Mstation.org



Mstation Classical Reviews


Valid RSS pre Dec 04 reviews are here

Sat, 02 Sep 2006

Bella Donna: Courtly Love

various, Bella Donna: The medieval woman: 
Lover, Poet, Patroness and Saint
Mara Kiek
Sinfonye
Stevie Wishart
LP, Helios

Eleanor of Aquitane ruled from Poitiers in the early 12th century and it is perhaps no too surprising that female troubadors might have been given a shot at this court. This collection of songs comes from manuscripts in the Peirpont Morgan library in NYC and from the Bibliotheque Nationale in Paris.

It's a nice collection too and Mara Kiek has a appropriately variable voice that sometimes has an edge and is otherwise smooth as a silk pillow. There are tales of absent crusaders and unfaithful lovers and powerful love. In the background are an array of period instruments.

And now for some wild boar and a bucket of burgundy. (Baron K)

[] permanent link