Les Musiciens de Provence – Vol. 2

Published in 1974 on the prestigious French label Arion,

Les Musiciens de Provence – Vol. 2: Ancient Instruments is an essential reference of the discography dedicated to Middle Ages and Renaissance music. Thought both as a musical work and as a living work, this album illustrates the pioneering commitment of the ensemble The Musicians of Provence in the rediscovery and restitution of ancient repertoires from historical or faithfully reconstructed instruments.

The instrumental richness is at the heart of this recording: recorders with beaks and ferries, galloubet, torch, cromorne, psaltering, marine trumpet, old wheeled, mandore, harp, Provencal tambourine, ratchets, timbales, darbouka... Each stamp helps recreate the sound atmosphere of medieval and renaissant festivals, dances, processions and popular songs. The interpretation, rigorous but never frozen, favours rhythmic energy and melodic clarity, characteristic of the secular music of these periods.

The album is also distinguished by the editorial quality Arion, with an illustrated pouch inspired by ancient iconography and a long explanatory text on the back, very appreciated by enlightened collectors and amateurs. This record thus constitutes a valuable testimony of the rise of ancient music in France in the 1970s, alongside ensembles that have now become historical.

The object sought is original stereo vinyl will seduce medieval music enthusiasts, lovers of Provencal folklore and Arion press collectors, known for their artistic and sound requirements.

Titles – Face A: Middle Ages music

1. The real print (Anonymous XIII s.)
2. La pastourou e lou signour (Provencal Anonymous)
3. Pastourelle "To a jornee... (Moniot de Paris, 13th century)
4. Plang (Anonymous XIII s.)
5. Premium (Anonymous 14th century)
6. La fio dou ladre (Provencal Anonymous)
7. Sage hat (Anonymous 14th century)
8. They are fathers (Anonyme XIVe s.)
9. Song to the Virgin (Gautier de Coincy, 13th century)
10. Estampie and Ungaresca (Anonyms XIII and XIV)

Titles – Face B: Renaissance Music

11. Shepherd Dance (August Nörmiger)
12. Gay Branch (Pierre Attainant)
13. Christmas of Notre-Dame-des-Doms (Anonymes Avignonnais, 16th century)
14. Germany (Tylman Susato)
15. The four jerks (Tylman Susato)
16. The bergamasca
17. Burgundy Branch
18. Massatine Hercules Dance
19. Morisk