Search - Lucidarium :: Le Droiet Chemin -- Popular Devotion at time of the Reformation

Ambivalence: highs and lows

Irene Rheinwald | Montreal, Quebec, Canada | 05/23/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Conflicts between Catholicism and the nascent, rebellious Protestant/Lutheran movement characterized Europe and England during the early 1530s. A print shop in Serrieres performed seditious, illegal acts: the publication of a French translation of the Hebrew Bible, pamphlets attacking Catholic Mass, and a series of song texts in three volumes. A direct violation of the Sorbonne's edict against publishing religious tracts without prior (Catholic) consent - an impossible conundrum.



These are complex, often contradictory expressions of both Protestant and counter Reformation (reactionary) song pieces: elegant polyphonic works, Catholic noels, rough edged and bawdy chansons rustique, and devotions to a new, personal concept of God (Protestant chansons spirituelles based on Psalms). A few dances, interpreted in lively fashion, complete the collection.



Perhaps one half are performed in the manner of village folk art songs, almost amateurish in style, but pleasingly authentic if one exercises patience. At times the vocalists fight for centre stage with the insistent, raucous instruments (flute, recorder, percussion, pipe, tambour, lute, etc.), but with time and closed eyes, one can imagine a wild Bruegel village scene. However, Rene Zosso's raspy, half shouted/never sung vocalizations detract from the recording; the irritating hurdy-gurdy is difficult enough on its own. Together with Zosso's voice, my ears hurt. And this is from a passionate devotee of authentic performances, one who adores the reed thin sounds of original instruments and straightforward vocal stylings for early music.



That notwithstanding, there is considerable beauty here. Claudin de Sermisy's "Jouyssance vous donneray", a lovely, courtly expression of love's faith, is here reworked (not uncommon during this period) with remarkable elegance to a religious text by Mathieu Malingre. The a cappella "Con tutto quanto il core", sung without affectation or flourish, emphasizes beautiful lines. "Dame qui au plaisant son" and "Noel chanton benignement" also deserve very special mention. Overall, this is a fascinating, lively and expressive cd, both for its flaws and extraordinary beauty."