Performers: Musicians of the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis
Director: Thomas Binkley
The Play of Robin and Marion originated in the last quarter of the thirteenth century and is probably the earliest pastourelle play to be written with a substantial musical component by a single composer. Adam de la Halle (1237-1286) forms through his compositions the climax of a development that began at the close of the eleventh century with William IX of Aquitain, the earliest troubadour whose works are represented in any manuscript. This live performance recording places the play within the context of the time. There is no clear beginning to the play—the audience enters the performance space, the singing of sacred music already in progress. The scenes of the play are separated by motets and polyphonic rondeaux performed with theatrical gesture, compositions related to the play and its composer. The original language—Old Picard—is used so that its sound and resultant poetry can be appreciated by the listener.
Tracks
- Pre-play music (including "Li joliz temps d'estey")
- Opening of play (Robins m'aime...)
- He! Robechon...
- Gautier, Baudon, estes vous la?
- Dites, Bergiere...
- Interlude
- Viaus sire
- Avoec tele compaignie...
- Stick Dance
- Di me dont voir
