Search - William Hite, Frank Kelley, Eric Mentzel :: Visions From the Book

Excellent Performances of a 'different kind of old music'

B. Marold | Bethlehem, PA United States | 12/13/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"'Visions from the Book' performed by the 'Ensemble for Medieval Music', otherwise known as SEQUENTIA gives us a genre of old music which is neither purely liturgical (part of a mass) or minstral or part of a masque (dance).



It is singing, with some instrumental accompanyment, of stories from the Bible, written mostly by anonymous authors, probably monestary choir directors.



One name stands out among the unknown composers. This is Peter Abaelard (1079 - 1142), famous as one of the two principals in the story of Heloise and Abelard. He gives us a lament of David over the death of Saul and Jonathan from the old testament.



In fact, four of the seven tracks are recitations from the old testament.



Up until now, I have not paid enough attention to SEQUENTIA's body of work and they have laid fallow in my collection. This recording reminds me of how good they are, in comparison to the other famous names of old music performing such as the Hilliard Ensemble and the Anonymous 4.



Highly recommended."