Enduring Poetry
10/01/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The first time I heard Remede de fortune, I had no idea what it was. I'm so glad I took the time to listen. The title means Remedy of Fortune and the songs tell the story of a bard in love with a beautiful woman of high standing. It's ages old, but the poetry still applies today, as it concerns love, longing, hope, and finally the realization of a dream of passion. It's written in French, but comes with English translation. The medieval music is every bit as enchanting as the lyrics. I especially enjoy the music on account of its stylistic variety: ballad, chant, instrumental, female and male vocals. Haunting, plaintive, and celebratory, the artist's musical and lyrical subjects and styles change at the will of his mood. He believes that one must compose under the dictates of present emotion to be true to oneself and one's art. Definitely a worthwhile buy which incorporates history, great literature, enduring themes, and captivating music."
Music for the Ages
Michael Paull | lawrence, kansas United States | 07/20/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As a couple of the other reviews already stated, this music comes from one larger poetic work, is secular in style, and shows a great variety in the use of different forms (i.e., Rondeau, Ballade, etc.). It is a highlight among many in the Machaut canon, and demonstrates a great deal of this brilliant Medieval composer's creative range. The fact that he was as much a gifted poet as musician is really amazing, and there are many works by him on other CD's that demonstrate his musical/lyrical talents as well. I've heard that he was also a keen illustrator in his day. There's so much more I could say about this amazing figure, but I will keep things brief for the sake of providing a concise review here. Suffice to say, he is for me, the first major composer after Hildegard von Bingen to create works of such power that one could mention him in the same breath as Josquin, Byrd, Monteverdi, and all the later greats.
The thing I really most want to say about this particular recording, is that the best tracks on it (esp. the Danse Ballade which segue's into the sublime "Dame a vous"), sound as fresh and interesting-and SOULFUL-today as they must have back in the 1300's. Even a listener who might not otherwise have a taste for music of this era, will find in these works (and the wonderful performances that bring them so beautifully to life), a new appreciation for what a truly brilliant and inspired musical mind such as Machaut's could do with those archaic modes and angular rhythms and harmonies-all the way back in the 14th century!
A couple of cuts are particularly long and slow, but very moving if listened to with patience, and of course there are a number of tracks that are immediately accessible, and will charm and seduce the ear from the very first note with their easy grace, and incredibly striking themes. If you've never before bought a CD that features music from before the time of William Byrd and Palestrina, then this would be an awesome place to start."
Impassioned Machaut performances
C. Dalton | The New World | 01/28/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The title of the disc is somewhat of a misnomer -- not all of the pieces here are from the Remede de Fortune, but this is no complaint. All of these are performed with instrumental accompaniment (lute, vielle, symphonia, harp), which works especially well for the solo songs (I'll admit I can't listen to solo voice a capella for very long!). All the vocal performances are extremely good, ranging from sweet to visceral, even (to risk being labeled a ponce) bluesy. Just listen to "Tels rit au main qui au soir pleure", you'll see what I mean."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1
