Cathedrals And Churches of Europe

Ensemble Laude Novella - Ce moys de may (1998) {Helikon HCD1031}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 331 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 160 Mb
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© 1998 Helikon Records | HCD 1031
Classical / Medieval / 14th and early 15th centuries

As Notherners, we may be surprised to hear of Mediterraneans praising the month of May as eagerly as we do ourselves. Gathering around our bonfires on the last day of April, singing Northern May songs in shivering cold as a final farewell to Winter, we rather expect May to be full summer in Rome, Avignon or Barcelona. However, already in the Middle Ages, from Occitan troubadours of the 12th century onwards, we find the month of May celebrated as the true Spring month - not least in the present selection of songs and instrumental music from the late 14th and early 15th centuries. (Guillaume Legrant seems to be alone here in mentioning April as the suitable time for gathering flowers, but even then, the purpose seems to be preparations for coming May festivities…).