Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of medieval music with Guillaume de Machaut's "Messe de Notre Dame," a masterful recording released in 1989. This album, featuring the renowned Hilliard Ensemble, offers a profound exploration of Machaut's seminal work, the earliest complete setting of the Mass Ordinary by a known composer. The album spans 53 minutes, encompassing the full six movements of the Messe de Notre Dame, along with additional sacred and secular pieces that showcase Machaut's unparalleled craftsmanship.
The Hilliard Ensemble, known for their impeccable vocal precision and deep understanding of medieval music, brings a sense of reverence and vitality to Machaut's compositions. The album includes the enchanting "Je ne cesse de prier 'Le lay de la fonteinne'" and the captivating "Ma fin est mon commencement," providing a rich tapestry of both religious and secular themes. The ensemble's countertenors, Ashley Stafford and David James, along with bass vocalist Michael George, deliver performances that are both technically brilliant and deeply expressive.
Recorded under the Hyperion label, this album is a testament to the enduring appeal of medieval music. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of classical and Gregorian chant or a newcomer to the genre, "Messe de Notre Dame" offers a captivating journey through the musical landscape of the 14th century. The intricate harmonies and lyrical beauty of Machaut's compositions are brought to life with stunning clarity, making this a recording that will resonate with listeners for years to come.
Messe de Notre Dame: I. KyrieGuillaume de Machaut, The Hilliard Ensemble
Messe de Notre Dame: II. GloriaGuillaume de Machaut, The Hilliard Ensemble
Messe de Notre Dame: III. CredoGuillaume de Machaut, The Hilliard Ensemble
Messe de Notre Dame: IV. Sanctus & BenedictusGuillaume de Machaut, The Hilliard Ensemble
Messe de Notre Dame: V. Agnus DeiGuillaume de Machaut, The Hilliard Ensemble
Messe de Notre Dame: VI. Ite Missa estGuillaume de Machaut, The Hilliard Ensemble
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 Hilliard Ensemble
Je ne cesse de prier "Le lay de la fonteinne", Lai 16 (11): II. Et ou pourroit on querirGuillaume de Machaut, The Hilliard Ensemble
Je ne cesse de prier "Le lay de la fonteinne", Lai 16 (11): III. C'est celle qui par ordonnanceGuillaume de Machaut, The Hilliard Ensemble
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 Hilliard Ensemble
Je ne cesse de prier "Le lay de la fonteinne", Lai 16 (11): V. Et qui de ceste eaue prendroitGuillaume de Machaut, The Hilliard Ensemble
Je ne cesse de prier "Le lay de la fonteinne", Lai 16 (11): VI. Mais ceste trinité est en eternitéGuillaume de Machaut, The Hilliard Ensemble
Je ne cesse de prier "Le lay de la fonteinne", Lai 16 (11): VII. De la duis le Pere nommeGuillaume de Machaut, The Hilliard Ensemble
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 Hilliard Ensemble
Je ne cesse de prier "Le lay de la fonteinne", Lai 16 (11): IX. Pour ce te priGuillaume de Machaut, The Hilliard Ensemble
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 Hilliard Ensemble
Je ne cesse de prier "Le lay de la fonteinne", Lai 16 (11): XI. He! fonteinne de concordeGuillaume de Machaut, The Hilliard Ensemble
Je ne cesse de prier "Le lay de la fonteinne", Lai 16 (11): XII. Pour laver et nettoierGuillaume de Machaut, The Hilliard Ensemble
Ma fin est mon commencement, Rondeau 14Guillaume de Machaut, The Hilliard Ensemble
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