Music at the Court of Emperor Maximilian I

Music at the Court of Emperor Maximilian I

Music at the Court of Emperor Maximilian I

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CD Details

Composer: Heinrich Isaac
Composer: Antoine Brumel
Composer: Anonymous
Composer: Josquin Desprez
Composer: Pierre de la Rue
Composer: Ludwig Senfl
Composer: Costanzo Festa
Composer: Paul Hofhaimer
Composer: Jacob Obrecht
Conductor: Nikolaus Harnoncourt
Performer: Concentus Musicus Wien
Performer: Georg Fischer
Edition: Music CD
Format: Original recording remastered
CD Release Date: 2003-06-10
Music Label: Archiv Produktion
Soundtracks:

Imperii Proceres
Carmen In Fa
Fortuna In Mi
An Buos
La Morra
Innsbruck, Ich Muss Dich Lassen
A La Bataglia
Guretzsch (Si Dormiero)
J'ay Pris Amours
Fortuna Desperata
Sancti Spiritus Assit Nobis Gratia
Tandernac
Noe, Noe, Noe
En L'ombre Du Busonet
Coment Peult
Fors Seulement
Carmen In La
Carmen In Re
Nasci, Pati, Mori
Quis Dabit Oculis
Tandernaken
Naves Pont
Vavilment
Fortuna In Me
Carmen Hercules
Si Je Perdu

Music reviews of Music at the Court of Emperor Maximilian I

Music Review: A mediocre early music program, by today's standards
Rating: 3 Stars

There is no shortage of recordings from excellent early music ensembles these days. But this remastered recording, dating from 1963, was probably a bit of rarity back in the day. This program features the music heard at the court of the Holy Roman Emperor, Maximilian I, most notably the compositions of Heinrich Isaac (c. 1450-1517). The scoring here primarily consists of a string ensemble with occasional recorder accompaniment, although the ensemble is augmented with the addition of a chorus, early trombones (they are not called sackbuts in the program) and/or percussion on certain selections.

First, the Concentus Musicus Wien plays the music well. All the notes are in the right place and the ensemble is nicely balanced. Particularly nice is the "Innsbruck, ich muss dich lassen" (Track 6). My other two personal favorites on this disc are "Sancti spiritus assit nobis gratia" (Track 11), which is especially lovely, and the organ piece Tandernaken (Track 21), which includes a part for the early keyboard instrument called a regal, which is one of the most interesting sounding instruments I have heard (although some may be put off by its bizarre sound).

So then, why not a top rating for this release? Perhaps, I am being a bit unfair, but I am comparing this recording to modern recordings of similar works. Today, we know far more about early music than what we did in 1963, and today most early music ensembles realize the importance of creating a program where variety is emphasized and a bit of interpretation is not only acceptable, but required for an authentic Early Music experience. Several of the works on this release have a sameness about them that makes some of them rather forgettable. Even the quicker pieces; which I am certain were included to enliven this program; seem a little dull, with their constant dynamics and rat-a-tat-tat drum playing (ex: Track 12). Finally, despite the remastering of the original recording, it still sounds a little fuzzy in comparison to modern early music recordings, which are often audiophile quality.

In conclusion, this release can be recommended to those specifically interested in the music of Heinrich Isaac. Others with a more general interest in early music from the region should acquire Hesperion XXI's Carlos V which features the music performed in the court of that Holy Roman Emperor (on the Alia Vox label), or the Naxos release Sacred and Secular Music from Renaissance Germany both of which feature highly varied programs of excellently recorded and played early music.

TT: 57:39

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