Machaut

Description

Following the immense success of its first recording on Delos ("a characteristic balance and such pure intonation" – The New York Times), the GRAMMY®-winning vocal ensemble Chanticleer, under the direction of Tim Keeler, now turns its attention to the most famous composer of the fourteenth century, Guillaume de Machaut. Although born in obscurity at the turn of the century, Guillaume enjoyed an extraordinary career that led him to hold several prestigious positions, including one at the cathedral of Reims. This album presents two facets of the composer that seem incompatible today. In the Messe de Nostre Dame, we see a devout Machaut, a cleric of a leading cathedral. In contrast, melodies such as Douce dame jolie and Riches d’amour reveal a very different side: Machaut the court poet-composer who sings of romantic emotions for his noble patrons.