Dive into the rich tapestry of medieval music with Anonymous' captivating album, "The Feast of Fools." Released on January 1, 1992, under Decca Music Group Ltd., this collection offers a unique blend of medieval, Swedish ballads, and chamber music, spanning a total of 1 hour and 14 minutes. The album is a meticulous curation of traditional and lesser-known pieces, providing a comprehensive exploration of the musical heritage of the Middle Ages.
"The Feast of Fools" is not just a compilation of tracks but a journey through the rituals and celebrations of medieval times. The album opens with the First Vespers, featuring tracks like "Lux Hodie" and "Orientis partibus," setting the stage for a musical narrative that unfolds with the "Drinking Bout in the Cathedral Porch" and the "Mass of the Asses, Drunkards and Gamblers." Each section of the album is a chapter in this historical saga, offering insights into the customs and festivities of the era.
Anonymous' rendition of these pieces is both authentic and innovative, bringing to life the spirit of medieval music with a fresh perspective. The album's standout tracks, such as "Kyrie Asini" and "Sequentia: Vinum Bonum," showcase the ensemble's ability to capture the essence of the period while adding their own unique touch. The "Second Vespers" and "The Ceremony of the Baculus" further enrich the listening experience, culminating in the grand finale of "The Banquet" and the "Processional."
Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast of medieval music or a curious newcomer, "The Feast of Fools" offers a rich and rewarding experience. Anonymous' dedication to preserving and reinterpreting these historical pieces makes this album a valuable addition to any music lover's collection. Immerse yourself in the sounds of the past and discover the timeless beauty of medieval music with "The Feast of Fools."
The Feast of Fools / First vespers: Lux HodieAnonymous, New London Consort, Philip Pickett
The Feast of Fools / First vespers: Orientis partibusAnonymous, New London Consort, Philip Pickett
The Feast of Fools / First vespers: Veni doctor previeAnonymous, New London Consort, Philip Pickett
The Feast of Fools / First vespers: Hec est clara diesAnonymous, New London Consort, Philip Pickett
The Feast of Fools / Music from the Office: Festa JanuariaAnonymous, New London Consort, Philip Pickett
The Feast of Fools / Music from the Office: Verbum patris humanaturAnonymous, New London Consort, Philip Pickett
The Feast of Fools / Music from the Office: Salvatoris hodieAnonymous, New London Consort, Philip Pickett
The Feast of Fools / The Drinking Bout in the Cathedral Porch: Kalendas IanuarisAnonymous, New London Consort, Philip Pickett
The Feast of Fools / Mass of the Asses, Drunkards and Gamblers: Dies festa coliturAnonymous, New London Consort, Philip Pickett
Kyrie AsiniAnonymous, New London Consort, Philip Pickett
The Feast of Fools / Mass of the Asses, Drunkards and Gamblers: Lux optata claruitAnonymous, New London Consort, Philip Pickett
The Feast of Fools / Mass of the Asses, Drunkards and Gamblers: Gambler's Prayer - MaledictionAnonymous, New London Consort, Philip Pickett
The Feast of Fools / Mass of the Asses, Drunkards and Gamblers: Orientis partibus (Conductus Subdiaconi ad Epistolum)Anonymous, New London Consort, Philip Pickett
The Feast of Fools / Mass of the Asses, Drunkards and Gamblers: Gradual BachiAnonymous, New London Consort, Philip Pickett
The Feast of Fools / Mass of the Asses, Drunkards and Gamblers: Sequentia: Vinum BonumAnonymous, New London Consort, Philip Pickett
The Feast of Fools / Mass of the Asses, Drunkards and Gamblers: Quantas BachiAnonymous, New London Consort, Philip Pickett
The Feast of Fools / Mass of the Asses, Drunkards and Gamblers: Hunc diem - Ite missa est - Deo gratiasAnonymous, New London Consort, Philip Pickett
The Feast of Fools / Mass of the Asses, Drunkards and Gamblers: Tityri tu patuleAnonymous, New London Consort, Philip Pickett
Hac In Die SalutariAnonymous, New London Consort, Philip Pickett
The Feast of Fools / Music from the Office (2): Procedenti pueroAnonymous, New London Consort, Philip Pickett
The Feast of Fools / Music from the Office (2): Notem fecit DominusAnonymous, New London Consort, Philip Pickett
Verbum Patris HodieAnonymous, New London Consort, Philip Pickett
The Feast of Fools / Second Vespers- The Ceremony of the Baculus: Deus in adjutorumAnonymous, New London Consort, Philip Pickett
The Feast of Fools / Second Vespers- The Ceremony of the Baculus: MagnificatAnonymous, New London Consort, Philip Pickett
The Feast of Fools / Second Vespers- The Ceremony of the Baculus: Anni novi novitasAnonymous, New London Consort, Philip Pickett
The Feast of Fools / Second Vespers- The Ceremony of the Baculus: Baculi sollempniaAnonymous, New London Consort, Philip Pickett
The Feast of Fools / Second Vespers- The Ceremony of the Baculus: Gregis Pastor TityrusAnonymous, New London Consort, Philip Pickett
The Feast of Fools / Second Vespers- The Ceremony of the Baculus: Tityri tu Patule (Conductus ad Poculum)Anonymous, New London Consort, Philip Pickett
The Feast of Fools / The Banquet: Novus annus dies magnusAnonymous, New London Consort, Philip Pickett
The Feast of Fools / The Banquet: Hac in anni januaAnonymous, New London Consort, Philip Pickett
The Feast of Fools / Processional: Verbum CaroAnonymous, New London Consort, Philip Pickett