Unlike motets and organa, conductus are not based on pre-existing plainchant melodies, and in polyphonic conductus, all voice parts declaim the same text together.
Composer Biography
Pérotin, an illustrious composer who gained fame at Notre Dame around 1200 for his monumental four-voice compositions, is represented on this album by the monophonic Beata viscera.
Interpretation
The performers on this album use a pronunciation of French Latin from the early 13th century based on linguistic research by Harold Copeman, and of French from the same period based on Robert Taylor's research.
Historical Context
Many cathedrals built during the Gothic era, such as Notre Dame in Paris and Chartres, were dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Historical Context
During the Gothic era (late 12th and 13th centuries), the cult of the Virgin Mary in Western Europe became so zealous that it sometimes overshadowed the adoration of God.
Compositional Technique
The Latin conductus on this album are a type of para-liturgical vocal music used to accompany processions during solemn services.
Recording & Production
This album, 'la bele marie', was recorded in September 2001 and is dedicated to those who died in the terror attacks of September 11th.
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