Well, this disc scored points with me within the first two seconds of the first track–a lively instrumental version of my favorite tune from the Cantigas de Santa Maria–and this sets the stage for a program centered around “medieval songs of travel”. Most of the tunes, in the form of both songs and dances, are associated with the once-common and well-traveled pilgrimage routes that crossed Europe and led thousands of men and women–peasants, knights, monks, artisans, noblemen, nuns, etc.–to mingle, share stories, and sing and dance together during journeys that could last weeks, months, or even years. The Toronto Consort has chosen music from various manuscripts and together the selections reflect the different purposes (crusades, moral or religious instruction, recounting of miracles, saying goodbye to country and loved ones, drinking, and dancing) and destinations (Holy Land, Spain) for which the songs were composed.
While the songs are all monophonic, these musicians keep with the usual practice of adding their own practical and historically appropriate instrumental accompaniments–no one wrote these kinds of things down back in the 12th century, just as folk musicians of subsequent eras preferred the informality and spontaneity of using whatever was available. Lute, bouzouki, ud, recorder, vielle, rebec, and percussion appear in various combinations, either in purely instrumental groups or with a voice or voices. All of the players and singers are experienced and technically accomplished early music specialists and they really know how to make these tunes come alive. Katherine Hill’s gentle, expressive soprano is perfect for her two solos and, in an unusual reversal, Laura Pudwell is the only mezzo I’ve ever heard whose voice sounds more like a countertenor–a really good countertenor. Together, the medieval instruments, distinctive voices, and spirited arrangements combine with clear, realistic sound that highlights the multi-colored timbres, snappy rhythms, and catchy melodies–an excellent representative program that, while it doesn’t cover any new ground, reminds us that a well-traveled road doesn’t have to be boring.
