Search - Manuscrit du Roi Anonymous, Colin Muset, Philippe Le Chancelier :: Rue des Jugleors

Music of the Middle Ages Reborn

Patrick Wright | Bellingham, Wa United States | 02/27/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I had the pleasure to see Ensemble Anonymus at my University while I was an undergraduate of Music. I have always been a fan of ancient musics, especially from the middle ages. Knowing that, you now know my dilemma. Historically acurate and well played music from this period is difficult to come by. Even when you find something done in the style, it is typically on modern instruments with modern modes and then the music lacks credibility. Ensemble Anonymus, however, performed brilliantly on historically accurate instruments with a full and rich sound that I had never heard before. For the first time I was hearing what this music was truly meant to sound like. None of the pieces sounded alike, though each was true to its style. From uplifting and spirited tunes like 'Danse' to the solemn and heartfelt 'Sire Cuens, j'ai vielé' all the songs had a unique approach that could only have been captured by the great talent of this group. After the concert I purchased this CD that I am listening to now, and was astonished how the same attention to detail, the spirit and energy I had heard at the concert was captured on this recording. Even the small sonances, such as the slight whisper of the bagpipe's bellows or a key being pressed were largely intact. The recording is extremely clean and warm as it should be. I recommend this recording to anyone, especially those with an intrest in the Middle Ages and its artistic treasures."