Search - Ensemble Alcatraz, Kitka, Cantigas de Santa Maria Anonymous :: Cantigas de Amigo (Songs for a Friend)

Magnificent Medieval Music

08/30/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This exquisite recording is one of the best examples of Medieval music I've heard in years. The group, Ensemble Alcatraz, made a great splash about six or eight years ago on the Nonesuch label, but disappeared from view for quite some time. It's great that a premium label like Dorian has brought them back, since they're more inspired than ever - and the recording quality is superb.Even better, the women's vocal ensemble KITKA lends a haunting sense of ethereal beauty - it's a real showcase of how women's spirituality can come alive with through an inspired performance of medieval music. Anybody who loves Anonymous 4 will love this recording - but in this case, the addition of a wide range of instruments (harp, percussion, vielle,etc.), virtuosically played adds wonderful colour and a sense of exotic exitement to the experience. Highly recommended! How can music this old sound so alive, so moving, so exquisitely beautiful and contemporary?!"

One Of The Greatest Albums Of All Time!

Cry the Name | this temple of silence and stars | 03/06/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Simply put, this album is one of the three or four best albums released in the last twenty years. If you don't believe me, buy it. Then you will believe me. If not, you must have something seriously wrong with your hearing, soul, or basic humanity (but that's just my opinion)."