Ch’amor mi prese: Medieval Love Songs Reimagined
By Ralph Graves
This release focuses on a specific time and a specific theme. And it’s an album of great variety and beauty. The time is the turn of the 14th Century, when a new style of music, Ars Nova arose. And the theme is love.
InTactvs presents some delicate, yet intense performances. Their instruments, viella, cirla, oud, and recorders, have soft, warm sounds. But their performances deliver the rich emotional weight of the music.
There are songs of longing, of separation, reunion, and the simple joy of love. All are performed convincingly. So much so, that no translation is necessary.
Simone Gatto sings with clear, honeyed tones. She rarely uses vibrato, in keeping with authentic performance practices. Her singing evokes emotion. And she’s especially adept at the unusual syncopations that frequent this music.
The music is mostly from anonymous composers. Francesco Landini has one selection, and music by Matteo da Perugia begins and ends the album. I didn’t receive a booklet with my review copy. I’m not 100% sure. But it sounds like the three Ars Nova formes fixes are well represented — rondeau, ballade, virelai. And there’s a nice balance of sung pieces and instrumental works.
If early music is your thing, this is a fine album to add to your collection. But even if you’re not, this music is both calming and engaging. It takes you to a time and place far away. And it’s music that can easily be enjoyed with modern ears.
Ch’amor mi prese: Sacred and secular love in Medieval Italy
InVactvx; Simona Gatto, voice
Tactus TC 300005
