Search - Llibre Vermell de Montserrat Anonymous, Trouveres Anonymous, Alfonso X (el Sabio) :: The Black Madonna

Yet another nail in the coffin of their competitors...

G. DeRome | 08/07/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm not just some ignorant and rabid fan: I've surveyed hundreds of early music CDs in my time, and have performed a great deal of medieval music. I can assure you that Unicorn -- also known as Oni Wytars and Accentus -- is the best instrumental ensemble performing this repertory. Hands down. They rarely appear on critics' golden lists, but that's because most early music critics (and performers) are desiccated scholars and not impassioned musicians. The only reason this CD isn't perfect (unlike "Codex Faenza", which is flawless in every respect) is that the arrangements are less than historical. In medieval monophonic music, rule no. 1 about song accompaniment is that the instrumentalist must NEVER draw attention away from the voice -- go crazy with preludes and interludes, but be VERY discreet during actual singing. Since Unicorn is concerned primarily with the emotive and evocative capabilities of its instruments, it tends toward the densely orchestrated (but not to the absurd extremes of, for instance, Philip Pickett). Such an approach is not historically justified in most cases, but I'd be a desiccated scholar if I didn't reassure y'all that this CD is one hell of a fun ride."

Passion and Spirituality

Valerie Extermann | Switzerland | 05/28/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Having a fair collection of religious and medieval music, this CD really stands out. The voices are superb, the instruments spot on, and by closing my eyes, I can just imagine the pilgrims taking up the refrains, while slowly making their way up the rocky slope to the sanctuary of Montserrat (yes, I've been there, and the Black Madonna is very special). Of particular note is the passion , the fervor and the vigor that is transmitted to the listener. I highly recommend this CD"

A great group and label to boot!

Andy Van Ness | Roxbury, VT USA | 04/03/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Aside from the beauty and uniqueness of the material chosen for this recording, the Ensemble Unicorn has amazed me on other recordings as well with their talent and flavor for re-creating early music. The fact that these recordings, "Naxos Early Music", are offered at such low prices should never sway anyone to think less of it. These recordings are among the absolute best in my collection."