Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of medieval Iberian music with Paul Hillier's "Cantigas," a captivating journey through the courtly songs of the Middle Ages. Released in 2006, this double album is a testament to Hillier's remarkable command of both Galician-Portuguese and Old Occitan languages, delivering a performance that is as historically accurate as it is musically compelling.
"Cantigas" features a rich tapestry of compositions from Martin Codax, Jaufre Rudel, and Dom Dinis, performed by the esteemed Theatre of Voices and accompanied by the exquisite harpistry of Andrew Lawrence-King. The album spans a diverse range of genres, including choral, minimalism, medieval, Gregorian chant, and avant-garde, offering a comprehensive exploration of medieval musical styles.
The album is divided into several sections, each showcasing different aspects of medieval songcraft. The "Cantigas de amigo" section opens with a prelude and features seven songs that evoke the longing and joy of courtly love. The "Six Songs" section presents a selection of troubadour songs, each a masterclass in medieval lyricism. The "Cantigas" section includes a variety of songs that highlight the poetic and musical ingenuity of the era, while the "Sete cantigas d'amor de D. Dinis" section focuses on the love songs of King Denis of Portugal, offering a glimpse into the personal and political intrigues of the medieval court.
With a duration of over two hours, "Cantigas" is a substantial and rewarding listen, perfect for those who appreciate the intricacies of medieval music and the artistry of Paul Hillier. The album's meticulous attention to detail and historical authenticity make it a standout in the genre, offering a unique and enriching experience for both casual listeners and medieval music enthusiasts alike.
2006 harmonia mundi s.a.2006 harmonia mundi s.a.
Tracks
Cantigas de amigo: PreludeMartin Codax, Paul Hillier, Theatre Of Voices
Cantigas de amigo: I. Ondas do mare de VigoMartin Codax, Paul Hillier, Theatre Of Voices
Cantigas de amigo: II. Mandad'ei comigoMartin Codax, Paul Hillier, Theatre Of Voices
Cantigas de amigo: III. Mia irmana fremosaMartin Codax, Paul Hillier, Theatre Of Voices
Cantigas de amigo: IV. Ai Deus, se sab'ora meu amigoMartin Codax, Paul Hillier, Theatre Of Voices
Cantigas de amigo: V. Quantas sabedes amare amigoMartin Codax, Paul Hillier, Theatre Of Voices
Cantigas de amigo: VI. Eno sagrado en VigoMartin Codax, Paul Hillier, Theatre Of Voices
Cantigas de amigo: VII. Ai ondas que eu vin veereMartin Codax, Paul Hillier, Theatre Of Voices
Cantigas de amigo: PostludeMartin Codax, Paul Hillier, Theatre Of Voices
Six Songs: I. Quan lo rius de la fontanaJaufré Rudel, Paul Hillier, Theatre Of Voices, Andrew Lawrence-King
Six Songs: II. Pro ai del chan essenhadorsJaufré Rudel, Paul Hillier, Theatre Of Voices, Andrew Lawrence-King
Six Songs: III. Lanquan li jorn son lonc en maiJaufré Rudel, Paul Hillier, Theatre Of Voices
Six Songs: IV. Belhs m'es l'estius e.l temps floritzJaufré Rudel, Paul Hillier, Theatre Of Voices, Andrew Lawrence-King
Six Songs: V. No sap chantar qui so non diJaufré Rudel, Paul Hillier, Theatre Of Voices, Andrew Lawrence-King
Six Songs: VI. Quan lo rossinhols el follosJaufré Rudel, Paul Hillier, Theatre Of Voices, Andrew Lawrence-King
Six Songs: DansaJaufré Rudel, Paul Hillier, Theatre Of Voices
Cantigas: I. Porque ben Santa Maria sabe os seus dões darMartin Codax, Paul Hillier, Theatre Of Voices
Cantigas: II. Par Deus, ai dona LeonorMartin Codax, Paul Hillier, Theatre Of Voices
Cantigas: III. Un cavalo non comeuMartin Codax, Paul Hillier, Theatre Of Voices
Cantigas: IV. Non quer'eu donzela feaMartin Codax, Paul Hillier, Theatre Of Voices
Cantigas: V. Fois' o meu amigo a cas d'elreiMartin Codax, Theatre Of Voices, Paul Hillier
Cantigas: VI. Quand'eu vejo las ondasMartin Codax, Paul Hillier, Theatre Of Voices
Cantigas: VII. Muitas vezes volv'o demoMartin Codax, Paul Hillier, Theatre Of Voices
Sete cantigas d'amor de D. Dinis: I. Pois que vos deus, amigo, quer guisarMartin Codax, Paul Hillier, Theatre Of Voices
Sete cantigas d'amor de D. Dinis: II. A tal estado m'adusse, senhorMartin Codax, Theatre Of Voices, Paul Hillier
Sete cantigas d'amor de D. Dinis: III. O que vos nunca cuidei a dizerMartin Codax, Paul Hillier, Theatre Of Voices
Sete cantigas d'amor de D. Dinis: IV. Que mui gran prazer que eu ei, senhorMartin Codax, Paul Hillier, Theatre Of Voices
Sete cantigas d'amor de D. Dinis: V. Senhor fremosa, non poss'eu osmarMartin Codax, Paul Hillier, Theatre Of Voices
Sete cantigas d'amor de D. Dinis: VI. Non sei como me salv'a mha senhorMartin Codax, Paul Hillier, Theatre Of Voices
Sete cantigas d'amor de D. Dinis: VII. Quix ben, amigos, e quer'e querreiMartin Codax, Paul Hillier, Theatre Of Voices