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Dulcis Melancholia -- Musical biography of Marguerite of Autriche
Capilla Flamenca
Dulcis Melancholia -- Musical biography of Marguerite of Autriche
Genre: Classical
 
The life of Margaret of Austria (1480-1530), daughter of the emperor Maximilian I of Austria, is reflected in the works performed by Capilla Flamenca in this program. As regent of the Netherlands under Charles V, she co...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Capilla Flamenca
Title: Dulcis Melancholia -- Musical biography of Marguerite of Autriche
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Musique En Wallonie
Original Release Date: 5/22/2006
Release Date: 5/22/2006
Album Type: Import
Genre: Classical
Styles: Opera & Classical Vocal, Historical Periods, Early Music
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 5425008315256

Synopsis

Product Description
The life of Margaret of Austria (1480-1530), daughter of the emperor Maximilian I of Austria, is reflected in the works performed by Capilla Flamenca in this program. As regent of the Netherlands under Charles V, she combined her statesmanship with wide-ranging cultural interests. Courtly music, both sacred and profane, had an important place at her court in Mechelen. Her splendid songbooks contain works by Pierre de la Rue, Josquin Desprez, Alexander Agricola, and many other prominent composers. Despite cheerful love songs full of hope and playful dances from her youth, the dominant mood in her music was melancholy--perhaps the result of so much adversity in her marriages and in the rest of her life. The vocal and instrumental consort Capilla Flamenca takes its name from the choir of the court chapel of Emperor Charles V. Capilla Flamenca recruits its specialized musicians mainly from Flanders so as to bring to life the unique timbre of this brilliant 15th-16th century music in its full authenticity. The group has been honored with some of the most prestigious international awards for their artistic, musicological, and historical thoroughness. Numerous CD recordings have received major awards, including several Prix Chocs (Le Monde de la Musique), Diapason d'Ors, Répertoire10, two Caecilia prizes from the Belgian music press, and the 2004 Klara Music Prize.
 

CD Reviews

Impressive overview of mid-Renaissance musical genres
Eddie Konczal | 07/28/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)

"If anyone makes a movie about the life of Habsburg Princess Margaret of Austria (1480-1530), they won't have to look far for a soundtrack - here it is. "Dulcis Melancholia" is a diverse compilation of Franco-Flemish music of the late 15th and early 16th century, covering the years Margaret lived and featuring several songs based on her poetry. The list of composers reads like a "who's who" of Renaissance masters: Josquin Desprez, Antoine Brumel, Pierre de la Rue, Heinrich Isaac, and Jacob Obrecht. Instrumental works by Luis Milan and other composers offer a change of pace from the polyphonic compositions. It's all performed by the Capilla Flamenca, a Dutch consort who navigate the various styles with panache.



The title, Dulcis Melancholia ("sweet melancholy") refers to the bittersweet life of Margaret, who experienced many trials and tribulations throughout her turbulent life. The songs are divided into four sections, each corresponding to an era in Margaret's life. The earlier works feature lively and lush instrumentation, signifying Margaret's eventful youth. As the record progresses, a capella numbers and solo instrumental pieces predominate, the sparse instrumentation underscoring the tragic events of Margaret's life: her rejection by the Dauphin of France, the death of her two husbands, and her own premature death.



Capilla Flamenca expertly segues between instrumentals, a capella works, and songs with both vocals and instrumentation. The varied arrangements evoke the spirit of Renaissance music, which was often composed "for any instruments available." The frequent juxtaposition of voices with instruments will no doubt stoke the Renaissance performance practice debate. Personally, I enjoy the mix of tone colors, which creates texture and enhances diversity.



Some selections are bound to tweak purists. The Milan songs, included to represent Margaret's marriage to a Spanish prince, were not published until after her death. Josquin's "Pluz Nulz Regrets" begins as a solo lute performance, with the vocals entering nearly four minutes into the song. Arguably anachronistic, the arrangement is nonetheless impressive.



With "Dulcis Melancholia," Capilla Flamenca has captured not only the life and times of Margaret, but the spirit of the Renaissance as well. This recording is an excellent starting point for anyone looking for an overview of mid-Renaissance musical genres."