Björn Schmelzer and Graindelavoix have recently embarked on a startling and radical new stage in their career which involves a collaboration with Rosas, the ensemble of choreographer Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker, and which unites the music of the late 14th century Ars subtilior and contemporary dance.

In July 2011 the world première of the production 'Cesena' took place at Avignon in the medieval Cour d’honneur of the Palais des Papes (the performance commencing at 4.30am!), and Graindelavoix has recorded since then a “soundtrack” album for release on Glossa.

The two ensembles are now performing across Europe and beyond, in a tour which is scheduled to continue until 2014. The contents of the album mirror the production on stage, and draw on the almost abstract structures, with their complex and fascinating contrapuntal relations, of this early polyphony, much of it deriving from the Codex Chantilly. Through the performances with Rosas, Schmelzer is hoping to gain new insights into performing this repertoire.

Contents:
1. Pictagore per dogmata / O terra sancta / Rosa vernans caritatis
Anonymous (Codex Chantilly Ms 564)

2. Espoir dont tu m’a fayt partir
Philipoctus de Caserta (Codex Chantilly Ms 564)

3. Corps femenin
Solage (Codex Chantilly Ms 564)

4. Fumeux fume par fumée
Solage (Codex Chantilly Ms 564)

5. Par les bons Gedeon et Sanson
Philipoctus de Caserta (Codex Chantilly Ms 564)

6. Inter densas / Imbribuis irriguis
Anonymous (Codex Chantilly Ms 564)

7. Science n’a nul annemi
Matheus de Sancto Johanne (Codex Chantilly Ms 564)

8. En attendant d’amer
Johannes Galiot (Codex Chantilly Ms 564)

9. Le ray au soleyl
Johannes Ciconia (Codex Mancini, Lucca Ms 184)

10. Fuions de ci
Jacob Senleches (Codex Chantilly Ms 564)

11. Cujes li me Majko
Anonymous, traditional

12. Hodie puer nascitur / Homo mortalis firmiter
Jean Hanelle (Codex Torino J.II.9)

13. Adieu vous di
Anonymous (Codex Chantilly Ms 564)