Trois Soeurs/Three Sisters: Songs from the 13th Century France.
Sinfonye [Vivien Ellis, Jocelyn West, Stevie Wishar-dir.)
CD Glossa Nouvelle Vision.

Portes a cargo do comprador. Não envio à cobrança. Não me responsabilizo caso não vá registado.

sinopse:
The three women that make up the early music ensemble Sinfonye tap into some of medieval France’s more lively and entertaining repertoire in this generously filled program of 13th-century songs and motets. Not surprisingly for performances of music from this period, the singers have assumed a certain interpretive license, not only in terms of the specifics of the vocal lines but also regarding accompaniments, which include the delightfully reedy sounds of hurdy-gurdy and medieval fiddle. In some cases, they begin with a piece in its more formal written form–a motet–and extract what probably was the original melody that inspired it. Then, they add their own “improvised” supporting voice parts and impose a more dance-like rhythmic structure. Many of the songs are reminiscent of the Cantigas de Santa Maria–the same easy singability and lively movement. The multi-part pieces show a real feel for the style and a gift for colorful harmonic invention. The first piece on the disc actually is an original work “in the spirit of a medieval motet”, whose lyrics (used “purely for their sound”) are taken from Hildegard von Bingen’s Lingua Ignota. At nearly eight minutes it’s by far the longest of the program’s 33 songs–and although it has several interesting, attractive, and effectively original features, there are just too many ideas here all strung together. Nevertheless, the performances are quite fine; the singers have strong, characterful voices whose tone (warmer here, straighter there) and mannerisms (different inflections and ornaments) they vary according the song. Intonation is near-perfect and excellent unison singing. The sound is ideal: clear, bright, detailed, and natural.