Gilles Binchois / Johannes Ockeghem
A recording programme around G. Binchois and J. Ockeghem: the story of a Burgundian master and his Flemish pupil.
(the album entitled “Quinze” has received numerous distinctions)
Of the 15th century, as far as secular music is concerned, we are left with essentially precious manuscripts but no instruments, save those carried by the angels. This material, carefully illuminated by learned quills, tenuous and fascinating, has fascinated scholars for ages.
The gamble of Comet Musicke, drawing on the most recent research, is to recover the instrumental colours of that lost world, of which we have kept many reflections beyond musical notation: the lyricism of poetic language, sometimes tinged with humour, the dazzling chronicles of the Court of Burgundy, the reconstruction and magnificence of the Kingdom of France, the power of colours and forms of a Van Eyck or a Bourdichon…
Combining fifteen vocal and instrumental timbres endlessly, like a musical kaleidoscope, we wanted to give a colourful and opulent interpretation of these polyphonies with their bewitching harmony. We have read in these works the joy, intimacy and melancholy of love, but never found austerity there. Even when Johannes Ockeghem pays tribute to Gilles de Bins “Father of Joyousness”, then Josquin to Ockeghem, “Treasurer of Music”, tenderness prevails and the tomb is doubled with an artistic manifesto.
Performers
Francisco Mañalich – tenor, vielle & renaissance viol
Marie Favier – mezzo-soprano
Aude-Marie Piloz – renaissance viol & vielle
Sarah Lefeuvre – soprano & recorders
Daniela Maltrain – viola da gamba
Cyrille Métivier – cornett & recorder
Camille Rancière – vielle
François Joron – baritone
Erwan Picquet – bass