This week’s Continuum features music by the 14th century French composer Guillaume de Machaut, known as the last great poet who was also a composer. His music for the Mass of Notre Dame represents the first known medieval Mass by a known composer.
Machaut also composed in a wide range of styles and forms. He is a part of the musical movement known as the "ars nova". Besides his music for the Mass of Notre Dame, excerpts of which are heard on this program, quite a few of his love songs will also be played.
Recordings used are: - Guillaume de Machaut - Messe de Notre Dame (Hilliard Ensemble) - Hyperion CDA66358, The Mirror of Narcissus (Gothic Voices) - Hyperion CDA 66087, Remede de Fortune (Ensemble P.A.N.) - New Albion NA068CD, and The Art of Courtly Love (Early Music Consort of London) - Veritas 7243 5 61285 2 1.