After a couple of weeks of listening, we are entering our first sign post. I am not sure how to engage this music in a meaningful way.
Most of the chant just rolls around anonymously in my head, and it's only through the instruments that distinctions arise. I have recognized a few notes here and there, but that is hardly an acceptance of the music.
That said, the Machaut has been surprisingly engrossing. I think I'm going to spend the final week of the middle ages listening to that. The Messe de Notre Dame is pretty sweet, but some of the other stuff is fantastic as well. Since returning home tonight I've been listening to Les Motets and have been generally enchanted. My cats don't care for the random percussive elements of it, but alas.
When I put Machaut into Spotify, Christobal de Morales came up as well. His Missa Pro Defunctis is pretty sweet. Haven't looked to see if it's on our list, but I may do a little independent research (beyond Wiki).
It's been an interesting start to the Journey. I was admittedly dreading the Middle Ages. But to my surprise I really enjoyed it...for the first week. And then it began to wear on me.
ReplyDeleteMy favorites have been the Play of Daniel (I would definitely catch this live if I could) and the Perotin.
On Bread's rec - I'll give Messe de Notre Dame a new listen as well as check out Christobal de Morales.
Listening to Christobal de Morales' Missa Pro Defunctis right now. Pretty amazing!
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