Medieval & Renaissance Music

1. Quen a Virgin ben servira
Composed by Cantigas de Santa Maria Anonymous
with Maya Kalenda

2. De moi doleros vos chant
Composed by Gillebert de Berneville
with Maya Kalenda

3. El Rey de Francia
Composed by Traditional
with Maya Kalenda

4. La Rotta
Composed by Anonymous
with Maya Kalenda

5. Rodrigo Martínez (El Cancionero de Palacio)
Composed by Anonymous
with Maya Kalenda

6. Como Poden Per Sas Culpas
Composed by Anonymous
with Maya Kalenda

7. Mayenzeit (attributed)
Composed by Neidhart von Reuental
with Maya Kalenda

8. Riu, riu, chiu (Spanish)
Composed by Christmas Traditional
with Maya Kalenda

9. Lavava i suspirava
Composed by Anonymous
with Maya Kalenda

10. Christ ist Erstanden
Composed by Hans Judenkunig
with Maya Kalenda

11. Como O Nome Da Virgen
Composed by Cantigas de Santa Maria Anonymous
with Maya Kalenda

12. Saltarello
Composed by Italian Anonymous
with Maya Kalenda

13. Yo me soy la morenica
Composed by Anonymous
with Maya Kalenda

14. Mariam Matrem Virginem
Composed by Llibre Vermell de Montserrat Anonymous
with Maya Kalenda

15. Maravillosos et Piadosos
Composed by Cantigas de Santa Maria Anonymous
with Maya Kalenda

Tracks:

O vis aeternitatis - Sequentia
Nunc aperuit nobis
Quia ergo femina mortem instruxit
Cum processit factura digiti Dei
Alma Redemptoris Mater
Ave Maria, O auctrix vite
Spiritus Sanctus vivificans vite
O ignis spiritus Paracliti
Caritas habundat in omnia
O virgia mediatrix
O virdissima virga, Ave
Instrumental
O Pastor Animarum
O tu suavissima virga
O choruscans stellarum
O nobilissima viriditas

Amazon.com

Although Hildegard von Bingen's music has been around for 900 years--and recordings of her music for decades--it seems that only now, as we approach the turn of another millennium, the time is right for the world to pay attention. In this first-rate traversal of her music--the most popular of several volumes released by the early-music ensemble Sequentia--we hear music that resulted from Hildegard's legendary visions, which often included song texts that she subsequently collected and dispensed to her religious community of women. As rendered here by the voices and instruments of Sequentia, her music invokes an unobscured sense of mystery, conforming to Hildegard's belief that music was our bridge to the harmonies of the heavens. Whether or not we're experiencing that "heavenly harmony" here, the simple, direct, beautifully turned melodies, sung by pure, finely tuned, warm-colored women's voices, often eerily accompanied by an instrumental drone, is heavenly enough. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

Simply awe inspiring and amazing.......2007-05-20

One would have to listen to this music to understand the power it will hold over you. Ethereal and almost eery, yet full of power, grace and triumph, this will be a mainstay in your collection. The only thing resembling it that the mass public would be aware of is Gregorian Chant, although this is it's own beast and so much more. It's not expensive, buy it and see for yourself.

Ecstatic Music, Ecstatically Performed........2007-05-13

I had first heard this performance of St. Hildegard of Bingen's "Canticles of Ecstasy" on sound cassette and loved it.

The music is sublime. The female voices are heavenly, without a hint of sentimentality.

When you listen to "Canticles of Ecstasy" you will know how this medieval nun and composer felt about things.

Caution. They could make a believer of you.

canticles of Ecstay.......2007-03-23

This is a very good CD I highly recomend it if you love chant. I am glad to have it in my collection.

Hildegard von Bingen: Canticles of Ecstacy.......2006-07-25

This CD will transport you to another space and truly put you in touch with the sublime! If you are a massage therapist,I recommend it for use during your sessions. Anyone can use it as part of his or her meditative spiritual practice regardless of your particular faith.

Devine Music For Tranquil Hearts.......2006-02-23

I have searched through many composers, performers and albums... in search of this one sound. It only existed in my heart and mind until Hildegard von Bingen's work was recorded by this talented group. This music makes you feel like you are floating on your back - in the ocean - staring at the moon.

Average customer rating:

Great!!!
good music
BEST CD I'VE BOUGHT THIS YEAR
Incredible rendition of American sacred songs, by a singer of such music
Glorious

Gloryland
Anonymous 4 , Darol Anger , and Mike Marshall
Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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American Angels
Wolcum Yule: Celtic and British Songs and Carols - Anonymous 4 with Andrew Lawrence-King
A Portrait Of Anonymous 4
The Origin of Fire: Music and Visions of Hildegard von Bingen
1000: A Mass for the End of Time / Anonymous 4

ASIN: B000FWHVGE
Release Date: 2006-09-12

Tracks:

I'm On My Journey HOme
An Address For All (Instrumental)/Like Noah's Weary Dove
Wayfaring Stranger
Wayfaring Stranger (Instrumental)
Where We'll Never Grow Old
Ecstacy
The Wagoner's Lad
Mercy-Seat
Return Again
The Lost Girl
Palmetto
Pleading Saviour
Merrick
The Shining Shore
Saint's Delight
Just Over In The Gloryland
You Fair And Pretty Ladies
Parting Friends/Wayfaring Stranger (Instrumental)
Green Pastures

Amazon.com

Having left medieval chant and somewhat later polyphony behind and moved, musically, across the Atlantic with their last CD (American Angels), the women of Anonymous 4 are still exploring. For their move up a few centuries, their impeccable tonal purity remains, but a decidedly American twang has been added to some of the folksier, Southern mountain-based tunes and revival songs. It's as accurate and enchanting as everything else they do. Their sense of history, the when and where of the music they perform, manages to avoid academic stuffiness: this music communicates. Hymns, ballads, and revival songs make up Gloryland, and the 4 have added superb instrumentalists--Darol Anger and Mike Marshall on fiddles, mandolins, and guitars--to the mix on about half the selections. Some of the songs are begun in simple solfege* (fa, sol, la, mi, etc.) and then are sung with the actual text. Some are presented as duets or solos, and "I'm on My Journey Home" is sung by all four women; some are simple, others delightfully rich harmonically. Irresistible. --Robert Levine

* Often called "shape-note" singing because the tones were frequently notated in differently shaped symbols for teaching purposes (fa = triangle, sol = circle, etc.).

Customer Reviews:

Great!!!.......2007-03-26

Amazing is the word for this record more than Gloryland. I have been touched by the lyrics and the voices. Coming from a different cultural background allows to understand very well the root information valid for everyone in the songs, hymns, etc they have selected for this record.
I will wait for the next record!

good music.......2007-03-12

This kind of music is so cool, I could listen to it all the time.
I love it.

BEST CD I'VE BOUGHT THIS YEAR.......2007-03-08

THIS HAS TO BE THE BEST CD I'VE HEARD THIS YEAR.WOULD BE VERY HAPPY TO PURCHASE MORE OF THEIR CD'S.HOPE TO HEAR THEM IN CONCERT HERE IN LOUISANA SOON. BEST WISH'S JOHN

Incredible rendition of American sacred songs, by a singer of such music.......2007-02-15

I've been a fan of Anonymous 4 for years, and have seen them in concert. I also sing many of the songs included on the CD on a regular basis, for they come from a nineteenth century American, a cappella shaped-note songbook titled The Sacred Harp. Anonymous 4's haunting renditions turn these gritty, sometimes harsh harmonies into ethereal beauties, while taking away none of the intense essence that is Sacred Harp. A southern singer once said to me that Sacred Harp is "heavy metal music for country folk." Well, Anonymous 4 have taken that "heavy metal" and refined it into purest silver tones--silver tones that coat the common-metal core so important to this music, for it was and is music of the common people. If you enjoy shape-note music, early American music, Anonymous 4, or simply crave something different, I highly recommend this CD to you.

Glorious.......2007-02-06

This is an amazing recording. I love it. Gotta say that it trransports me....without ever being cloying.

Average customer rating:

This is truly bad stuff! Zero rating...if they would let me.
Mediaeval Baebes - Gorgeous, sensual sound!
Beauty is in the ear of the belistener
Deep, wild and wonderfully wyrd!
Temptasyon!

Mirabilis
Mediaeval Baebes
Manufacturer: Nettwerk Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Rose
Mistletoe and Wine: A Seasonal Collection
Undrentide
Worldes Blysse
Salva Nos (Save Us)

ASIN: B0009VBU5Y
Release Date: 2005-07-19

Tracks:

Star Of The Sea
Trovommi Amor
Temptasyon
San'c Fuy Belha Ni Prezada
All For Love Of One
The Lament
Musa Venit Carmine
Kilmeny
Lhiannan Shee
Umlahi
Cittern Segue
Return Of The Birds
Tam Lin
Scarborough Fayre
Come My Sweet
Mark Hur Var Skugga
The Worlds Fareth As A Fantasye
Away

Amazon.com

On Mirabilis, the Mediaeval Baebes drill even deeper (and wider) into their chorale sound, making music with ancient roots and timeless designs. An octet of Englishwomen with a penchant for dressing up in flouncy gothic gowns just this side of Victoria's Secret, they've released several albums mining medieval hymns and plainsong. They're still at it here, matching obscure Latin, Gaelic, and old English texts (along with the odd Robert Burns poem) to music that is often newly composed but sounds as if it came out of a Dark Ages court or monastery. But without ever playing instruments more modern than the violin, they bring a modern arranger's head to tunes that float on percussion, recorder, concertina, cittern, hurdy-gurdy, and strings. Under the musical direction of founder Katherine Blake, the harmonies are richer and more complex than on previous Baebes discs. Emily Ovenden's "Temptasyon" flies with soaring three-part harmony and lush accompaniment of strings, both modern and ancient. The Baebes get a little arty on a horror-house reading of "Tam Lin," and they perhaps had to cover "Scarborough Fayre" at some point. But they more than make up for it with the serene "Star of the Sea." This is one time you won't mind having someone get Mediaeval on you. --John Diliberto

Customer Reviews:

This is truly bad stuff! Zero rating...if they would let me........2007-07-16

I cannot believe how this "ensemble" has managed to pull the wool over so many. This stuff is truly awful. In addition to the poor singing, the voices have been synthesized and pasteurized through an electronic equilizer -- just as well, it probably actually IMPROVED their gawd awful lack of vocal talent.

I must give credit though to the mastermind behind the marketing in managing to sell this garbage to the masses -- pretty cover pictures of pretty girls...a clever name...a nonsense hybrid of new age garbage with medieval music.

It really is amazing how a photo of pretty women and the word "baebes" can fool so many into buying this stuff.

Mediaeval Baebes - Gorgeous, sensual sound! .......2007-01-03

I first heard this album last year when my cousin asked for it for Christmas. I hadn't heard of them before, and was immediately hooked.
Their style of overlapping sounds & phrasing was so captivating that I went on to purchase more of their albums, although this one is still my
favorite.

I've given several copies as gifts to other people, and everyone that I've introduced to their music has enjoyed it and found something new to comment on.

A must for your CD collection!

Beauty is in the ear of the belistener.......2006-12-06

I hate to step away from the crowd, but I liked the older stuff better. There's no fanatic like a new convert and I'm a new fanatic of the Baebes. I'd actually rate this one 3 1/2 stars because it's worth purchasing if your a fan like me, but to be honest I prefer the feel (if not the purity) of the earlier albums. I guess it's just a matter of taste.

Deep, wild and wonderfully wyrd!.......2006-10-01

Joined this time by an entire ensemble of period and modern instruments that layer in with the women's vocals, the Mediaeval Baebes continue to deepen and flesh out their sound, experimenting with new stylistic elements ranging from traditional folk and folk rock to African-style percussive chant and even an atonal choral symphony. The Baebes continue to take turns at playing instruments and composing the music, too, displaying their diverse sensibilities while never straying too far from the group's signature sound--a blend of driving, unison chants with wispy, straight-toned solos and mesmerizing whirlwinds of naturally looping vocals and instrumentals. The mix of lively and laid back songs on "Mirabilis" is about half and half, with the lively songs being highly and intriguingly percussive but (thankfully!) with nary a mindless, programmed club-beat in earshot. #15, in particular, "Come My Sweet," is a great dance song and all acoustic. The only electronic sound on this album seems to be from an occasional electric guitar or bass, judiciously used. The rest is all natural, and still wickedly cool. For more pseudo-medieval music with a modern edge, try also the recordings of Faun, Estampie, Corvus Corax, Qntal, Dead Can Dance, and "MCMXC A.D." by Enigma. And if you'd like to take the plunge and try the real thing, check out the following: "Music of the Crusades" by David Munrow and the Early Music Consort of London, "Cantigas de Amigo" by Ensemble Alcatraz and Kitka, "On the Way to Bethlehem" by Ensemble Unicorn, and "Perceval: The Quest for the Grail" by La Nef, "Libre Vermell" by Sarband, "Istanpitta" I and II by New York's Ensemble for Early Music, and anything by Wolgemut. Great stuff--unplugged and all on its own!

Temptasyon!.......2006-04-20

I have always enjoyed listening to the Baebes, and this may become my favorite recording of theirs yet! I especially got hooked on "Star of the Sea" and "Temptasyon."

Average customer rating:

Hyponotic music from an early great composer
One of my favorite albums of all time.
Luminous
Heavenly
Short, but still the very best of Hildegard of Bingen. Buy It.

Feather on the Breath of God

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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Similar Items:

Hildegard von Bingen: Canticles of Ecstasy
Hildegard von Bingen: Voice of the Blood
Luminous Spirit
Vision: The Music of Hildegard von Bingen
The Origin of Fire: Music and Visions of Hildegard von Bingen

ASIN: B000002ZGD
Release Date: 1993-09-01

Tracks:

Sequentia de Sancto Maximo: Columba aspexit
Ymnus de Sancta Maria: Ave, generosa
Sequentia de Spiritu Sancto: O ignis spiritus
De Sancto Ruperto: O ierusalem
De sancto Euchario sequentia: O Euchari
De Sancta Maria: O viridissima virga
Sequentia de Sancto Dysibodo: O presul vere civitatis
De Undecim Milibus Virginbus: O Ecclesia

Amazon.com essential recording

This is the record that started the Hildegard craze back in 1982--and you need only listen to Emma Kirkby glide and soar through Columba aspexit (the opening hymn) to understand why. Gothic Voices performs the music very simply, either alternating soloists and unison choir over a drone or using a single unaccompanied voice. The singers render Hildegard's extravagant poetic imagery and melody not with the rhythmically fluid, ecstatic approach favored by Sequentia, but with equalist rhythm and a calm, meditative quality. Gothic Voices' straightforward approach is less likely to send you into a rapturous trance than is Sequentia's, but in the hands of such fine singers as Kirkby, Margaret Philpot, and Emily van Evera, Hildegard's extraordinary texts and melodies are captivating--and clear enough to linger in the memory as melodies rather than just sensations. This record is still Hyperion's bestselling title by far--try it and find out why. --Matthew Westphal

Customer Reviews:

Hyponotic music from an early great composer.......2007-03-10

The Abbess Hildegard of Bingen wrote hypnotic, haunting music a thousand years ago (she lived from 1098-1179). The notes from this CD state that: "This recording draws upon Hildegard's large collection of music and poetry. . .which she continued to enlarge and enrich throughout her life. It contains some of the finest songs ever written in the Middle Ages. . . . The songs are conceived on a large--sometimes a massive--scale; it is in superabundance that Hildegard found herself both as poetess and composer." Hers is a very different style of music from what we are used to today. And the voices of Emma Kirkby and "Gothic Voices" (a group) appear to capture the spirit and soul of this music well.

Kirkby has a crystalline clear and clean voice. In "Columba aspexit," Kirkby and supporting voices paint a musical tapestry that is hypnotic (a common phrase that can be used across the songs). In "Ave, generosa," Kirkby sings the hymn solo and without any instrumental backing. An enchanting piece. Three tenors from "A Gothic Voice" essay "O ignis spiritus." Their voices meld together well and their take on this has a spiritual element. A final example (no need to mention each of the cuts on the CD). . . . "O Jerusalem" features both Kirkby and some members of "A Gothic Voice." The voices play off one another well. Another nicely done work.

This is a good introduction to ancient but interesting music. Kirkby once again shows her skills off to good effect, with an assist from "A Gothic Voice."

One of my favorite albums of all time........2007-03-06

This is the best Hildegard von Bingen recording I have heard. It features the marvelous English soprano, Emma Kirkby.

This is an older recording. I first bought the album on vinyl. I bought it again on CD. Now it is in heavy rotation on my ipod. This is simply one of the best pieces of vocal music ever recorded, any age, any genre.

Enjoy.

Luminous.......2006-11-27

Landmark recording of the early Kirkby glorying in this beautiful music. Ears that can do East and West may like to sample 'Shruti' by Sangeeta Bandyopadhyay - a similarly evocative and remarkable recording.

Heavenly.......2006-11-15

This CD is a Masterpiece. I often play this before I go to sleep. If you want a CD that will totally relax you and clear your sole then you can't go past this great piece of work. The music and voices are Heavenly. I really admire Hildgard and her work. She was very ahead of her time. I very highly recommend this CD to anyone who loves beauty.

Short, but still the very best of Hildegard of Bingen. Buy It........2005-12-20

'A feather on the breath of God' is a performance of eight 'Sequences and Hymns' by Abbess Hildegard of Bingen' which has been lauded by Gramophone Magazine as a 'Best of' in the year it was released.

I have heard two other performances of Hildegard of Bingen compositions and to my amateur ear, these are the best. With soloist Emma Kirkby plus the instrumental backup, they are certainly more interesting than the a capella treatment by the Anononymous 4.

Very highly recommended.

Average customer rating:

Mideval Metal
Puts you in the mood!
A Perfect Sampling of Corvus Corax
=) Stomp Along With These Medieval Minstrels!
Wonderful and Unique...

Best Of Corvus Corax
Corvus Corax
Manufacturer: Dancing Ferret
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Venus Vina Musica
Illuminate
Renaissance
Signum
IV: Ozymandias

ASIN: B0007ZEOWI
Release Date: 2007-07-16

Tracks:

Neva Cengi Harbi
Avanti
In Taberna
Suam Elle Ires
Cheiron
Filii Neidhardi
Ballade De Mercy
La Douce
Palaestinalied
Douce Dame Joliet
Mille Anni Passi Sunt
Saltarello (live)
Platerspiel (live)
Chou Chou Sheng (video track - live)
Lasse, Grant Doucor

Album Description

A best-of collection from one of Europe's most popular medieval bands. 13 tracks from 1993 to the 2003, including two live tracks and a CD-ROM video track of a live performance. Period pieces with a plethora of pipes, plenty of percussion, and an abundane of attitude.

Customer Reviews:

Mideval Metal.......2007-05-12

They bill themselfes as "the Rolling Stones of the Middle Ages", but they are more like Motley Crue. Definitely Celtic, but high-energy thrashing, not beautiful. You've gotta like it hard get into this. I own a couple of their albums and listen occasionaly. For something lighter, try "Faun".

Puts you in the mood!.......2006-10-07

This "Best of" CD offers a nice sampling of Corvus Corax's music. It is an energetic jump into the Medieval or Reniassance period with some muscle. Men chanting...who aren't monks. I'll leave it at that.
There is also a good (live) version of "Saltarello" included.
If you are a fan of "Dead Can Dance" this music will be in like kind but on speed. If you don't know "Dead Can Dance", for Heaven's sake, go look them up!

A Perfect Sampling of Corvus Corax.......2006-06-01

Having followed this band's European success for more than a decade, I am thrilled that we finally have access to the music in the United States via Noir Records.

The essence: Corvus Corax are an example of the 'other side' of Medieval Music. These musicians are not concerned with courtly or noble odes to romanticized and faux Chivalry. They are bawdy, loud, and raw. Their live antics and energy surpasses most heavy metal acts without the contrivances associated with that genre.

They make their own costumes, design their own instruments, and have played with such reknown orchestras as the Berlin Philharmonic. They are not simply a "Faire" band but in fact are complex and professional musicians. Not the tired piping ballads and frame drum repetition of so many bands claiming an ancient lineage - Corvus Corax is also keenly aware of the Hellenistic and Middle Eastern influences which helped form not only European music, but also touched European culture.

This CD is a perfect way to get a broad sampling of their diverse style. You will also hear many tracks on this disc which are popular at the live shows of Corvus Corax.

Even if you are like me, and own most of their discography, I recommend this CD. It is helpful to play for folks who see my T-Shirt or hear me mention the band, and ask, "What do they sound like?"

They sound like the markets, woods and hills of a time long past. They are testimony to the complexity and importance of music, arts, and the live venue not only today but also in misty antiquity.

=) Stomp Along With These Medieval Minstrels! .......2006-05-23

About the Band:
Corvus Corax, whos name means raven, is a German medieval band formed in the late 1980s that is best known for their reliance on traditional instruments and interestingly enough appearance! Most of their songs feature extensive bagpipe and drums. Considering themselves street minstrels of old, Corvus Corax are known to make secret unannounced appearances at European music festivals such as Germany's annual Wave-Gotik-Treffen, where they have always been a fan favorite.

About the Album:
This is a best of album, and as such it really is the best way to introduce people not only to Corvus Corax, but also the medieval genre of music. Though popular in gothic and industrial music scenes in which electronic music is usually a staple, this album focuses on traditional instruments and vox. Fans of folk and medieval (think Renaissance Faire) music or general fantasy atmospheres will love this album.

Recommended Tracks:
- Avanti
- Ballade de Mercy
- Douce Dame Joliet
- Mille Anni Passi Sunt
- Filii Neidhardi

One note on the Ballade de Mercy ... though the song is "work-safe" in the United States due to language barrier issues, the old French lyrics are not only silly, but a bit risqué (in an extremely good way, I assure you - I can't help but laugh and sing along).

I've bought this album twice from amazon! The first time for myself, and the second time for a friend of mine who tends to listen to 80s pop music and Spanish music. She loved this album, and normally she finds my taste in music to be too "dark". Corvus Corax are not dark, but just pure fun. I honestly think anybody who enjoys the "feel-good" that accompanies fast paced festival music will instantly fall in love with Corvus Corax.

For years they were a European secret, but within a year of performing in Pennsylvania (2005), more of their albums are starting to make their way to North America. Similarly, they are now being talked about more at clubs. This album will illustrate the growing interest in this bad. I honestly have a hard time not wanting to smile, stomp, and dance any time I hear these crazy minstrels.

Similar Artists:
- Estampie
- In Extremo
- Qntal

Wonderful and Unique..........2005-11-16

I was forunate to see Corvus Corax appear at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Fair, earlier this year. I really enjoyed their performance. Sometimes live music is more enchanting than listening to a CD in your car. That is NOT the case with this CD. It is absolutely captivating. I love the medieval flavor of this music. The vocals are used as an instrument in and of themselves, too. The music of Corvus Corax is timeless! It will be just a wonderful, 10 years down the line. I highly recommend it.

Vision: The Music of Hildegard von Bingen

Average customer rating:

A very different style of Hildegard
ONE WORD- 'AWSOME"
Very different. Hauntingly beautiful
"Every Element Has A Sound" ~ Heavenly Visions Of A Medieval Mystic
SUPERB MODERN CLASSIC

Vision: The Music of Hildegard von Bingen
Richard Souther , Emily van Evera , and Sister Germaine Fritz
Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Hildegard von Bingen: Canticles of Ecstasy
Feather on the Breath of God
Hildegard von Bingen: Voice of the Blood
Hildegard von Bingen: Heavenly Revelations
Luminous Spirit

ASIN: B000002SL6
Release Date: 1994-11-01

Tracks:

Praise For The Mother
Only The Devil Laughed
Vision
Song To The Mother
The Living Light (Instrumental)
Wherever
For The Virgin
For The Creator
This Honorable Fame
The Anointing (Instrumental)
For The Trinity
The Chalice
Divine Love
The Flower Gleams
From This Wicked Fall
Living Fountain
Vision: Full Length

Amazon.com

"Vision--The Music of Hildegard von Bingen"? Make that "Hildegard--the Dance Remix." (Yes, it has been used on the dance floor of at least one New York City nightclub.) What else can you call it when Richard Souther takes the stark, ecstatic plainchant of the 12th-century abbess and adds heavily produced electronic trance-and-dance tracks? Souther's additions aren't bad in themselves--they are a bit New Age-y, yet danceable in a druggy 3:00-a.m. kind of way--but slather them over Hildegard's spare, intense chant melodies and the effect is perverse, if not just silly. Don't blame poor Emily van Evera--she is a fine interpreter of Hildegard, and EMI simply asked her to record some unaccompanied solo tracks of the abbess's music and send in the tapes; she had no idea what was going to be done with them until this disc came out with her name on it. This shows up in the final product: the gently fluid pulse van Evera applied to Hildegard's music (which would make perfect sense in the a cappella performance she thought she was giving) feels completely disconnected from the rigid rhythms inherent in Souther's electronic accompaniment. Now, there are a number of customer reviews, below, from listeners who like this title a great deal--have a look at them, check out the sound clips, and by all means get this title if you're interested. But, if you're curious about Hildegard, go to the recording that made her famous eight centuries after her death: A Feather on the Breath of God. --Matthew Westphal

Customer Reviews:

A very different style of Hildegard.......2007-01-30

This CD isn't quite the shining example of Hildegard's music, but it isn't dissapointing either. The new-agey music and the chanting go well together, but at times the mix is a little akward, and it is those moments when it seems that the vocals are just stamped on top of the music that takes away from this album. Otherwise, the music is pretty rich and conjures epic and heavenly images. I'd have to side with the 'purists' on this one: if you're a stickler for authentic sounding Hildegard music, go for the other albums such as Luminous Spirit because this one might come across as a little weird.

ONE WORD- 'AWSOME".......2006-12-15

I have been a fan of music since before I was born it seems- I have almost all of her music- but this is the star on the night sky- people keep trashing this album /cd- I think this is the best of her visions/music and if you want to be swept away on clouds of tone and dance with angels of light then BUY this cd- I love to darken the house , light the candles and let this one spin again and again- listen closely to " for the virgin' it will make you want to play this over and over again-also this entire cd was recorded in the catacombs- how spiritual is that, music/thought/words/visions from years turned to dust and stone- may this cd bring you back to a time when the world was innocent and gentle/have played this along with Enigma and people can not get enough of this cd!!!!!!!!!!

Very different. Hauntingly beautiful.......2006-03-01

I bought VISION, THE MUSIC OF HILDEGARD VON BINGEN without even hearing it first. I couldn't resist the album's cover art and the premise of recording the chants of a 12th century nun with modern original scores. I was delightfully surprised at how well the experiment works. The tracks are absolutely beautiful and haunting. In listening to one of the chants accompanied by an almost jarring drum beat, I felt as if I were dropped deep into a dense African jungle where a safari of large powerful natives are escorting small white hooded nuns to some mysterious lost city. A very different, very intriguing, very fine work.

"Every Element Has A Sound" ~ Heavenly Visions Of A Medieval Mystic.......2006-01-29

Hildegard Von Bingen (1098-1179), 12th century Benedictine nun, abbess and mystic wrote some of the most heavenly spiritual chants, psalms and canticles in the history of the Catholic Church. Compositions that are so unique and universal in appeal that they were embraced by the 'New Age Movement' more enthusiastically then they were originally by her own Church.

Similiar yet subtly different from the lofty, remote gregorian chants sung in the monastery, the music of Hildegard is much more accessible. Her experience of the 'Divine Mysteries' is conveyed in more emotional and earthy tones, thus linking the higher aspirations of the soul with the passionate nature of the human heart.

'Vision' was performed and recorded within the stone walls of St. Andrew's Church in Toddington, England, an almost perfect location to capture the medieval atmosphere of Hildegard's compositions. The female voices involved in this project are a sharp and welcome contrast to the all male gregorian choirs most of us are more familiar with.

Truly a mystical musical experience has been captured on these 17 exquiste tracks. For the spiritual seeker in all of us!

SUPERB MODERN CLASSIC.......2005-10-26

SOARING, ETHEREAL voices are followed by haunting, vaguely Middle Eastern new age sound. HILDEGARD meets ENIGMA. It works. The purists make no room for this kind of interpretation of Hildegard but I remind you that the Louvre built a separate museum to house the Impressionist art not because they were so valued but because they did not consider it serious art and would not put it under the same roof with the classics. Time made buffoons of them. Listen to the sound clips and judge for yourself.

Gabrieli · Monteverdi · Vivaldi - Venetian Church Music / Taverner Consort, Choir & Players · Andrew Parrott

Average customer rating:

a voice teacher and early music fan
A "Regular People" Review
exceptional tone quality
The Fabulous Andrew Parrott
Fabulous introduction to Venetian sacred music

Gabrieli · Monteverdi · Vivaldi - Venetian Church Music / Taverner Consort, Choir & Players · Andrew Parrott
Giovanni Gabrieli , Claudio Monteverdi , Antonio Vivaldi , Dario Castello , Giovanni Legrenzi , Antonio Lotti , Alessandro Grandi , Andrew Parrott , and Choir & Players Taverner Consort
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Venetian Music for Double Choir
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ASIN: B00005IA23
Release Date: 2001-10-09

Tracks:

Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Dulcis Jesu
Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Son Pian E Forte
Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Jubilate Deo
Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Son a 14
Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: O Jesu Mi Dulcissime
Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Canzon
Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Hic Est Filius Dei
Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Son Con Tre Violini
Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Son a 22
Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Miserere Me Deus - Gloria Patri
Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Canzon In Echo Duodecimi Toni
Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Audite Principes

Tracks:

Intonationi D'Organo, 1593: Intonatione Del Nono Tono
Sacrae Symphoniae II, 1965: In Ecclesiis
Motetti In Lode D'Iddio Nostro Signore, 1620: Adoramus Te, Christe
Ghirlanda Sacra, 1625: O Quam Tu Pulchra Es
Sonate Concertate, Libro Secondo, 1629: Sonata Seconda
Arie De Diversi, 1624: Exulta, Filia Sion
Sonate, Libro Terzo, Op.8, 1663: Son Da Chiesa A 3, Op.8 No.8 'La Bevilaqua'
Crucifixus
Clarae Stellae, Scintillate, RV625: Aria: Clarae Stellae, Scintillate: Aria: Clarae Stellae, Scintillate
Clarae Stellae, Scintillate, RV625: Aria: Clarae Stellae, Scintillate: Recitativo: Coeli Repleti Iam Novo Splendore
Clarae Stellae, Scintillate, RV625: Aria: Clarae Stellae, Scintillate: Aria: Nunc Jubilare
Clarae Stellae, Scintillate, RV625: Aria: Clarae Stellae, Scintillate: Alleluia
Crucifixus
Ghirlanda Sacra, 1625: Currite Populi
Montetti In Lode D'Iddio Nostro Signore, 1620: Christe, Adoramus Te
Canzoni Et Sonate, 1615: Canzon VIII
Berlin, Deutsche Staatsbibliothek, MS Lynar A1: Fuga Del Nono Tono
Sacrae Symphoniae II, 1615: Magnificat

Customer Reviews:

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2007-04-01

Polychoral music-music written for several groups of musicians separated spatially-was not peculiar to Venice, but it was associated with the Basilica of San Marco and ceremonial events in the Venetian cultural calendar.
Chordal writing reached its peak in the polychoral works of Giovanni Gabrieli(1555-1612), the principal church composer in Italy of the progressive development. He not only increased the number of choirs to four and the total pitch range to over four octaves, but also juxtaposed passages of conventional rhythm with strikingly jagged suncopated motifs. These dramatic contrasts were further intensified by occasional chromatic harmony and unusual dissonances and, more significantly, by the use of instruments that alternated or combined with the voices. All of these traits are well demonstrated in the music on disc 1 of this set. His music is wonderfully exciting!!!!
Upon his death, Monteverdi succeeded him, and took his own direction musically; much different from Gabrielli. It is not just that their styles are different, but the instrumentation is much different as you will hear upon listening to disc 2.
Two subsequent directors of music represented here are Legrenzi and Lotti, both primarily opera composers.
Vivaldi had no direct connection with the basililca; he worked at the 'Pieta', and his motet 'Clarae stellae' was written for a 'Signora Gertruda, a singer who sang at the Pieta. This is one of the most attractive pieces on disc 2, and is often recorded by countertenors (altos)but on this disc is sung by Randi Stene, mezzo soprano, who sings it quite well. Andreas Scholl has recorded this, and I do personally prefer Scholl's countertenor quality for this particular piece.
Monteverdi's 'Currite populi' is another favorite of mine, and its excellently performed herein.
There is just so much to enjoy on these two discs for the early music lover. The instruments are very skillfully played and the styles of the various composers are adhered to all the time. The balance between the voices and the instruments is perfect as one might expect from Parrott's performers. The soloists: Emily van Evera (soprano), Randi Stene (mezzo) and Jeffrey Thomas (tenor) all sang with the correct emotional investment. Certainly worth listening to!!!!

A "Regular People" Review .......2007-01-09

Venetian Church Music?....never thought I'd be listening to that, anyway this music is for those who seek it out, If thats not you this probably won't interest you (but you can try some renaissance/baroque experimental listening to see if you'd like it!). If your into this though, this is a good deal.

exceptional tone quality.......2006-03-28

When I purchased this recording, I had not yet had the pleasure of owning an Andrew Parrott/Taverner Consort recording. I was so impressed! Andrew really excercises an understanding of this genre, an understanding that I haven't often seen. In particular I was quite pleased with this rendintion of Gabrieli's "In ecclesiis" (although the Bass, I don't know his name, is too lacking in volume). Other than that, I just adore this CD set. I also recommend Andrew Parrot for anything predating Bach (*not including Bach!). There is a 5 CD of particular interest and quality called "From Monteverdi to Vivaldi" by this same ensemble that you might consider purchasing instead of this set (almost exact same price, and one of the CDs- the better of the two in this set- is included in the 5CD set).

The Fabulous Andrew Parrott.......2005-08-04

Who else but Andrew Parrott?! The fabulous adventurer in the field of early music, Parrott has time and again unearthed unknown masterpieces, shedding light on their original luster through a keen sense of the historical settings, employment of the proper historic instruments & period vocal style, and his own inspired musicianship. Throughout the 2nd half of the 20th century music lovers like me knew the works of Gabrieli through the appropriations by well-meaning ensembles of modern brass instruments: Chicago Symphony Brass, Canadian Brass, etc. Parrott has been the first to perform and record many of these works with early 17th century instruments, providing a restored sonic image for the 21st century connoisseur. Bravo! Encore, please!

Fabulous introduction to Venetian sacred music.......2003-07-24

This fantastic collection of music is probably one of the best introductions to Venetian Baroque (early to late) on offer.
The first disc, devoted to Giovanni Gabrieli, is nothing short of amazing. Cornetts, Baroque violins, tenor cornetts, sackbuts and multiple organs (try the first track - the huge Dulcis Jesu patris imago à 20 voci) can be heard on this disc and they are all played with great panache, style and, most importantly, expression. I bought both of these discs when they were issued on EMI Reflex over ten years ago - and I have never stopped loving these magnificent and colourful performances.

If you want only one recording of Giovanni Gabrieli's music - then this might be the one for you! The other might be the Gabrieli Consort's 'A Venetian Coronation'? (if you want two Gabrieli recordings in your collection!)

The second disc contains a very tasty selection of music by Legrenzi, Monteverdi, Vivaldi and, again, Giovanni Gabrieli (the star of the show!).

Tracks:

Dum pater familias
La Bouree
The Sylvan And Oceanic Delights Of Posilipo: Gagliarda
Quen a Virgen ben servira
Bransles de Villages
Carmina Burana: Katerine collaudemus
The Sylvan And Oceanic Delights Of Posilipo: La scesa de' Pastori dal Monte
Orientis partibus
Volte
Llibre Vermell: Stella Splendens
Carmina Burana: Tempus est iocundum
The Sylvan And Oceanic Delights Of Posilipo: Ballo de Cigni
Carmina Burana: Bache, bene venies
Lux optata claruit
Ballet Incerti
Non e gran causa
Passo e mezzo - Saltarello Giorgio

Customer Reviews:

Rennaissance music at it's finest!.......2007-06-29

This was my first Renaissance music album and the broad styles of several composers were very well represented, especially Michael Pretorius, probably the most well-known composer of his time. The tonal quality sparkles and the latin language comes alive (along with English translation in the included booklet); be prepared for an aural "feast" of some of the more eclectic music from the Renaissance period!

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2007-02-04

To quote from the accompanying booklet seems to be in order to start this review: "This collection attempts to wipe the dust from some old ideas and restore music from the Middle Ages and Renaissance to its roots deep in the human soul.........What you're listening to on this disc is not the domain of museums, but the music of the people,born of faith and the love of song and dance".
This is a varied group of works, some dances, some strictly instrumental and some accompanied vocal.
The role of dancing, as you might suspect, was enormously important in this era. 'Le Bouree' showcases the dance music of the composer Michael Praetorius. The 'Bransles de Villages' is of French origin and features 2 violins, 2 violas, a cello, a great bass viol, hurdy-gurdy and 2 lutes. 'La scesa de Pastori dal Monte' is an Italian dance by Andrea Ansalone. Another dance written by Michael Praetorious was the 'Volte' which actually involved 4 short dances. It was considered not respectable because of the close contact between the dancers.
The strictly instrumental songs are : 'Dum pater familias' is called a pilgrim song, and it was religious in nature. And, of course, all the dance songs are instrumental.
The vocally oriented songs are: 'Quen a Virgin ben servira' is a song taken from a collection of songs about the miracles attributed to the Virgin Mary.-Three of the songs are from the famous 'Carmina Burana' manuscript.- 'Orientis partibus' is from the 'Feast of fools'which was a feast held by the church itself in which the status of the church herarchy was reversed as inferior clergy assumed the role of their superiors.-'Stella Splendours' is another pilgrim song; this song was sung by pilgrims who went to worship as the Shrine of the Virgin at Montserrat.

I always trust the quality of a CD when Philip Pickett and the New London Consort are involved. This album is very interesting, but I would hope that this would be classified as the more "pop" type music of the period. Also, I don't think that I personally would call it early music, as is indicated in the accompanying booklet. Today that term brings to mind Monteverdi, Cavalli, Palestrina, the Scarlatti's, up to and including Handel and Bach etc.. Just a personal reaction on my part. This is a very well put together disc.

A good sampler of New London Consort's work.......2006-12-20

Although there's nothing special about this disc as a compilation, it does provide a value-priced sampling of 17 tracks from the New London Consort's excellent recorded work. Given that so many of their recordings are difficult to find on CD at a reasonable price, and that one of my personal favorites ("Bache bene venies", from their masterful 4-CD recording of the Carmina Burana) is included here, I'd recommend this CD as a great place to start while you search for the original releases.

Excellent renditions of lively 'old music'........2005-11-23

'Sinners & Saints' by Philip Pickett and the New London Consort is just a bit too ambitious with their subtitle, 'The Ultimate Medieval and Renaissance Music Collection' as I find it hard to believe that 70 minutes can be the ultimate anything on 500 years of history. This is especially true since they seem to focus a lot more on the sinners than the saints, as there is virtually no liturgical music here. But, since there are so many good recordings of medieval liturgies, we aren't missing much.

This is really the sort of thing you would expect to hear from a travelling troupe of minstrals, but not from a solo artist, as practically every performance involves several instruments and voices.

Some tracks will sound especially familiar, as they are very similar to Carl Orff's 'Carmina Burana', inspired by medieval texts.

Compared to many recordings of music from Shakespeare's time, this collection is superior and well worth the investment.

A Treasure of the Time Period.......2005-08-11

I bought this CD with a children's history class in mind. We are studying the Dark Ages to the Rennaisance. I was delighted to hear the variety of selections which span the spectrum of genres during this period of history. My children and I have been listening to it in the car as well as at home for the simple enjoyment of the music. It will be exciting to present these pieces to my class as I feel it is a very accurate display of the cultures, instrumentation, languages, and styles of the Middle Ages. I am a proffesional musician and thoroughly enjoy most types of music so it wasn't hard to get me interested but I was surprised to hear my eight-year-old and five-year-old sons asking to hear this CD. The former child said it made him feel "important" to listen!!

Average customer rating:

Turkish Delight.
Intriguing Music Between East and West
East meets West in an enticing program featuring one of the best Early Music ensembles around

Orient - Occident

Manufacturer: Alia Vox Spain
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000H0MNK8
Release Date: 2006-09-12

Tracks:

Makam Rast 'Murass'a' Usul Duyek
Ductia (Cantigas 248-353)
A La Una Yo Naci
Alba
Danse De L'ame
Istampitta: La Manfredina
Laili Djan
Istampitta: In Pro
Danza Del Viento
Istampitta: Saltarello I
Chahamezrab
Danza De Las Espadas
Makam Nikriz Usul Berevsan
Istampitta: Saltarello II
Ya Nabat Elrichan - Magam Lami
rotundellus (Cantiga 105)
Makam Rast Sema'i
Istampitta: Lamento Di Tristano
Mola Mamad Djan
Saltarello (Cantigas 77-119)
Makam 'Uzal Sakil 'Turna'

Customer Reviews:

Turkish Delight........2007-02-13

It's one thing to be told about the cultural exchanges that have taken place in the Mediterranean region, and another to actually hear some of them. Besides the lesser known sounds of Afghanistan and the Ottomon Empire, this recording contains some "covers" of European medieval material probably known to afficianados of the genre, but with a seductive Levantine accent that makes one wonder what Moslem-Christian-Jewish harmonies could yet be made on a political level given the richness of this musical experience.

Intriguing Music Between East and West.......2007-02-09

Jordi Savall and his Hesperion XXI are joined in this recording by seven musicians from Greece and Middle Eastern countries playing instruments that include the transverse flute, or tulak, the rubab, tablas, zir baghali and oud. I am a longtime admirer of Jordi Savall and Hesperion XXI and was very much intrigued by the goal of this CD to present the music of the medieval East and West showing how different cultures would influence each other. A piece from the Middle East is paired with one from the West and, indeed, one needs to keep the booklet handy to tell if the music is from a Muslim, Christian or Jewish tradition. It is simply a pleasure to hear the sounds produced by the various Middle Eastern and ancient instruments: the exotic rhythms, the beat of the drums and dancing melodies are a treat.

The disc is nicely recorded as all of the Hesperion XXI recordings have been. My only wish would have been for more information about each of the works on the disc and it would have been interesting to know something about the seven instrumentalists who joined with Mr. Savall. What we have in the booklet is an overview by Jordi Savall that does not go too deeply into the music we are hearing. This aside, Orient-Occident is a disc not to be missed.

East meets West in an enticing program featuring one of the best Early Music ensembles around.......2006-10-15

Fans of Early Music should be familiar with Jordi Savall and his highly polished and innovative Hespèrion XXI ensemble. Savall's releases on the Alia Vox label are usually theme based and contain a highly varied, excellently performed program of Early Music works. This release is no exception. In comparison with other Early Music anthologies, the geographical and temporal focus of this release is broader, with songs having origins from, among other places, Spain, Afghanistan, Italy and Morocco; with the compositional time period ranging from the 13th to 17th century.

Those who have followed Savall's previous releases will note that the composition of the ensemble is quite different on this recording. There is no vocalist accompaniment and wind participation is limited to a single transverse flute. But there are some rather distinctive additions here. Ensemble participants, on this recording, include ouds (Middle-Eastern lutes), an Afghan rubab (a lute with sympathetic strings), a santur (an Iranian dulcimer-like instrument), a wide variety of percussion instruments, and a vielle (played by Savall).

The program itself features alternating sequences of Eastern and Western compositions, illuminating the differences and similarities between the musical styles of such cultures. Some of the Western pieces are taken from the "Cantigas de Santa Maria" cycle or have their origins in the Istampittas of Medieval Italy. Some of the Eastern compositions were taken from a manuscript entitled "The Book of the Science of Music through Letters" written by the Ottoman musicologist Dimitrie Cantemir, while others were probably carried forward from a strong oral tradition.

My favorite Western compositions on the program include the lively Saltarello (Track 14) and the aggressive leaping melody of the Ductia (Track 2). While, on the other hand, my favorite Eastern compositions include the exotic Laili Djan (Track 7), the sensuous Mola Mamad Djan (Track 19) and the assertive, rhythmically-charged Turk melody, Makam Uzal Sakil 'Turna' (Track 21). Even though each composition can be designated with an "East" or "West" title, one of purposes in compiling this program was to show that the cultures and religions making their homes on the different sides of the Mediterranean were not always at odds with each other, and the exchange of ideas did take place. This exchange notably manifests itself through the fact that the first bowed instruments came from the East. Additionally, the melodies of Medieval Europe, filled with leaping intervals, ornamented phrases and syncopations, contain much in common with Eastern music. As an example, listen to the intricate melody of the Italian Istampitta: In Pro (Track 8). Throughout this program, the underlying beat of the darbouka, tambor and other percussion instruments serves as an unifying element between the East and West (the lively and virtuosic percussion playing on this recording deserves special mention).

As with Savall's previous releases, the playing, as well as the sound quality, is fantastic. Similar to the previous Hespèrion releases on Alia Vox, the disc is distinctively packaged within a tri-fold case, with picture laden program notes inserted in the front cover. In conclusion, this release is enthusiastically recommended to those who enjoy highly varied, and exciting early music programs; even to those who (think that they) have little or no interest in Eastern early music.

TT: 72:28

Average customer rating:

Recommended for Corvus Corax fans
Big, Loud, Acrobatic, Silly, Black Birds: You'll want to dance around too!
severely underrated
Corvus Corax: It's Not Just for Germans Anymore...

Venus Vina Musica
Corvus Corax
Manufacturer: Dancing Ferret
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Best Of Corvus Corax
Renaissance
Gaudia Vite Live
Signum
Illuminate

ASIN: B000FP2IWS
Release Date: 2007-07-16

Tracks:

Anti Dolores Capitis
Venus Vina Musica
Urmawi
Tuska
Qui Nous Demaine
Bibit Aleum
Katrinka
Tertio
Feralis Saltare
Sanyogita
Scotus
Lamentatio Coelibatus

Album Description

Following their debut US concerts in 2005, Corvus Corax has been popping up on US magazine covers, TV shows, movie soundtracks and more. With the release of "Venus Vina Musica," 2006 promises more of the US falling sway to the mesmerizing tribal medieval rock style of this eight piece band of German minstrels.

If you're thinking of chamber music from old guys in suits, think again! An abundance of attitude accompanies a plenitude of pipes and a plethora of percussion. Hand-made, historically researched instruments and authentic medieval songs are invigorated with an aggressive performance style that brings people to their feet and keeps them there.

"Venus Vina Musica" features 12 brand new songs in the trademark tribal-medieval style of Corvus Corax.

Customer Reviews:

Recommended for Corvus Corax fans.......2007-01-04

This is a good album for Corvus Corax fans. It has a nice mixture of serene ballads, male chorus, driving drum beats, wailing bagpipes, and manic energy. The other CD I have of their "Best of.." which, obviously I liked enough to get another. They do a great job of bringing medieval music to life. Really good for keeping a pace while exercising. Other groups I like are Estampie, Qntal, Flook, Kings Singers.

Big, Loud, Acrobatic, Silly, Black Birds: You'll want to dance around too!.......2006-10-08

About the Band:
Corvus Corax, whos name means raven, is a German medieval ensemble of seven formed in the late 1980s and true to their namesake, which are known for their loud and deep caw and elaborate mating acrobatics, the band is known for its live performances of loud, emotional, and powerful street music! Band members are skilled experts in a variety of dated instruments, including: various bagpipes (yes, there are actually numerous different types), various shawms, bells, assorted drums, the ceng-cengs and other cymbals, the cittern (an old stringed instrument), the ever lovable fiddle, the gangu or "dragon drum" used for talking to the dead, the krack krack (a Moroccan instrument), etc. I'd be remiss if I didn't add that some of the tracks also feature the oldest instrument of all - the human voice. I think you get the idea ... basically they take various instruments from around the world that predate the institutionalization of music, and create emotional and energetic music designed for common people.

About the Album:
Venus Vina Musica follows in the footsteps of their Best of Corvus Corax album, which was major success after being released in the United States in April 2005. If you've not listened to their Best of album, please check out that item as well. Venus Vina Musica could easily be a best of album in its own right. Featuring 52 minutes of 12 full-length tracks, the album is everything we have come to expect from Corvus Corax and more. What is nice is that two guest musicians join our crazy ravens, including Oliver Sa Tyr of Faun who plays a Celtic Harp and Jordon Finus as another bagpipe player. I personally enjoyed the tracks that also featured vocals.

I bought this album without listening to it, solely based on other songs I've come to love from them, and they've continued to show musical growth with this latest release. Unfortunately you can not currently sample the tracks on Venus Vina Musica here on amazon, but you can try visiting their homepage (corvuscorax.de) to listen to samples - though their page requires flash and is slow on my dialup, it is so worth visiting in its own right - they explain in English all of their instruments.

Recommended Tracks:
- Lamentatio Coelibatus
- Qui Nous Demaine (which features a Celtic Harp)
- Bibit Aleum
- Katrinka (the fiddle piece)
- Scotus

I'll add that if you enjoy percussive world music, such as what is offered on this album, then you actually might also enjoy Bear McCreary's Battlestar Galactica soundtracks which also incorporate similar elements (though produced in a studio, whereas Corvus Corax are best experienced live). Also if you happen to really enjoy medieval music and be in Germany, then buy any "Miroque" compilation you might find. Mittelalter musik is thriving in Germany, but like the period it hails to, it tends to focus on local artists whom are not as prolific and hence there is plenty of amazing music that tends to be a bit harder to find.

Similar Artists:
- Schelmish
- Faun
- Estampie
- In Extremo
- Qntal
- Irfan
- Vas
- Moon Far Away (you'll probably have to order this Russian band from their French label Prikosnovenie)

severely underrated.......2006-08-23

oh my f@#%^ing God!!!!!
On that note, this German based band only gets better with time. It was definitely a refreshing experience to hear their earlier work when I did, as there are not many bands trying to break into the mainstream with this bands' unique style. However, Corvus Corax are not so ambigious as to dismay the innocent on-looker. This is truly a masterpiece that any music lover would enjoy to behold.
To describe them consicely--- Latin chanting mixed with Scottish bagpipes and heavy Egyptian drumming. Scared yet??? Don't be. This is one hell of a breathtaking album, to say the least.
High power, meditative, catchy, carefully arranged; i haven't heard anything this good since Karl Sanders from NIle put out his solo album.
Excellent, excellent album all around.

,

Corvus Corax: It's Not Just for Germans Anymore..........2006-07-18

I just tonight realized by visiting their website that Corvus Corax had released a new album; after screaming out loud and hyperventilating for several minutes, I collected my wits and rushed here to Amazon.com, and, lo and behold, I COULD BUY IT HERE! And not pay $18 shipping from Amazon.de!

I then proceeded to scream and hyperventilate further. And buy the new album.

I'm listening to the high-quality sound samples from their new album on their own website right now, and it's everything I hoped it would be. I discovered Corvus Corax, what is often described as a "German Medieval band", last year, on the eve of their debut US appearance at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Festival. I happened to be looking up reference photos for ravens ("Corvus Corax" is the latin name for the common raven) and came across their website instead. I listened to the sound samples I found there, fell madly in love with the music, and since then I've willingly paid an arm and a leg to have seven of their albums shipped across the Atlantic to me here in the US. I even had to buy one twice, because I played, transported, jostled and scratched it so much it became unreadable by my CD player.

If you're new to Corvus Corax and wondering what their music is like, the best I can do for you is to direct you to their own website, corvuscorax.de, where they have wonderful sound samples from all of their albums. The next best thing I can do for you is to suggest that their music is something like you might expect to hear on the soundtrack of a movie like...well, any movie that would take place in medieval Germany (not surprisingly, I suppose, no such movies spring readily to mind). Call it ethnic, call it tribal, call it medieval...just don't call it ordinary.

I haven't been able to find any comparable German bands that tickle my fancy like Corvus Corax does; the closes thing to them that I like are the Scandinavian bands Hedningarna and Garmarna, although Corvus Corax uses a lot of bagpipes, which you don't hear in either Hedningarna or Garmarna.

As their website indicates, this album seems to take a bit of a different tact than their previous efforts: the instrumentation and overall flavor of the music seems more worldly, or at least less eurocentric and with more of an eastern flavor. Veteran fans won't be disappointed, and the uninitiated should find this album as appropriate a place as any other to begin their voyage into the world of Corvus Corax.

Track Listings:

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

Spencer Dickinson [Import]

Urban Affair

We Are in Love [Enhanced] [SACD]

Music: Chappaquiddick Skyline

Winkies [Import]

Walls

Windows

Weber: Piano Concertos No.1 and No.2/Konzertstück

Wild & Wooley Big Unru [Import]

Tus Favoritas De Caballo Dorado

Video 586 [CD-single] [Import]

Vanbrugh Park

Tweekend [Import]

Beethoven: Great Fugue Op.133/Schubert: String Quintet D.956 [IMPORT]

Even Now