Impressive overview of mid-Renaissance musical genres
Eddie Konczal | 07/28/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If anyone makes a movie about the life of Habsburg Princess Margaret of Austria (1480-1530), they won't have to look far for a soundtrack - here it is. "Dulcis Melancholia" is a diverse compilation of Franco-Flemish music of the late 15th and early 16th century, covering the years Margaret lived and featuring several songs based on her poetry. The list of composers reads like a "who's who" of Renaissance masters: Josquin Desprez, Antoine Brumel, Pierre de la Rue, Heinrich Isaac, and Jacob Obrecht. Instrumental works by Luis Milan and other composers offer a change of pace from the polyphonic compositions. It's all performed by the Capilla Flamenca, a Dutch consort who navigate the various styles with panache.
The title, Dulcis Melancholia ("sweet melancholy") refers to the bittersweet life of Margaret, who experienced many trials and tribulations throughout her turbulent life. The songs are divided into four sections, each corresponding to an era in Margaret's life. The earlier works feature lively and lush instrumentation, signifying Margaret's eventful youth. As the record progresses, a capella numbers and solo instrumental pieces predominate, the sparse instrumentation underscoring the tragic events of Margaret's life: her rejection by the Dauphin of France, the death of her two husbands, and her own premature death.
Capilla Flamenca expertly segues between instrumentals, a capella works, and songs with both vocals and instrumentation. The varied arrangements evoke the spirit of Renaissance music, which was often composed "for any instruments available." The frequent juxtaposition of voices with instruments will no doubt stoke the Renaissance performance practice debate. Personally, I enjoy the mix of tone colors, which creates texture and enhances diversity.
Some selections are bound to tweak purists. The Milan songs, included to represent Margaret's marriage to a Spanish prince, were not published until after her death. Josquin's "Pluz Nulz Regrets" begins as a solo lute performance, with the vocals entering nearly four minutes into the song. Arguably anachronistic, the arrangement is nonetheless impressive.
With "Dulcis Melancholia," Capilla Flamenca has captured not only the life and times of Margaret, but the spirit of the Renaissance as well. This recording is an excellent starting point for anyone looking for an overview of mid-Renaissance musical genres."
