Search - Carmina Burana Anonymous, Christmas Traditional, Christopher Page :: The Earliest Songbook in England - Gothic Voices

Beautiful interpretations

Dennis M. Clark | Oakland, CA United States | 10/26/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The very first track on this CD, Verbum patris umanatur OO, will probably be familiar to anyone who frequently listens to medieval music on recordings or in concert; however, the first thing that strikes the listener is that the singers perform it with a luminous, ecstatic, almost mystical quality that is quite different from other performances that I've heard that emphasize a jaunty rhythmic quality making it sound more like a processional or dance piece. Of course, various interpretations are valid, but it's so refreshing to hear a rendition of such a wonderful piece that it gives you that ah-hah kind of experience, noticing the music with new ears. Naturally, the entire album is beautifully performed with the style and exquisite taste that one expects from all Gothic Voices recordings. This album is especially intimate for this group, consisting of songs for 1, 2, or 3 unaccompanied voices, but Mr. Page guides the singers through extremely compelling performances, which always suggest that the singers are genuinely enjoying what they're doing. Gothic Voices has always featured singers with clear, well-focused voices, raising them above (in my opinion) early music vocal groups that tend to favor softer, fuzzier, more blended vocal styles. This CD definitely continues the high standards they have set with their many interesting recordings to date."