The 13th-century conductus of the Notre-Dame School were composed for two, three, or four voices and set to new paraliturgical texts, likely used to accompany movements during Mass.
Historical Context
In the 13th century, Paris and France were considered the artistic and cultural heart of Christianity, leading to the development of polyphonic sacred music like the Notre-Dame School.
Recording & Production
The recording was made two years after the Notre-Dame fire and during the global pandemic, which imposed silence on musicians, imbuing the project with vibrant, intense, and dark emotion.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded in October 2020 at the Chapelle des Sœurs de Saint-Joseph in Lyon, France.
Performer Biography
Paulin Bündgen, a countertenor on this album, discovered Jean-Philippe Goude's music at age 24 and previously recorded three of his pieces.
Album & Artwork
The album cover features an illustration of Notre-Dame in Paris from 1839, before the iconic spire that was lost in the 2019 fire was added.
Composer's Artistic Vision
For this album, Jean-Philippe Goude's musical style became more pared down, abandoning the harmonies and instrumental richness typical of his other works, resulting in a darker and more meditative character.
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