Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of medieval music with "Machaut: 2 Polyphonic Lais," a captivating album featuring the timeless compositions of Guillaume de Machaut. This exquisite collection, released in 1983 under the Decca Music Group Ltd. label, showcases two of Machaut's most celebrated polyphonic lays: "Le Lay de la Fonteinne" and "Un Lay de Consolation." These intricate and harmonious pieces are performed by The Medieval Ensemble of London, led by the talented Timothy Davies, who skillfully conducts and plays the lute and gittern, accompanied by an ensemble of medieval instruments.
Spanning 48 minutes, this album offers a rich tapestry of medieval and classical sounds, interwoven with the haunting beauty of Gregorian chant. The meticulous craftsmanship of Machaut's compositions is brought to life by the ensemble's precise and evocative performances, transporting you to the heart of the medieval era. Each track is a masterclass in medieval polyphony, showcasing the depth and complexity of Machaut's musical genius.
The album features a total of 24 tracks, divided between the two lays. "Le Lay de la Fonteinne" is presented in 12 parts, each exploring different facets of Machaut's lyrical and musical prowess. Following this, "Un Lay de Consolation" unfolds over 12 tracks, offering a soothing and contemplative counterpoint to the first lay. The album's liner notes provide valuable insights into the historical and cultural context of the compositions, enhancing your appreciation of these timeless works.
Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of medieval music or a curious explorer of classical genres, "Machaut: 2 Polyphonic Lais" promises an unforgettable auditory experience. The album's meticulous production and the ensemble's dedication to authenticity ensure that every note resonates with the spirit of the medieval era, making it a treasure for anyone interested in the rich tapestry of historical music.
Je ne cesse de prier "Le lay de la fonteinne", Lai 16 (11): I. Je ne cesse de prier a ma dame chiereGuillaume de Machaut, The Medieval Ensemble Of London, Peter Davies, Timothy Davies
Je ne cesse de prier "Le lay de la fonteinne", Lai 16 (11): II. Et ou pourroit on querirGuillaume de Machaut, The Medieval Ensemble Of London, Peter Davies, Timothy Davies
Je ne cesse de prier "Le lay de la fonteinne", Lai 16 (11): III. C'est celle qui par ordonnanceGuillaume de Machaut, The Medieval Ensemble Of London, Peter Davies, Timothy Davies
Je ne cesse de prier "Le lay de la fonteinne", Lai 16 (11): IV. Ces trois un a po de pienne, assez prouver puisGuillaume de Machaut, The Medieval Ensemble Of London, Peter Davies, Timothy Davies
Je ne cesse de prier "Le lay de la fonteinne", Lai 16 (11): V. Et qui de ceste eaue prendroitGuillaume de Machaut, The Medieval Ensemble Of London, Peter Davies, Timothy Davies
Je ne cesse de prier "Le lay de la fonteinne", Lai 16 (11): VI. Mais ceste trinité est en eternitéGuillaume de Machaut, The Medieval Ensemble Of London, Peter Davies, Timothy Davies
Je ne cesse de prier "Le lay de la fonteinne", Lai 16 (11): VII. De la duis le Pere nommeGuillaume de Machaut, The Medieval Ensemble Of London, Peter Davies, Timothy Davies
Je ne cesse de prier "Le lay de la fonteinne", Lai 16 (11): VIII. Et pour ce di que cil troy de no foyGuillaume de Machaut, The Medieval Ensemble Of London, Peter Davies, Timothy Davies
Je ne cesse de prier "Le lay de la fonteinne", Lai 16 (11): IX. Pour ce te priGuillaume de Machaut, The Medieval Ensemble Of London, Peter Davies, Timothy Davies
Je ne cesse de prier "Le lay de la fonteinne", Lai 16 (11): X. Mais de tel confort com de plourer fortGuillaume de Machaut, The Medieval Ensemble Of London, Peter Davies, Timothy Davies
Je ne cesse de prier "Le lay de la fonteinne", Lai 16 (11): XI. He! fonteinne de concordeGuillaume de Machaut, The Medieval Ensemble Of London, Peter Davies, Timothy Davies
Je ne cesse de prier "Le lay de la fonteinne", Lai 16 (11): XII. Pour laver et nettoierGuillaume de Machaut, The Medieval Ensemble Of London, Peter Davies, Timothy Davies
Un lay de consolation, Lai 23 (17): I-II. Pour ce que plus proprementGuillaume de Machaut, The Medieval Ensemble Of London, Peter Davies, Timothy Davies
Un lay de consolation, Lai 23 (17): III-IV. Je fui, ma dame de prisGuillaume de Machaut, The Medieval Ensemble Of London, Peter Davies, Timothy Davies
Un lay de consolation, Lai 23 (17): V. Et quant je me senti a ce menéGuillaume de Machaut, The Medieval Ensemble Of London, Peter Davies, Timothy Davies
Un lay de consolation, Lai 23 (17): VI-VII. Et vous, ma dame honoréeGuillaume de Machaut, The Medieval Ensemble Of London, Peter Davies, Timothy Davies
Un lay de consolation, Lai 23 (17): VIII-IX. Ainsi departantGuillaume de Machaut, The Medieval Ensemble Of London, Peter Davies, Timothy Davies
Un lay de consolation, Lai 23 (17): X-XI. Et ce m'a tenu de joieGuillaume de Machaut, The Medieval Ensemble Of London, Peter Davies, Timothy Davies
Un lay de consolation, Lai 23 (17): XII-XIII. Helas! celle douce vieGuillaume de Machaut, The Medieval Ensemble Of London, Peter Davies, Timothy Davies
Un lay de consolation, Lai 23 (17): XIV-XV. Quar ce que j'ay plus doubté que mourirGuillaume de Machaut, The Medieval Ensemble Of London, Peter Davies, Timothy Davies
Un lay de consolation, Lai 23 (17): XVI-XVII. Et elle est, a dire voirGuillaume de Machaut, The Medieval Ensemble Of London, Peter Davies, Timothy Davies
Un lay de consolation, Lai 23 (17): XVIII-XIX. Je ne sçayGuillaume de Machaut, The Medieval Ensemble Of London, Peter Davies, Timothy Davies
Un lay de consolation, Lai 23 (17): XX. Ma tres doulce dame excellenteGuillaume de Machaut, The Medieval Ensemble Of London, Peter Davies, Timothy Davies
Un lay de consolation, Lai 23 (17): XXI-XXII. Amis, tieng certainnementGuillaume de Machaut, The Medieval Ensemble Of London, Peter Davies, Timothy Davies
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