Search - Manuscrit du Roi Anonymous, French Anonymous, English Anonymous :: Istanpitta II

"Let the dance continue!"

Brianna Neal | USA | 11/27/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"More 14th century Italian dances from New York's Ensemble for Early Music, along with a generous helping of 13th century French and English dances. Director Frederick Renz and his ensemble do a great job of interpreting the ubiquitous ductias and estampies with the same verve and sensitivity as they did on their previous, exclusively Italian recording. Such varied instruments as bagpipe, ciaramella, shawm, gemshorn, recorder, pipe, flute, bagpipe, organistrum, lute, vielle, rebec, harp, hammered dulcimer, psaltery, string drum, dumbec, frame drum, Jew's harp and tambourine are used (and, as on the first CD, are conveniently pictured on the insert for those wondering what they all look like!). Guest percussionist Glen Velez returns to again add color and flare with his complex rhythms. Be sure to also check out "Istanpitta: A Medieval Dance Band", the companion CD released by this same group in 1995. Both are great fun!"

Great Music

valeska_ | The Pacific Northwest | 12/17/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A great selection of medieval dances that I think will appeal to all tastes. The Istanpitta series (one & two) from the New York Early Music Guild is in my opinion the best presentation of medieval music, it's gorgeous. This second cd is my favorite.The first 14 tracks are 13th century French & English dances. With number one (La Quinte Estampie Real) the cd really takes off with flair, a brisk tune with wailing shawms (a wind intrument related to the oboe) chanting reedpipes, and wonderful pounding percussion with nakers and tabors. Number two (La Tierche Estampie Roial) in contrast is a slow and etheral tune, that's absolutely exquisite!The last four tracks are 14th Century Italian dances which really sound different from the rest. Two are played solo on the Clavicytherium (another name for an upright spinet) The way the music is played by the New York's Ensemble For Music is wonderful; they are truly masters. I got this cd first, then Istanpitta (the first one) The first one has fewer tracks than this one, but it's still great.NY's Ensemble for Early music has created these 2 gems; of simply the best presentation of medieval music I've heard.Get the cds; I don't think you'll be disappointed."

Something distant and beautiful

Ed Luhrs | Long Island, NY USA | 08/29/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The music on this disc and the first disc comes from about seven hundred years ago. I like this second volume just slightly more than the original Istanpitta, because the selections flow well together. The harmonies of the wind instruments, the uncommonly beautiful character of the lutes and strings, and the excellent percussion playing all create a rich musical atmosphere into which you can delve from start to finish. You will be transported. You may even find yourself traveling to a Renaissance festival with this music as part of the musical accompaniment for your journey."