Ensemble Musica Nova, Guillaume de Machaut (Composer) - Guillaume de Machaut: The Motets (Complete) - Ensemble Musica Nova
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Artist: Ensemble Musica Nova, Guillaume de Machaut (Composer)Edition: Music CD
Format: Import
CD Release Date: 2004-01-13
Music Label: Zig Zag Territories
Music reviews of Guillaume de Machaut: The Motets (Complete) - Ensemble Musica Nova
Music Review: The mastery of Machaut
Rating: 5 Stars
Guillaume de Machaut (c.1300-1377) was the greatest composer of the 14th century, and was notable for composing "La Messe de Notre Dame" - the first mass that was entirely attributed to one composer.
Here we have the 23 motets of Machaut. Machaut's motets, like those from others in the medieval period, are usually written in three parts:
1). The tenor: the lowest voice, which usually sings a simple, short text, with very long duration given to each syllable, similar to that of plainchant, sung slowly
2). The duplum or motetus: the middle voice, which sings a separate text. This text usually takes the form of a poem, and is more ornamented than the tenor
3). The triplum: the highest voice, which sings its own text in a highly ornamented style
Machaut's motets follow the principle of isorhythm. In essence, this means that the tenor part is repeated multiple times using the same rhythm, but the proportion of the rhythm can be altered in each repetition.
Sounds pretty complicated, doesn't it? Well, it is, and it isn't. It is complicated in the sense that three separate texts, written in old French or Latin, are sung simultaneously. Some of the motets even combine the two languages together! But the underlying beauty of Machaut melodies often beguiles the ear, making you forget all of that is taking place. However, as I have listened to the motets repeatedly, I have come to appreciate how the intricate duplum and triplum voices play off one another and contrast against the unornamented tenor line. This music really is amazing and Machaut clearly was a master. I think certain of the motets are immediately appealing for their melancholy beauty (tracks 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 on disc one, and tracks 4, 5, 11, 12 and 15 on disc two). Other tracks require more attention. Accordingly, this is a release to listen to multiple times, and in chunks. It's a bit much to fully process this music in one sitting!
The performance by Ensemble Musica Nova is outstanding, and the sound is very clear. It is evident that a lot of research went into this recording, and that great care was taken to provide the listener with an authentic experience. It should be noted that in contrast to the choral music of the Renaissance, the different voices of the ensemble do not combine to create a unified sound. Each voice is distinct, and is readily identifiable. In this performance, several of the motets are accompanied by Medieval instruments (viele, flute a bec, harp and drum), while others are purely choral. Multiple versions of certain of the motets are included. For instance, Motet 17 is presented in both an instrumental and choral version. The program notes are extremely detailed, with the original texts and English translations of the motets included.
I suspect this package will prove irrestiable to fans of medieval music, and this set can be enthusiastically recommended to that crowd. For those new to medieval music, I would recommend starting with a recording of "La Messe de Notre Dame" to get warmed up to the style. But if you are looking for a copy of Machaut's motets - this outstanding version is the one to get!
CD1: 46:53
CD2: 44:37
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