A best-of collection from one of Europe's most popular medieval bands. 13 tracks from 1993 to the 2003, including two live tracks and a CD-ROM video track of a live performance. Period pieces with a plethora of pipes, plen... more »ty of percussion, and an abundane of attitude.
Note: The video does not open in the standard Windows Media Player. Go to "My Computer" on most Windows platforms and check "Folders." The video is there. Double-click on it, or right-click and choose "Open" or "Play."« less
A best-of collection from one of Europe's most popular medieval bands. 13 tracks from 1993 to the 2003, including two live tracks and a CD-ROM video track of a live performance. Period pieces with a plethora of pipes, plenty of percussion, and an abundane of attitude.
Note: The video does not open in the standard Windows Media Player. Go to "My Computer" on most Windows platforms and check "Folders." The video is there. Double-click on it, or right-click and choose "Open" or "Play."
CD Reviews
A Perfect Sampling of Corvus Corax
John R. Harford | United States | 06/01/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Having followed this band's European success for more than a decade, I am thrilled that we finally have access to the music in the United States via Noir Records.
The essence: Corvus Corax are an example of the 'other side' of Medieval Music. These musicians are not concerned with courtly or noble odes to romanticized and faux Chivalry. They are bawdy, loud, and raw. Their live antics and energy surpasses most heavy metal acts without the contrivances associated with that genre.
They make their own costumes, design their own instruments, and have played with such reknown orchestras as the Berlin Philharmonic. They are not simply a "Faire" band but in fact are complex and professional musicians. Not the tired piping ballads and frame drum repetition of so many bands claiming an ancient lineage - Corvus Corax is also keenly aware of the Hellenistic and Middle Eastern influences which helped form not only European music, but also touched European culture.
This CD is a perfect way to get a broad sampling of their diverse style. You will also hear many tracks on this disc which are popular at the live shows of Corvus Corax.
Even if you are like me, and own most of their discography, I recommend this CD. It is helpful to play for folks who see my T-Shirt or hear me mention the band, and ask, "What do they sound like?"
They sound like the markets, woods and hills of a time long past. They are testimony to the complexity and importance of music, arts, and the live venue not only today but also in misty antiquity.
"
Great One Of A Kind Music
Lake Ober | Mechanicsburg, PA USA | 10/20/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I live in Pennsylvania and I recently saw Corvus Corax play at the PA Ren. Fair. I was quickly in love with this bands music. I bought this cd at their show and it has quickly become one of my favorites. I love rare and uncommon music and this one sure pleased me. It amazes me how dedicated this band is and how each song sounds a bit differnt then the last. This is a great cd for anyone who likes music that is a bit differnt then everything else."
Amazing Discovery
Cathy J. Fleming | Collingswood, NJ United States | 10/28/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"While this band has been around for more than 10 years, I just discovered them this past weekend when we went to see them at the PA Renaissance Faire. Thanks to my daughter (who had heard their music before), we now have a new addition to our CD collection. I liked them so much that I went on Ebay and bought as many of their older CDs as I could find. We've already listened to this CD every day this week. They were amazing to watch and really love playing. I just wish they would come back to the US more often! Until then, this CD is well worth the buy."
Outstanding modern medieval music
Fireside Indigo | Richmond VA | 06/30/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Finally this wonderful band is available in the US! I've been a fan for several years, and absolutely LOVE the rhythms and melodic adventures Corvus Corax has in store for their listeners. This CD has a few of their best offerings, but how they picked just these is beyond me. I haven't heard anything I didn't like. Add to the music the fact that they have researched the medieval instruments (all 50+ are handmade), and they have also designed their own adaptation of minstrels' costumes - and you have a group committed to being as authentic as possible -- without ever being boring or passe. Leave it to the Germans to show the world that the traditions and cultures of the distant past have much to offer the modern world. And the way these men play, the pounding rhythms and melodious bagpipes are perfectly at home at either a medieval faire, or on a modern concert stage."
Track Listings (15) - Disc #1