Diskantores & Niels Berentsen - Hollandse Fragmenten [Early Dutch Polyphony] (2021) [Hi-Res]

The Diskantores ensemble, made up of four solid and cheerful musicians (two countertenors and two tenors), is here exploiting real polyphonic treasures from the Dutch Middle Ages, fragments of manuscripts kept in public libraries in Amsterdam, Leiden and Utrecht. Their provenance is uncertain, although the texts set to music are all in Dutch. These manuscripts have been damaged, mutilated and reused over the years, but the gaps in the manuscripts and some missing parts have been digitally reconstructed.

These "Dutch Fragments" (Hollandse fragmenten) are touching by the clarity of their lines and by their history, which came close to complete destruction. These snippets of art and knowledge are multifaceted: pieces of a liturgical nature mingle with secular songs at a time when religion took precedence over everything else.

In this austere and superb recording, the vocal pieces alternate with organ pieces from the Groningen tablature and the Codex Faenza, with an exceptional presence. The raspy and frank tones of the Van Straten organ in the Orgelpark in Amsterdam, a precious reconstruction of a 15th century Dutch instrument, further enhance the special atmosphere of this wonderfully timeless album. © François Hudry/Qobuz