The unknown lover

Gothic Voices presents the first recording of the complete works of Solage.

Solage was the leading composer of the ars subtilior in late 14th century France and yet one about whom virtually nothing is known - not even his first name.

The title, The Unknown Lover, reflects the composer’s anonymity, together with the fact that all twelve of Solage’s songs are love songs. They are perfectly paired with the seven ars nova style songs by his earlier French contemporary Guillaume de Machaut, which provide a welcome contrast and variety of texture to the richness and complexity of Solage’s output. The extremes of Solage’s rhythmic and chromatic experimentation, as in Fumeux fume par fumee, are some of the most challenging that Gothic Voices has ever encountered, making full use of the singers’ considerable experience and expertise.