Post Description

This recording partly fills a gap between some of the earliest English music and later material such as that contained within the Old Hall Manuscript dating from the early 15th century. In effect this disc spans the 14th century, although a couple of earlier 13th century pieces - one perhaps from as early as 1200 - are here too. Unfortunately the accompanying booklet is silent as to the sources for these compositions, but they are all anonymous.
There are several styles showcased here - in the polyphonic pieces, the simpler 'cum eadem littera' forms, and more complex 'cum diversis litteris' motet forms with multiple texts. There are five monophonic pieces which have texts relating to events of the reign of Edward II - one of these, 'Vexilla regni prodeunt', praises the action of Thomas of Lancaster in beheading Edward's favourite Piers Gaveston - it does not hold back in making clear just how detested Gaveston was by the establishment. The other four come from an Office for Thomas, around whom a cult developed and an attempt at canonisation after Edward had him beheaded. The latest work here is a canonic piece, leading naturally into the presence of such forms in the aforementioned Old Hall manuscript.
Although perhaps not the most exciting or entertaining disc of late medieval music, this is nevertheless a fascinating disc charting a period of English musical development and highlighting the contrasts with parallel development on the continent. Director Christopher Page has always had an excellent team of vocalists around him and this is no exception, and the sound quality is excellent.
The booklet contains some rather brief but useful notes on the musical styles of the works. Full sung texts and translations (where possible, as a few of the texts are corrupt and not properly translatable) are supplied.