Gothic Voices’ latest CD “A Laurel for Landini - 14th Century Italy’s Greatest Composer” places the famous “blind organist of San Lorenzo, Florence” Francesco Landini in the context of his contemporary composers, demonstrating him to be the supreme master of his art. Also on the disc are “Laude” - monophonic Italian religious songs - adapted from Landini’s compositions and providing an insight into the thin division in medieval times between spiritual and worldly life. For this CD Gothic Voices is joined once more by the renowned medieval harpist Andrew Lawrence-King.
Elizabeth Roche has written glowingly in the Daily Telegraph: “There could be no better introduction to the delights of late-medieval music…enjoyably intriguing…Gothic Voices make imaginative use of varied scorings, and their lively, expressive performances are first class.”
Mark Sealey of MusicWeb International says “This CD is a delight. It countains music which is focused; intimate without being breathily urgent; lightly melodious and shot through with clean, expressive singing…Gothic Voices have the gift of being able to bring such music to life so effortlessly…This is an exciting, profound and excellently executed CD.”
Robert Levett in International Record Review praises the “superbly blended Gothic Voices” for this “fine release…the performances capture Landini’s almost jazzy, syncopated rythms, lively counterpoint and melodic flourishes to perfection.”
Rebecca Tavener in Choir and Organ goes on to praise the group for “Taking intelligent and tasteful programming to even greater heights, Gothic Voices in “A Laurel for Landini” showcase the 14th century maestro in an ideal balance…exceptionally fine and virtuosic performance.”
The new CD is available from the AVIE website and there is also a new concert programme available, based on the contents of the new CD.
