Christmas Music from Medieval and Renaissance Europe
9/15/2023, 16 Tracks, 52:42
Featuring
Harry Christophers
Christopher Royall
Neil MacKenzie
Nicolas Robertson
Robin Barda
Fiona Clarke
Mary Seers
Simon Birchall
Jeremy White
The Sixteen
Anonymous (Gregorian Chant)
Anonymous (Christmas)
Walter Lambe
Anonymous
Thomas Tallis
Jacobus Gallus
Anonymous (Traditional)
Jean Mouton
Orlando di Lasso
Did you know?
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Compositional Technique
The principle of the carol involves a choral refrain called a 'burden', which begins and ends the piece, alternating with verses sung by solo voices.
Composer's Artistic Vision
In medieval times, the distinction between sacred and secular music was deliberately blurred to entertain people and counter pagan rituals.
Historical Context
Many currently popular carols, including 'Good King Wenceslas' (with different words), originate from the 1582 collection Piae Cantiones, compiled by Theodoricus Petri.
Historical Context
The celebration of Christmas evolved from pre-Christian and pagan festivities around the winter solstice.
Composer Biography
Jacob Handl, a composer featured on this album, took a sabbatical between 1575-1579 to travel in Austria, Moravia, Bohemia, and Silesia, living in monasteries to "understand the muse and meditate on the shepherd's pipe."
Interpretation
The recording attempts to reflect local traditions by employing appropriate Latin pronunciations for each piece, including English, Italian, and German church Latin.
Composition History
The word 'carol' originally referred to a round-dance with music, later evolving into a joyous religious song.
