Cantilena Antiqua - Aines: Mistero provenzale medioevale (2020)

The story of St Agnes, told in Provencal dialect, is sung to contrafacta, which make use of the music of named Troubadour songs as well as a few chant melodies - sometimes aptly chosen, as, for example, the Asperges me, which accompanies the sacramental cleansing of the harlots taking their leave of the brothel. The actual names of the tunes are indicated in the Latin rubrics of the manuscript source. The fact that the rubrics are in Latin suggests performance by members of the clergy. In the absence (to my knowledge) of any indication of ownership or provenance, it is tempting to wonder whether any members of the Papal court at Avignon might have mingled with the original audience. No attempt is made, however, to replace the play in anything approaching an original context.
Under the skilful direction of Stefano Albarello, Cantilena Antiqua has succeeded in producing a dramatic performance of quite extraordinary cohesion and beauty. Albarello himself makes the performance: not only has he edited the music; he plays the lute in the ensemble and claims responsibility for the staging of the whole production. He also sings a leading role in it, that of the young man seeking the hand of Agnes, who dies and is resuscitated through her prayers. His light countertenor voice stands out from the others as well.'