This recording contains the Missa Puisque je vis, almost certainly by Dufay, and Compère’s Omnium bonorum plena, written in praise of the Virgin Mary, as well as motets by Dufay and other sources, all of which help colour our increasing awareness of the florid richness and emotional devotion of music before Baroque, till recently the starting point of most people’s awareness of the art.

Characteristics of Dufay are his intricate workmanship and the development of independent balance among the vocal parts that lead us naturally to the satisfying clarity which has itself given old music a strangely contemporary feel.

The Binchois Consort, under their founder Andrew Kirkman, has a special affinity with the music of Dufay, for it was to perform Dufay that the ensemble was initially founded. That first outing formed the basis of their continuing award-winning exploration on Hyperion of 15th-century music, in particular the worlds of French and English music during the so-called Burgundian period.

Diapason Découverte
‘There is no denying the beauty of the performances here. Kirkman’s group … pour forth a golden stream of polyphonic textures captured in close and careful sound’ - American Record Guide

‘As ever with this ensemble the singing is muscular and clean-cut, with Kirkman’s direction bringing out every detail’ - Early Music Review

‘Formed in 1995 The Binchois Consort have clocked up just six recordings, all devoted to the sophisticated world of fifteenth-century sacred polyphony. Their efforts have won widespread critical acclaim and their small but ground-breaking discography is now beginning to look like one of the most valuable jewels in Hyperion’s already fairly glittery crown. In the hands of The Binchois Consort this extraordinarily personal and deeply internal music resonates down the centuries with immense power’ - International Record Review

‘The poise and control of the performers is apparent everywhere’ - BBC Music Magazine

‘Un programme exceptionnel … que demander de plus ? La suite!’ - Diapason, France

‘The singing is uniformly excellent, characterized not only by purity of tone and clarity of lines, but by the rich and complex colors produced by the combined voices’ - ClassicsToday.com