Istanpitta

Istanpitta:
Danses florentines du Trecento
Adami
(Alpha 510)

The virtuoso musicians who played estampies could be described asthe jazzmen of the Middle Ages. A string player or two, joined by a cittern orlute, a couple of flutes, and a good percussionist, would start out with a melody that one of the musicians had learned from a friend in the next town. Each instrumentalist then played a solo verse in his own style, then was joined by the others for a refrain. And as they go on, the music gets wilder and more complex, making for a glorious fusion of sound.

While the correct interpretation of these highly rhythmic ensemble pieces will continue to be debated by scholars, this is clear: estampies demanded both skill and stamina from performers. And the musicians brought together by director Henri Agnel for Istanpitta are well up to the task.

The nine pieces on the CD come froma 14th-century Florentine manuscript, although many, famous works such as "Lamento de Tristano" and "Chanconetta Tedescha" exist in other sources. What makes this recording stand-out is Agnel's decision to emphasize both the Middle Eastern flavor and improvisational nature of the music.

Agnel is a strong advocate of reinterpretation of Early Music. So am I, as long as it is well done and shows a sensitivity to the music's traditional roots. Yet this is one of those rare recordings wherethe listener also becomes aware of the individual personalities of the musicians, where the line becomes blurred between composer and performer.

Here, the instruments reflect a dazzling ethnic mix: a five-stringed medieval violin, Indian bamboo flutes, Iranian zarbs, ouds, and others. All the musicians are superb and, according to Agnel, worked minimally with scores. Verses were improvised in alteration, singly, andas duets, wherever the fancy took them.
The result can only be described as sensual music, multi-dimensional and expressive. One hears the strains of Eastern influences but also classical and even, yes, jazz.

I have listened to the CD almost constantly since getting it, and it keeps surprising me with small moments: a gorgeous phrase, or a bit of whimsy, that makes me think the performers must have had a good time during the recording session.

— Mary Dalton