Remede de Fortune

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Machaut was not only a composer of liturgical music, but also was equally famous for his secular works. Among these secular pieces is "Remede de Fortune" (Remedy of Fortune)-which became one of the most popular love poems in medieval Europe, securing Machaut's position as the premiere poet musician of 14th century France. The very lengthy work-- 4300 lines, selections of which are performed here--describes a deeply emotional outpouring of feelings of romantic love-of pain, desire, devotion, beauty, hope, and longing--which the speaker/writer never can reveal to the subject of his love. The poetic language is extraordinarily beautiful, and the melodies perfectly reflect the varying moods and lyricism of the words. Ensemble P.A.N. performs these widely varied songs with such skill and feeling that we don't even have to know French to understand the meaning of the texts. --David Vernier

Tracks:

Biaute paree de valour
LAI: Qui n'aroit autre deport
Liement me deport
COMPLAINTE: Tels rit
CHANT ROYAL: Joie, plaisance
BALADELLE: En amer a douce vie
Toute Flour
BALLADE: Dame, de qui toute
Dande ballade (arr. Kammen/Mealy)
CHANSON BALLAD E: Dame a vous
RONDELET: Dame mon cuer en vous remaint
Rondeau: Rose Liz

Amazon.com

Machaut was not only a composer of liturgical music, but also was equally famous for his secular works. Among these secular pieces is "Remede de Fortune" (Remedy of Fortune)-which became one of the most popular love poems in medieval Europe, securing Machaut's position as the premiere poet musician of 14th century France. The very lengthy work-- 4300 lines, selections of which are performed here--describes a deeply emotional outpouring of feelings of romantic love-of pain, desire, devotion, beauty, hope, and longing--which the speaker/writer never can reveal to the subject of his love. The poetic language is extraordinarily beautiful, and the melodies perfectly reflect the varying moods and lyricism of the words. Ensemble P.A.N. performs these widely varied songs with such skill and feeling that we don't even have to know French to understand the meaning of the texts. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

Music for the Ages.......2007-07-20

As a couple of the other reviews already stated, this music comes from one larger poetic work, is secular in style, and shows a great variety in the use of different forms (i.e., Rondeau, Ballade, etc.). It is a highlight among many in the Machaut canon, and demonstrates a great deal of this brilliant Medieval composer's creative range. The fact that he was as much a gifted poet as musician is really amazing, and there are many works by him on other CD's that demonstrate his musical/lyrical talents as well. I've heard that he was also a keen illustrator in his day. There's so much more I could say about this amazing figure, but I will keep things brief for the sake of providing a concise review here. Suffice to say, he is for me, the first major composer after Hildegard von Bingham to create works of such power that one could mention him in the same breath as Josquin, Byrd, Monteverdi, and all the later greats.

The thing I really most want to say about this particular recording, is that the best tracks on it (esp. the Danse Ballade which segue's into the sublime "Dame a vous"), sound as fresh and interesting-and SOULFUL-today as they must have back in the 1300's. Even a listener who might not otherwise have a taste for music of this era, will find in these works (and the wonderful performances that bring them so beautifully to life), a new appreciation for what a truly brilliant and inspired musical mind such as Machaut's could do with those archaic modes and angular rhythms and harmonies-all the way back in the 14th century!

A couple of cuts are particularly long and slow, but very moving if listened to with patience, and of course there are a number of tracks that are immediately accessible, and will charm and seduce the ear from the very first note with their easy grace, and incredibly striking themes. If you've never before bought a CD that features music from before the time of William Byrd and Palestrina, then (for my money) this be the best place to start.

Enduring Poetry.......1999-10-02

The first time I heard Remede de fortune, I had no idea what it was. I'm so glad I took the time to listen. The title means Remedy of Fortune and the songs tell the story of a bard in love with a beautiful woman of high standing. It's ages old, but the poetry still applies today, as it concerns love, longing, hope, and finally the realization of a dream of passion. It's written in French, but comes with English translation. The medieval music is every bit as enchanting as the lyrics. I especially enjoy the music on account of its stylistic variety: ballad, chant, instrumental, female and male vocals. Haunting, plaintive, and celebratory, the artist's musical and lyrical subjects and styles change at the will of his mood. He believes that one must compose under the dictates of present emotion to be true to oneself and one's art. Definitely a worthwhile buy which incorporates history, great literature, enduring themes, and captivating music.

Guillaume de Machaut: Le Vray Remede d'amour

Average customer rating:

Guillaume de Machaut: Le Vray Remede d'amour

Manufacturer: Cantus
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballads | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Rondos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Virelais | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00008A8H3
Release Date: 2005-07-12

Guillaume de Machaut: Je, Guillaumes dessu nommez (Box Set)

Average customer rating:

Outstanding. Deserves the highest accolades.

Guillaume de Machaut: Je, Guillaumes dessu nommez (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Cantus
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballads | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Rondos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Chants | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Virelais | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00009L1TV
Release Date: 2003-05-27

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding. Deserves the highest accolades........2005-04-18

This box set is an ouststanding achievement, and Cantus Records deserves the highest praise of the community which loves Medieval-Renaissance-Baroque music for putting it together. The album contains in separated cases three of Machaut's works---Messe de Nostre Dame, Le Jugement du Roi de Navarre and Le vray remedie d'amour---performed by the Ensemble Gilles Binchois under the direction of Dominique Vellard. Each CD comes with an extensive booklet in four languages giving an explanation of the music as well as of the performance. Each of the three CDs is in its own jewel case which, with its booklet, is in its own sleeve, all of which are then in a large sleeve. The performances are superb and are performed by outstanding artists such as Ann-Marie Lablaude, Brigitte Lesne, Andreas Scholl, Gerd Turk and Dominique Vellard. I regret that the Amazon site for this album does not give greater detail. I am not a musician, I only love music, and I know that these works are performed to perfection. I urge all those who love M-R-B to purchase this set without delay, and while you are at it, buy sets for your friends as well.

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