Thys Yool is a four-part programme of medieval music in which four images central to the Christmas story are brought together. Beginning with a sometimes melancholy picture of earth-bound humanity (Winter and Wassail), the record moves through nativity songs (A Child is Born) towards the point at which Christian and pagan traditions come together in an adoration of the Virgin which is often expressed in the passionate language of the courtly lover. A sense of human perceptions being profoundly altered by the events of Christmas is evoked in Mary’s Son, Goodwill on Earth and a French 12th-century conductus touches on the theme of Rebirth.

Contents:

Sing today of Joy
1.Personent Hodie

Winter and Wassail
2. Judas and Wenceslas
3. Hyer Matin
4. Miri it is while sumer ilast
5. Man mei longe lives weene
6. Thys Yool
7. Tapster, drynker
8. Ja pour hyver

A Child is Born
9. Gabriel from Heven-King
10. Song of the Nuns of Chester
11. Hail Mary full of grace
12. As I lay on Yoolis Night
13. Edi be thu
14. Perperit Virgo

Mary Mother, Queen of Heaven
15. O Virgo Splendens
16. Loor de Santa Maria
17. Polorum Regina
18. Mariam Matrem

Mary’s Son, Goodwill on Earth
19. I pray you all
20. Ther is no rose
21. Caligo Terrae Scinditur
22. Princeps Pacis

Rebirth
23. Mors vitae Propitia