100 Years’ War Archive

“Music for the 100 Years’ War” = The Binchois Consort / Andrew Kirkman (cond.) – Hyperion Records

by Audiophile Audition | May 17, 2017 | Classical CD Reviews

“Music for the 100 Years’ War” = The Binchois Consort, Andrew Kirkman (conductor) – Hyperion Records  CD A68170, 76:25 (3/31/17) **** A lovely disc brings the music of the 15th century alive A fascinating theme for a CD,  with music of predominantly royal association spanning the reign of Henry V, the Battle of Agincourt and its aftermath, and the coronations in England and France of the boy king Henry VI. Probably the best known works on the disc are the works of John Dunstaple (1390-1453), one of the most interesting and influential of 15th century composers. He was a true renaissance man, with interests in astronomy, mathematics and medicine. Many of the other works are anonymous, and a few other composers of the period are represented. The performances by this small ensemble, The Binchois Consort under Andrew Kirkman are fine performers and brings this music vividly alive. The recording is realistic without being too finely etched. The voices emerge from the lovely  acoustics of the Ascot Priory in Berkshire, England, blending nicely so that we get a sense of space but without close microphone positions that would destroy the ambiance. A word about the booklet that comes with the disc. It’s […]