Don’t be put off by the rather stiff and wordy subtitle, “Musica figurata in Wroclaw and Silesia in the 14th and 15th centuries.” Simply stated, we have here  a top-notch ensemble of singers and instrumentalists performing mensural music from a number of Central European sources including, for the later works, two notable collections now residing in the Jagellonian University of Cracow and the University Library in Warsaw. There is also music by a number of familiar composers, including Philippe de Vitry and Walter Frye.

As would be expected, it’s the rediscovery of anonymous masters and such lost composers as Paulus de Broda (represented by a jaunty little tune for recorder) and the remarkable Piotr Wilhelmi z Grudziadza who leave the strongest impression. Indeed, Piotr Wilhelmi’s (a puzzling fellow who liked to sign his works in acrostics) Panis ewus is a stunner. The precision and beauty of the singing heard throughout this recording wins high marks because this isn’t easy music and performances could easily lapse into dullness, but that’s never the case here. The same can be said for the instrumentalists.

The interplay of strings and organ on an anonymous setting of Sanctissima virginum regina is gorgeous, as is the tasty organ work of Ewa Prawucka. Sound quality is of the highest caliber and while the notes are printed in painfully small type, the quality of the writing is excellent. This is another superb recording from the always interesting Warsaw-based Dux label, one of the finest early music labels on the scene.  CRAIG ZEICHNER

This CD is on sale.
Price (including packaging and shipment, delivery by international recorded delivery):
- Total price Europe: 19,81 Euros
- Total price other countries: US $ 25,53 - 20,93 Euros

EUROPE: 19,81 € >> Click here if you want to adquire the CD 'Musica Figurata' and receive it in Europe

OTHER COUNTRIES: US $ 25,53 - 20,93 € >> Click here if you want to adquire the CD 'Musica Figurata' and receive it in other country