Music by Guillaume Du Fay (1397-1474)
Blue Heron’s first CD offers an entrancing selection of music by the greatest composer of the 15th century. The program includes three isorhythmic motets (Apostolo glorioso, Rite majorem Jacobum canamus, and Ecclesie militantis), the glorious, large-scale Sanctus “Papale” in its first recording in three decades, two hymns with alternatim plainchant verses, and a generous sampling of secular songs. While the disc is mostly devoted to the music of Du Fay, it also includes a song by Du Fay’s contemporary Hugo de Lantins (Mon doulx espoir), and a marvelous motet-chanson by his friend and colleague of the next generation, Johannes Ockeghem (Permanent vierge). The music was recorded in September 2006 at the Church of the Redeemer in Chestnut Hill and the CD was released in March 2007 on the Blue Heron label as BHCD 1001.
Clifford Bartlett, Early Music Review (UK) | April 2008
This disc shows off the mellifluous beauty of much of the music. It is somewhat laid-back, but not overly so. If I say that it is an ideal introduction to Dufay, I don't wish to discourage more experienced listeners. It's a good, unhackneyed program: buy it!
F. Weber, Fanfare | November/December 2007
The Want List 2007 [five favorite releases in 2007]
The Dufay disc would be worthy of inclusion even if it were not an outstanding debut of the ensemble and its label.
Craig Zeichner, Early Music America | Fall 2007
…glorious performances with incandescent singing … perfect blend and balance … a triumph…
Fabrice Fitch, Goldberg | August/September 2007
The most attractive aspect of this recital is its feeling of immediacy and freshness.… For me, the high points are the Sanctus Papale, for which it is very welcome to have such a confident and poised rendition; and some of the later songs, for example Malheureux cuer, que veux tu faire, and the cheeky Puisque vous estez campieur… More, please.
J. F. Weber, Fanfare | September/October 2007
This debut marks Blue Heron as a leading new actor in the field of early Renaissance music, both for studying the sources and bringing them to life.
Altogether, this is one of the finest Dufay collections to come out in recent years…
Charles E. Brewer, American Record Guide
September/October 2007
…clarity of texture and intonation … interesting and well performed … excellent recording …
