Medieval Dance Music

Medieval literature abounds with references to dancing, yet less than fifty dances are documented before 1400 A.D. and still survive today. Much of the music performed by medieval minstrels was improvised and often performed with a combination of instruments such as the oud (lute)and the rebec which were introduced to Europe by Arabs as early as the 8th century. By Drawing on tradition and reproduced using combinations of reconstructed medieval instruments and eastern instruments virtually unaltered since the middle ages, the aim of this album is to recreate the essence of medieval dance music and the exciting art of the medieval minstrel. Album Description

Not a SCAdian dance album

I've been studying and enjoying the bardic arts in the SCA for over 16 years. If your idea of medieval dance music is the stuff usually done in the SCA then you will hate this album.

do they use period instruments? yes.

But the songs themselves are neither pleasant to listen to nor match anything you're used to in the SCA.

There's no bransles, no pavanes, none of the stuff you're likely to hear at a dance practice or event.

The music is not especially festive or fun. It's not especially dancable for any form of dancing I know.

At best you might like these pieces as feast background music--or a formal concert of scholarly works.

It's not light, easy listening for the casual person.

The title of this album really doesn't match my scheme of what medieval music is nor dance music. It's definitely not for those in the SCA besides the music laurels.

The snippets really don't convey what the songs are like.

I'm very disappointed. April 24, 2007

I am quite happy with it...

I have been quite happy with my purchase of this CD. I am a fan of a lot of old European folk music and found this to be a delightful listening experience. The other fellow mentioned it had no liner notes... Perhaps he got an early pressing of the CD or something because mine has liner notes. They did not present a full detailed history of every song or anything, but then again it's an album of music not a musical history book!

They list all the performers, and all the instruments they play on the album as well as giving a little background info on Medieval music in general. For instance mentioning how few authentic songs exist from the period, even though dance music was known to be very widely played. It is quite possible that many/most of the composers are not even known. Half the Jazz, Blues, and folk standards writers are either disputed or unknown so how can we be fussy about not knowing who wrote a song 10 times as long ago! If you're that interested in the back story just google it and you'll have more to read than you'd ever want to anyway.

As for the music itself, as I mentioned: terrific. Everything is played wonderfully on authentic instruments by the Dufay Collective. They are widely recognized as being one of the preeminent early music groups in the world. They do a great job on this album, which supports that their reputation is deserved.

In summary: Great album for fans of Medieval European music. Great sound quality, and played very well. If you want a musical history lesson buy a book not an album!
February 3, 2007

Dorian has spoiled me

I've been listening to early music primarily from the Dorian label, and I think I've been spoiled. The melodies on this album are a good selection and nicely if not spectacularly performed, on what seem to be authentic instruments; but I'd like to know more about them. Who composed them? From when do they date, in what countries did they originate? What instruments do we hear on this disc?

We learn none of this. The disc has no liner notes or booklet: all that's supplied is a track list with titles, and the parenthesis "Robertsbridge Codex" on Track #5.

I'm a little disappointed. All in all, this CD isn't for real lovers of early music, but will serve well for driving to or from the Renaissance Faire -- or as background music in a Faire dealer's booth. August 15, 2004

Good Authentic Music

this is a good album that is very acurate to what real music of this period would have sounded like. If you like this type of music this album is for you. December 16, 2003

More reviews at Amazon.com ...