Many pieces on this album are written in vernacular languages, sometimes macaronically, combining Latin with medieval Provençal, reflecting the loosening of tongues during the Christmas season.
Interpretation
The album features music from varied geographical and stylistic sources, representing one possibility among many from the rich repertoire of medieval Christmas music.
Historical Context
Medieval Christmas had a different meaning than today, marked by the 'sinister' figure of Christ as a supreme Judge and the need for vigilance, as depicted in the liturgical drama 'Sponsus'.
Compositional Technique
Liturgical chant in Latin forms the backbone and musical grammar of medieval musical creation, serving as a springboard for new forms and musical discourse.
Performer Biography
Anne Azéma, the current director of The Boston Camerata, first encountered the 'A Medieval Christmas' program as a student in Languedoc and later performed it many times as a singer with the ensemble.
Recording & Production
This album is a new version of a program titled 'A Medieval Christmas', first recorded in 1974-75 by The Boston Camerata and its then-director Joel Cohen, which became a bestseller.
Instruments
Literary and visual sources indicate that the vielle (medieval fiddle) and harp were the preferred instruments for preluding, accompanying, and commenting on vocal pieces in medieval music.
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