This collection of dances from the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries is a reissue of the group’s very first recording, made in 1991. The music itself is reconstructed mostly out of informed conjecture, as there is practically no written evidence as to how the music sounded, except for a number of fragmentary melody lines with little to no indication as to rhythm or tempo or instrumentation.

Despite all of the unknowns, this collection is a trove of delights, splendid in its energetic vitality. What a creative group of musicians this is to be able to so convincingly reconstruct music about which so little is known. The key word here is variety, as a long sequence of pieces based on the same dance form (the estampie in this case) could quickly get monotonous. Yet, the Dufay Collective have managed to vary tempi, instrumentation and mood to give us an hour of delights.

I would venture that this is as good a place as any for the novice listener to delve into medieval music. I can’t imagine any listener being disappointed in this infectious and delightful program."

Kevin Sutton