cantata, Bwv 140: Wachet auf
    5. Fa fa mi fa mi re - Ut re mi ut re mi
    6. Concerto For Oboe, Rv 454: Allegro
    7. Ave Maria
    8. Rondo
    9. Cantate Domino
    10. Cantata, Bwv 147: Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
    11. Concerto For Organ, Op. 4 No. 1: Allegro
    12. Hymn: God That Madest Earth And Heaven
    13. Sonata, Bwv 1031: Allegro moderato
    14. In dulci jubilo
    15. Canon
    16. Pater noster
    17. Gloriana: Courtly Dances: March: Finale
    Les tres riches heures du Moyen Age: A Medieval Journey
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Excellent, but What Are the Words?
    • outstanding collection
    • Awesome
    • 7.5 hours of superb music at a most reasonable price.
    		 Les tres riches heures du Moyen Age: A Medieval Journey

    Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    All Works by MachautAll Works by Machaut | Machaut, Guillaume de | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    BalladsBallads | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    Sacred & ReligiousSacred & Religious | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems
    Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems
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    GeneralGeneral | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    MassesMasses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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    NoelsNoels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    PartsongsPartsongs | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Renaissance (c.1450-1600)Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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    1. Perotin / The Hilliard Ensemble
    2. Ambrosian Chant

    ASIN: B00000074R
    Release Date: 1995-11-21

    Tracks:

    1. 1. By Way Of A Preamble: Byzantine Chant: Alleluia - Tropaire de la venue de l'epoux (Lundi Saint) - MEDIEVAL JOURNEY
    2. 1. By Way Of A Preamble: Byzantine Chant: Exapostilarion de l'Office de Mardi Saint: Version arabe - MEDIEVAL JOURNEY
    3. 1. By Way Of A Preamble: Byzantine Chant: Exapostilarion de l'Office de Mardi Saint: Version grecque - MEDIEVAL JOURNEY
    4. 1. By Way Of A Preamble: Byzantine Chant: Exapostilarion de l'Office de Mardi Saint - Version arabe - MEDIEVAL JOURNEY
    5. 1. By Way Of A Preamble: Chants sacres Melchites (IV siecle): Hymne a la Vierge (Liturgie grecque de saint Jean Chrysostome) - MEDIEVAL JOURNEY
    6. 1. By Way Of A Preamble: Chants sacres Melchites (IV siecle): Office de la Nativite de la Mere de Dieu (Grand Canon de saint Jean Damascene) - MEDIEVAL JOURNEY
    7. 2. Monody Before Gregorian Chant: Chants de l'Eglise de Milanaise: Psaume: 'Tecum principium in die virtutis tue'' - MEDIEVAL JOURNEY
    8. 2. Monody Before Gregorian Chant: Chants de l'Eglise de Milanaise: Responsorium: 'Congratulamini mihi omnes qui diligitis Dominum'' - MEDIEVAL JOURNEY
    9. 2. Monody Before Gregorian Chant: Le Chant Beneventain: Communio: 'Qui manducaverit' - MEDIEVAL JOURNEY
    10. 2. Monody Before Gregorian Chant: Les Chants de l'Eglise de Rome (VII-VIII siecles): Introit 'Resurrexi' - MEDIEVAL JOURNEY
    11. 2. Monody Before Gregorian Chant: Les Chants de l'Eglise de Rome (VII-VIII siecles): Office de l'Adoration de la Croix; Improperes: 'Agios o Theos, Sanctus Deus' - MEDIEVAL JOURNEY
    12. 2. Monody Before Gregorian Chant: Le Chant Mozarabe: Cathedrale de Tolded: Sacrificium 'Vox clamantis' - MEDIEVAL JOURNEY

    Tracks:

    1. 1. Gallican Chant: Versus de l'eveque Theodulfe d'Orleans: 'Gloria laus' - Deller Consort
    2. 1. Gallican Chant: Semaine Sainte: repons du 7 mode: 'Tenebrae factae sunt' - Deller Consort
    3. 2. An Immense Corpus: Missa da Requiem Gregorienne: Introit: 'Requiem aeternam' - Deller Consort
    4. 2. An Immense Corpus: Missa da Requiem Gregorienne: Kyrie eleison - Deller Consort
    5. 2. An Immense Corpus: Missa da Requiem Gregorienne: Graduel 'Requiem aeternam' - Deller Consort
    6. 2. An Immense Corpus: Missa da Requiem Gregorienne: Trait: 'Absolve, Domine' - Deller Consort
    7. 2. An Immense Corpus: Missa da Requiem Gregorienne: Sequence: 'Dies irae' - Deller Consort
    8. 2. An Immense Corpus: Missa da Requiem Gregorienne: Offertoire: 'Domine Jesu Christe' - Deller Consort
    9. 2. An Immense Corpus: Missa da Requiem Gregorienne: Sanctus - Deller Consort
    10. 2. An Immense Corpus: Missa da Requiem Gregorienne: Agnus Dei - Deller Consort
    11. 2. An Immense Corpus: Missa da Requiem Gregorienne: Communion: 'Lux aeterna' - Deller Consort
    12. 2. An Immense Corpus: Missa da Requiem Gregorienne: Repons: 'Libera me' - Deller Consort
    13. 2. An Immense Corpus: Missa da Requiem Gregorienne: Antienne: 'In paradisum' - Deller Consort
    14. 2. An Immense Corpus: Planctus Hugonis Abbatis: 'Hug dulce nomen' pour la mort d'Hugues, fils de Charlemagne, en 844 - Deller Consort
    15. 3. The Aquitaine Tradition, Or The Problem Of Notation: Antiphona ad processionem: 'O beata infantia' - Schola Hungarica
    16. 3. The Aquitaine Tradition, Or The Problem Of Notation: Introitus cum tropis: 'Quam queritis in praesepe - Puer natus est' - Schola Hungarica
    17. 3. The Aquitaine Tradition, Or The Problem Of Notation: Alleluja 'Dies sanctificatus' - Schola Hungarica
    18. 3. The Aquitaine Tradition, Or The Problem Of Notation: Communio cum tropis: 'Desinat esse dolor - Viderunt Omnes' - Schola Hungarica
    19. 3. The Aquitaine Tradition, Or The Problem Of Notation: Alleluia cum tropis in octava - Schola Hungarica
    20. 3. The Aquitaine Tradition, Or The Problem Of Notation: Cantio ad laudem cantoris: 'Annus novus in gaudio' - Schola Hungarica
    21. 4. The Cistercian Exception: Repons de Matines pour la fete de Saint Bernard: Virtute multa - Ensemble Organum
    22. 4. The Cistercian Exception: Repons de Matines pour la fete de Saint Bernard: In timore Dei - Ensemble Organum
    23. 4. The Cistercian Exception: Repons de Matines pour la fete de Saint Bernard: 'Testamentum eternum' - Ensemble Organum
    24. 4. The Cistercian Exception: Repons de Matines pour la fete de Saint Bernard: 'Dedit Dominus confessionem sancto suo' - Ensemble Organum

    Tracks:

    1. The Art Of The Troubadours: A l'entrada del temps clar - MEDIEVAL JOURNEY
    2. The Art Of The Troubadours: Vida - MEDIEVAL JOURNEY
    3. The Art Of The Troubadours: Quand vei la laudeta mover - MEDIEVAL JOURNEY
    4. The Art Of The Troubadours: Vida - MEDIEVAL JOURNEY
    5. The Art Of The Troubadours: Sitot me soi - MEDIEVAL JOURNEY
    6. Cantigas de Santa Maria: Cantiga 77 (Flute a bec et percussion) - MEDIEVAL JOURNEY
    7. Cantigas de Santa Maria: Prologue: 'Porque Trobar' - MEDIEVAL JOURNEY
    8. Cantigas de Santa Maria: Cantiga 37 (Flute de berger et zarb) - MEDIEVAL JOURNEY
    9. Cantigas de Santa Maria: Cantiga 7: 'Santa Maria leva' - MEDIEVAL JOURNEY
    10. Cantigas de Santa Maria: Cantiga 100: 'Santa Maria, strela do dia' - MEDIEVAL JOURNEY
    11. Carmina Burana (XIII siecle): 'Bacche, bene venies' (CB 200) - MEDIEVAL JOURNEY
    12. Carmina Burana (XIII siecle): 'In taberna quando sumus' (CB 196) - MEDIEVAL JOURNEY
    13. Carmina Burana (XIII siecle): 'Axe Phebus aureo' (CB 71) - MEDIEVAL JOURNEY
    14. Carmina Burana (XIII siecle): 'Deduc Syon, uberrimas' (CB 34) - MEDIEVAL JOURNEY
    15. Carmina Burana (XIII siecle): 'Flete flenda' (CB 5) - MEDIEVAL JOURNEY
    16. Les Minnesanger: 'Sinc an, guldin huon!' - MEDIEVAL JOURNEY
    17. Les Minnesanger: Ich lobe ein wip (Instr.) - MEDIEVAL JOURNEY
    18. Les Minnesanger: 'Owe dirre not' - MEDIEVAL JOURNEY
    19. Les Minnesanger: Wol auff, gesell (Instr.) - MEDIEVAL JOURNEY

    Tracks:

    1. 1. 12th Century Polyphony In Aquitaine: 'Domine labia mea aperies' - 'Deus in adjutorium meum' (Choeur) - Ensemble Organum
    2. 1. 12th Century Polyphony In Aquitaine: Versus: 'O primus homo coruit' (a 2 voix) - Ensemble Organum
    3. 1. 12th Century Polyphony In Aquitaine: Versus: 'Veri solis radium' (a 2 voix) - Ensemble Organum
    4. 2. The Notre-Dame School: Messe du Jour de noel (XIII siecle) - Excerpts: Introit trope: 'Puer natus est' - Ensemble Organum
    5. 2. The Notre-Dame School: Messe du Jour de noel (XIII siecle) - Excerpts: Kyrie - Ensemble Organum
    6. 2. The Notre-Dame School: Messe du Jour de noel (XIII siecle) - Excerpts: Graduel: 'Viderunt omnes' - Ensemble Organum
    7. 2. The Notre-Dame School: Messe du Jour de noel (XIII siecle) - Excerpts: Sanctus (organum) - Ensemble Organum
    8. 2. The Notre-Dame School: Messe du Jour de noel (XIII siecle) - Excerpts: Agnus Dei - Ensemble Organum
    9. 2. The Notre-Dame School: Messe du Jour de noel (XIII siecle) - Excerpts: Ite missa est - Deo Gratias - Ensemble Organum
    10. 3. The Gradual Of Eleanor Of Brittany - A Particular Practice Of Polyphony: Kyrie 'Orbis factor' - Ensemble Organum
    11. 3. The Gradual Of Eleanor Of Brittany - A Particular Practice Of Polyphony: Credo in unum Deum - Ensemble Organum
    12. 3. The Gradual Of Eleanor Of Brittany - A Particular Practice Of Polyphony: Sequence: 'Res est admirabilis' - Ensemble Organum
    13. 4. The Motets From The Montpellier Codex, Jewels Of The Ars Antiqua: Plus bele que flor - Quant revient - L'autrier joer - Flos Filius - Anonymous 4
    14. 4. The Motets From The Montpellier Codex, Jewels Of The Ars Antiqua: Puisque bele dame m'eime - Flos Filius - Anonymous 4
    15. 4. The Motets From The Montpellier Codex, Jewels Of The Ars Antiqua: Celui en qui - La bele estoile - La bele, en qui - Iohanne - Anonymous 4
    16. 4. The Motets From The Montpellier Codex, Jewels Of The Ars Antiqua: Amor potest - Ad amorem sequitur - Anonymous 4
    17. 4. The Motets From The Montpellier Codex, Jewels Of The Ars Antiqua: S'on me regarde - Prennes i garde - He, mi enfant - Anonymous 4
    18. 4. The Motets From The Montpellier Codex, Jewels Of The Ars Antiqua: Qui d'amour se plaint - Lux Magna - Anonymous 4
    19. 4. The Motets From The Montpellier Codex, Jewels Of The Ars Antiqua: On doit fin(e) Amor - La biaute - In Seculum - Anonymous 4
    20. 5. An English Ladymass In Salisbury Cathedral (13th Century): Kyrie: 'Kyria christifera' - Anonymous 4
    21. 5. An English Ladymass In Salisbury Cathedral (13th Century): Gloria - Anonymous 4
    22. 5. An English Ladymass In Salisbury Cathedral (13th Century): Sanctus - Benedictus - Anonymous 4
    23. 5. An English Ladymass In Salisbury Cathedral (13th Century): Agnus Dei: 'Virtute numinis' - Anonymous 4

    Tracks:

    1. 1. Le Roman de Fauvel (1310-1316): In mari miserie - Clemencic Consort
    2. 1. Le Roman de Fauvel (1310-1316): Vers 149 a 168 - Clemencic Consort
    3. 1. Le Roman de Fauvel (1310-1316): Ad solitum vomitum - Clemencic Consort
    4. 1. Le Roman de Fauvel (1310-1316): Porchier miex estre. Vers 250 a 280 - Clemencic Consort
    5. 1. Le Roman de Fauvel (1310-1316): J'ai fait nouveletement - Clemencic Consort
    6. 1. Le Roman de Fauvel (1310-1316): Quoniam secta latronum - Clemencic Consort
    7. 1. Le Roman de Fauvel (1310-1316): Vers 5905-5926 - Mario, virgo viginum - Clemencic Consort
    8. 1. Le Roman de Fauvel (1310-1316): Vers 6023-6050 - Clemencic Consort
    9. 1. Le Roman de Fauvel (1310-1316): Quare fremuerunt - Clemencic Consort
    10. 2. La Messe de Tournai (c.1330-40) - Excerpts: Kyrie - Ensemble Organum
    11. 2. La Messe de Tournai (c.1330-40) - Excerpts: Gloria in excelsis Deo - Ensemble Organum
    12. 2. La Messe de Tournai (c.1330-40) - Excerpts: Sanctus - Ensemble Organum
    13. 2. La Messe de Tournai (c.1330-40) - Excerpts: Agnus Dei - Ensemble Organum
    14. 3. The Chansons Of The French And Italian Ars Nova: 'De toutes flours' - Ensemble Organum
    15. 3. The Chansons Of The French And Italian Ars Nova: 'Honte, paour, doubtance' - Ensemble Organum
    16. 3. The Chansons Of The French And Italian Ars Nova: 'Honte, paour, doubtance', version instrumentale - Ensemble Organum
    17. 3. The Chansons Of The French And Italian Ars Nova: 'Che pena e quest'al cor' - Ensemble Organum
    18. 3. The Chansons Of The French And Italian Ars Nova: 'Imperiale sendendo fra pi stelle' - Ensemble Organum
    19. 3. The Chansons Of The French And Italian Ars Nova: Rondeau-canon 'Tout par compas' - Ensemble Organum
    20. 3. The Chansons Of The French And Italian Ars Nova: Rondeau 'Belle, bonne, sage' - Ensemble Organum
    21. 3. The Chansons Of The French And Italian Ars Nova: Rondeau 'Fumeux fume par fumee' - Ensemble Organum
    22. 3. The Chansons Of The French And Italian Ars Nova: Ballade 'On voit tout' - Ensemble Organum
    23. Sacred Music In 14th Century England: 'Campanis cum cymbalis - Honoremus Dominam' - The Hilliard Ensemble
    24. Sacred Music In 14th Century England: 'Mater ora filium' - The Hilliard Ensemble
    25. Sacred Music In 14th Century England: 'Edi be thu' - The Hilliard Ensemble
    26. Sacred Music In 14th Century England: 'Gabriel From Heven-King' - The Hilliard Ensemble
    27. Sacred Music In 14th Century England: 'Gaude virgo Mater Christi' - The Hilliard Ensemble

    Tracks:

    1. Johannes Ciconia (c. 1335-1414): 'Ligiadra donna' pour vielles - The Newberry Consort
    2. 1. 15th Century English Music: Les Carols: Alleluya: 'A Nywe werke' - Anonymous 4
    3. 1. 15th Century English Music: Les Carols: 'Ecce quod natura' - Anonymous 4
    4. 1. 15th Century English Music: Les Carols: Nowel: 'Owt Of Your Slepe Aryse' - Anonymous 4
    5. 1. 15th Century English Music: Les Carols: 'Anna Mater Matris Christi' - The Hilliard Ensemble
    6. 1. 15th Century English Music: Les Carols: 'Tota pulcra es, amica mea' - The Hilliard Ensemble
    7. 1. 15th Century English Music: 15th Century Marial Polyphony: Conduit 'O Maria stella maris' - Anonymous 4
    8. 1. 15th Century English Music: 15th Century Marial Polyphony: Sequence 'Salve virgo singularis' - Anonymous 4
    9. 1. 15th Century English Music: 15th Century Marial Polyphony: Motet 'Veni mater gracie - Dou Way, Robin' - Anonymous 4
    10. 2. The Emergence Of Specifically Instrumental Music: Musicue instrumentale a la Cour d'Espagne: 'Propinan de Melyor' - The Newberry Consort
    11. 2. The Emergence Of Specifically Instrumental Music: Musicue instrumentale a la Cour d'Espagne: --sans titre - The Newberry Consort
    12. 2. The Emergence Of Specifically Instrumental Music: Musicue instrumentale a la Cour d'Espagne: 'La Spagna' - The Newberry Consort
    13. 2. The Emergence Of Specifically Instrumental Music: Musicue instrumentale a la Cour d'Espagne: 'La Spagna' - The Newberry Consort
    14. 3. Johannes Ockeghem (c. 1420-1497) - Requiem - Excerpts: Introit. 'Requiem eternam dona eis Domine' - Ensemble Organum
    15. 3. Johannes Ockeghem (c. 1420-1497) - Requiem - Excerpts: Kyrie - Ensemble Organum
    16. 3. Johannes Ockeghem (c. 1420-1497) - Requiem - Excerpts: Tractus: 'Sicut servus desideral ad fontes aquarum' - Ensemble Organum
    17. 3. Johannes Ockeghem (c. 1420-1497) - Requiem - Excerpts: Sanctus - Ensemble Organum
    18. Lute Music: Ricercar 'L'autre jour' - Paul O'Dette
    19. Lute Music: 'Nous bergiers' - Paul O'Dette
    20. Lute Music: Ricercar No. 33 - Paul O'Dette
    21. Lute Music: 'Il est bel et bon' - Paul O'Dette

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars Excellent, but What Are the Words?.......2006-07-04

    This is a wonderful collection of music spanning many centuries, some of which you are unlikely to encounter anywhere else. The performances are beautiful, too. The one drawback is that the liner notes contain very few song text translations, a big problem for a large CD set with music that is primarily vocal.

    5 out of 5 stars outstanding collection.......2002-09-27

    I have quite a number of CDs with Medieval Age polyphony, byzantine chant and renaissance music, but this collection goes beyond what could usually be expected from such boxsets. I'd highly recommend it to all.

    5 out of 5 stars Awesome.......2001-09-20

    This is the best collection of medieval music I have ever heard. The performances are top-notch, and all of the songs are well done. I highly reccomend this collection not only for fans of medieval music, but for any music lover.

    5 out of 5 stars 7.5 hours of superb music at a most reasonable price........1999-12-24

    There isn't a clunker in this set. All the performers are top drawer and the recordings are good. The notes are a little brief and a bit scholarly, but can be ignored easily.

    You will get an idea of the different kinds of medieval music as well as the top groups and soloists working currently in the field.

    When I got this set, my mother and I listened to all 7+ hours straight through. We then started buying CDs from the different performers we had to hear more from.

    At twice the price, this would still be an excellent addition to any classical or medieval music collection, as well as the best introduction to medieval music around.
    The Saracen and the Dove: Music from the Courts of Padua and Pavia
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • The best!
    • Medieval bel canto
    		 The Saracen and the Dove: Music from the Courts of Padua and Pavia

    Manufacturer: Polygram Records
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    Orlando ConsortOrlando Consort | ( O ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    MadrigalsMadrigals | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    MotetsMotets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    PartsongsPartsongs | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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    1. De Vitry & Ars Nova: 14th Cent Motets
    2. The Island of St. Hylarion: Music of Cyprus, 1413-1422
    3. John Dunstaple: Musician to the Plantagenets /Orlando Consort
    4. Antoine Busnois: Missa O Crux lignum; Motets; Chansons
    5. Remede de Fortune

    ASIN: B00000JLFO
    Release Date: 1999-07-20

    Tracks:

    1. Doctorum principem
    2. Per quella strada lactea
    3. Imperial sedendo
    4. O felix templum jubila
    5. O Maria, virgo davitica
    6. O Padua, sidus preclarum
    7. La douce cere
    8. Con largreme bagnandome
    9. Gloria: Spiritus et alme
    10. Una panthera
    11. Del glorioso titolo
    12. Un fior gentil
    13. Sus une fontayne
    14. Le ray au soleyl
    15. Sumite, karissimi
    16. Dime, Fortuna
    17. Gloria: Ad ogni vento

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars The best!.......2006-04-20

    Briefly, this is the best recording of Ars Subtilior music ever made--the finest control of tuning and rhythmic complexities, the most insightful interpretation, the most lucid program notes, and the clearest audio. Don't hesitate! Buy it!

    4 out of 5 stars Medieval bel canto.......2005-03-14

    The secular and religious works on this cd are composed by some of the great italian composers from about 1400 in the courts of Padua and Pavia.
    The music makes use of many complex techniques like canons, and yet it is melodic and beautiful, like italian music in later centuries used to be.
    It is a delight to listen to The Orlando Consort presenting these works.

    Music Review:

    1. Complete Crumb Edition 9; Ancient Voices of Children, Madrigals Books I-IV, Eine Kleine Mitternachtmusik
    2. Complete Crumb Edition, Vol. 8; Makrokosmos Books I & II, Otherwordly Resonances
    3. Donizetti: Lucia di Lammermoor / Callas, di Stefano, Pnaerai, Zaccaria; Karajan
    4. Dvorák: Symphonies Nos. 8 & 9
    5. George Antheil, Bad Boy of Music
    6. George Antheil: The Complete Works for String Quartet
    7. Girl with Orange Lips
    8. Gustav Mahler: Symphony No. 4
    9. Hahn/Massenet: Piano Concertos
    10. Handel - Chandos Anthems (Complete) / Dawson · Kwella · Bowman · Partridge · M. George · The Sixteen · Christophers

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