Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of medieval music with "Machaut: A Lover's Death," the final installment in The Orlando Consort's monumental project to record all the polyphonic songs and motets by Guillaume de Machaut. This exquisite collection, set for release on January 31, 2025, via Hyperion, offers a profound exploration of love, loss, and the human condition through the timeless compositions of one of the most influential figures in medieval music.
Spanning a rich tapestry of genres including medieval, Gregorian chant, and classical, this album features 17 meticulously crafted tracks that showcase the depth and breadth of Machaut's genius. From the hauntingly beautiful motets to the lively ballades and virelais, each piece is performed with unparalleled precision and passion by The Orlando Consort, one of the world's leading vocal ensembles.
The album's title, "A Lover's Death," reflects the poignant themes that permeate Machaut's work, offering a poignant meditation on the fleeting nature of love and the inevitability of loss. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast of medieval music or a curious newcomer, this album promises an unforgettable journey through the sounds and sensibilities of a bygone era.
Recorded in the acoustically stunning St John the Baptist church in Loughton, UK, the album benefits from a rich, resonant sound that brings Machaut's compositions to life in vivid detail. The inclusion of texts and translations adds an extra layer of depth, allowing listeners to fully appreciate the poetic and musical intricacies of each piece.
With a duration of one hour and eight minutes, "Machaut: A Lover's Death" is a testament to the enduring power of medieval music and the timeless appeal of Guillaume de Machaut's compositions. This album is not just a collection of songs; it is a window into the past, offering a glimpse into the musical and cultural landscape of the medieval world.
