Search - Geoffrey Shaw, Manuscrit du Roi Anonymous, Marcabru :: Music Of The Crusades

If you are at all adventurous, try this one.

Bronwyn P. Noble | Madison, Wisconsin | 01/12/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Many people believe that pre-16th century means Gregorian chant (another favorite of mine) have yawned at the idea of what we call "Early Music," i.e., the music that was written in the Middle Ages and Renaissance. This is extraordinarily sad, the songs and music written there echo in the music written now. There is joy, whispers of solitude, sorrow, magic and indescribable beauty.



Mind you, I can't understand the words any better than any of you who are reading this review. But I understand the way the music moves in my mind. It's kind of like listening to a menage of Celtic, folk, classical and a multitude of other genres all at once. Voices and music intertwine in a way that they don't often in modern music. Sometimes I want to jump up and dance (and I do), and other times lie down and cry -- and I don't understand the words.



These songs were written in the period of the 2nd Crusade, a terrible time for both cultures that echoes even today when Americans are called "Crusader" -- the worst word that a Muslim can utter. But, even in times a utter horror -- then as now -- as those were both in Europe and the Middle East, there were always things of great beauty.



If you are at all adventurous, try this and some of the other early music Amazon sells.



Bronwyn"

Ancestral Voices

Sean William Menzies | 05/15/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Out of all the cd's I own, of music varying from opera to rock, this little disc is my absolute favorite. Music is the only real Time Machine we have and this one takes you instantly to the 12th and 13th centuries, and you can still bring your toothbrush and deodorant. This is literally the top hits of the day and the performances, as close to the original musical notation as possible, are extraordinary. David Munrow and crew have given us a tremendous gift.



When all else fails me, when I am discouraged by the times we live in now, I turn to this disc to transport me out of here. It may be unrealistic to believe the 12th was a fairytale era to live in, but like all ages, their music was filled with hope, longing and a yearning for happiness that transcends time and speaks to us even now."

This one'll get ya going.

matt | Scranton, PA | 05/18/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For early music people, this is another great compilation of stuff you just like to put on in the background while doing your daily routine. Good times."