Customer Reviews

Dufay: O gemma lux

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

There are not much recordings of Dufay's splendid music, the most impressive are surely some chansons scattered on differents discs of Gothic Voices. Regarding motets, there are some interesting recordings by Pomerium and Hilliard Ensemble. All three feature, among other highlights, the marvellous motets "Nuper rosarum", "Alma redemtoris mater" and "Ecclesiae militans". I would say that this recording is the best of the three: in the Huelgas Ensemble's recording you may feel best the medieval -exotic- caracter of these isorythmic motets, as for example their structural clearness and complexity as well as harmonic surprises which seem to come from another planet. The other recordings, although technically perfect as well, tend to smoothen these essential caracteristics. Although this music is caracterized by a mathematical rationalism, I find it very emotional, especially in the mentioned pieces with their monumentality complying with the special historic occasions. Huelgas expresses these emotional side perfectly, in part due to the perfect interweaving of the instrumental and vocal parts (normally I am not a fan of instrumental parts in this kind of music, here it's different). With this recording together with Gothic Voices' excellent chanson recordings you may feel why Dufay is one of the greatest composers ever.

This is definitely one of van Nevel's finest recordings - and that is praise indeed for he has made many fine ones. What an excellent idea to bring together these isorythmic motets like this. I can scarcely think of a finer place to start with Dufay than here with all the wonderfully poetic, expressive lyrical communicativeness that the Huelgas Ensemble unfailingly brings to Renaissance polyphony.

When I call Dufay a 'Renaissance' composer this is the result of degree of musical complexity displayed in his music which is so remarkably advanced that the term 'Medieval' sits rather poorly with him, although there is still the argument that he is the last great Medieval composer rather than the first Renaissance one. In fact if the complexity of his musical thought is a way of gauging things, then Dufay deserves to be called a Renaissance man more than Nikolaus Copernicus whose basis for claiming that the sun was the center of the solar system was in fact because he was part of a sun-cult that felt that the sun was so God-like that it HAD to be the center, even though the model of the solar system with the planets circling the sun in circular orbit mathematically fails pretty miserably compared with having the sun going around the Earth in circular orbit: You have to have the planets circling elliptically for that 'post-Copernican' model to work at all. Clearly we all need to do some rethinking about the history of these times with this CD being a perfect place to start.

An isorhythm (iso=same) consists of an order of durations or rhythms, known as the 'talea' (literally "cutting"), which is repeated within a tenor melody whose pitch content known as the 'color', varied from the talea. The isorhythmic construction was often varied through the use of strict or free rhythmic diminution in the repetition of the color. The term was coined in 1900 by Friedrich Ludwig to describe this practice in 14th and 15th century polyphonic motets but is also found in motets of composers of the Middle Ages such as Machaut, in Indian Classical Music, and in modern composers such as Arnold Schoenberg, Alban Berg, Olivier Messiaen, John Cage, Harrison Birtwistle, and Pierre Boulez. It may be used in all voices or only a few voices. In motets, it began in the tenor voice but was then extended to higher ones. Ars nova composer Philippe de Vitry has been credited with the invention of the technique, but it was neither an invention of Philippe de Vitry nor his exclusive property in the early fourteenth century.

Each one of these motets is a world of rhythmic, melodic and contrapuntal riches unto itself and richly rewards discovering. The Huelgas Ensemble also has greater warmth of sound compared to the English choirs who always strictly only ever use head voice, whereas van Nevel allows his singers to subtly color the music using a voice that comes from deeper down. Further adding to the color of the works is the discreet use of instruments - a practice that has recently regained acceptance in historical practice. The end result is a recording that presents Dufay with irresistable communicative vitality that makes this beautiful CD a real must for any music lover.

Very highly recommended!

The thirteen isorhythmic motets of Guillaume Dufay (c. 1400-1474) mark a high point, as well as a turning point, in Early Music. According to the CD notes, an isorhythmic motet "is a composition in which a rhythmic formula, or period, is constantly repeated in one or more parts while the melodic material changes." These works were composed over a period of twenty years during the first half of Dufay's career and are played in chronological order on this CD, so that the listener can appreciate the development of Dufay's style.

Much in the same way that it can be argued that Mahler took the symphony to the max, Dufay uses the models of the previous generation (ex. Machaut) and elevates the material to such a level that a nothing new really can be added. Dufay's subsequent compositions took off a different direction, and can probably be considered the first music of the Renaissance. It is fascinating to note the importance of proportion within these works. The conductor, Paul Van Nevel, notes "Not a single change in tempo has been applied so as not to cause any imbalance in the mathematical ratios."

But don't worry; you don't even have to be good at math to enjoy these beautiful, majestic works. Although the texture can get a little complicated (there can be up to three different texts being sung simultaneously), there is a certain permeating splendor to these works that is immediately accessible. The motet "Salve flos Tusce gentis" is among the most beautiful pieces of music I have heard - in the entire history of music. Despite the immediate accessibility of these pieces, my appreciation grows upon each listen.

These are choral pieces, but there is often accompaniment by sackbuts, vieles (early version of the violin) and flutes a bec (early version of a wooden flute) in this recording, which is probably consistent with the original performances of these motets. The singing by the Huelgas Ensemble is great, and I am really amazed by the singers' ability to fit a great number of notes in relatively small space in order to preserve the "mathematical ratios."

The CD is accompanied by very detailed notes and instructions on how to listen to these pieces. It is pretty rare indeed for a CD to come with listening instructions, but the conductor has good advice. Listen to each work as a standalone piece, listen to each motet several times, and be attentive. This will ensure that you get the most out of this music.

Highly recommended. This CD is a must for Early Music fans, but the beauty of these works will reach anyone who appreciates good music. Dufay's mastery is unparalleled, get this CD.

68:44

Very beautiful, soaring performances of some very complex music. I appreciate the fact that all Dufay's isorhythmic motets have been included. In general, I'd say that the earlier motets are more successful and inspiring than the later ones. The Huelgas Ensemble uses instruments to play the long droning "tenor" lines, with beautiful effect. I believe using instruments for that part is legitimate historically but who really cares? It sounds great. The recording was also done in a very resonant acoustical environment. Ecclesia militans is maybe my favorite motet of them all.

Highly recommended. If you like 15th-century music even a little bit, this is a must buy.

Stunning, excellently performed female vocal scoring with beautifully accentuated musical accompaniment. The Huelgas Ensemble pull this off with the utmost passion and gifted vocal aptitude.

It is a sheer delight to listen to and take in - something to savor.

Enormously talented singing as well as arrangement. A high compliment to the producer who conceptualized and executed it (music doesn't sound this good by accident.)

Angelic voices mesmerize. You feel like floating on air.

Imagine yourself sitting in a cathedral with your eyes closed, the sun's rays beaming down on your face through the stained glass windows, and being at peace.

Or, think about a time whereby you were just laying down on a field letting yourself absorb the warmth of the sun.

That's how this music feels - to me! Enjoy.

This CD features the beautiful motets of Dufay. Although Dufay is considered to be one of the greatest composers of the millenium, like J. S. Bach, extant recordings are really meager. I am a collector of Dufay's, and I think this is one of ten best recordings of Dufay's, but not the best.