Search - Adam de la Halle, French Anonymous, Micrologus Ensemble :: Adam de la Halle: Le jeu de Robin et Marion

Brims with energy and charm

Sator | Sydney, Australia | 12/22/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Micrologus are a group specialising in Medieval Italian music with a remarkably sunny Italianate élan that sets them apart from the more severe approach of the Early Music movement in the North of Europe - especially England. In fact any recording by this marvellous group will be eagerly lapped up by the cognoscenti.



Le Jeu de Robin et Marion survives from manuscripts dating from the first half of the 14th century - including texts, music and visual images of the play. The work is attributed to Adam de Bossu (also know as Adam de la Halle) about whom little is known except that he was a contemporary of Robert II (1248 - 1302).



The story is that of the knight, Aubert who returns from a tournament and tries to seduce Marion, a shepherdess awaiting the return of her beloved Robin in the meadows. Marion rejects Aubert who then turns on Robin when he shows up. Robin and his friends eventually rescue Marion after she is abducted by Aubert and the work ends with a peasant feast.



The performance here brims with energy and the delight of discovery. This is wonderfully characterful and charming music making that deserves to be heard by a far wider audience. As you would expect from the wonderful boutique recording label, Zig Zag Territoires, the cover design is a lavish affair with superb liner notes and sound quality a cut above those issued by the major record labels.



Highly recommended."