Ensemble Anonymus — Le Mystère de l'Étoile

Discography | Critique | Anonymus on tour

NEW LIGHT ON OLD MUSIC

Since 1978, Ensemble Anonymus of Québec City, under the direction of Claude Bernatchez, has given joyous new life to the musical traditions of medieval Europe. Numerous shows, concerts and high-quality recordings testify to the artistic mastery attained by the group over the years, as well as the talent of the musicians who have contributed to the ensemble's success.

To take this vast repertory, with its pure, contrasting tones, and present it in contemporary terms requires musicians to balance respect for historic sources with the creative inspiration that fuels performance. From the beginning, Ensemble Anonymus has distinguished itself by its original way of exploring the theatrical settings and characters of medieval music. Conveying the musical authenticity of the period through the rustic simplicity of the common people, the refinement of the nobility and the austere solemnity of the clergy, the group has come to be recognized for the qualities that characterize its musical production : subtle atmospheres, stylistic rigour and remarkable creativity. This approach creates a bridge spanning the centuries between modern performers and their medieval counterparts and perpetuates the great and enduring musical heritage of the Middle Ages.

Over the years, Ensemble Anonymus has created many original theme-based programs, each touching on different aspects of secular and religious life in the Middle Ages. Concerts such as The World of Robin and Marion, Guillaume de Machaut, Musica Mundi, Inventio, Rue des jugleors, Adventus and Llibre Vermell have been produced frequently in concert halls and, in many cases, broadcast on national radio by the CBC. Shows like Le Mystère de l’Étoile, Li Jus de Robin et Marion and O Fortuna, blending medieval music and texts with theatrical art, have been applauded by the public and by critics both in North America and Europe.

The ensemble is regularly invited to perform in international festivals such as the Berkeley Early Music Festival in California, the Encuentro International de Musica Antigua in Mexico City and the Dieppe Early Music Festival in France. This recognition attests to the group's exceptional musical accomplishments and endlessly renewed artistic energy.

"With its simple, natural approach that is neither hermetic nor deliberately provocative, the Anonymus group offers a vision that is quietly effective."
Le Devoir, Montréal

DISCOGRAPHY

The World of Robin and Marion

Tempus Festorum

Rue des Jugleors

Llibre Vermell

Anonymus • Musique du Moyen Âge et de la Renaissance -

Anonymus • Musique Médiévale et Renaissante

CRITIQUE

"The art of Guillaume de Machaut surely lives on through Ensemble Anonymus, wich becomes an authentic mouthpiecefor his inspiration and poetry."
Guillaume de Machaut La Presse, 2000

"What one has to admire is the quartet’s absolute mastery of their instruments (each plays several), their ability to playand sing so ravishingly, all from memory, and above all their insightful revival and illumination of a precious repertoire."
Musica Mundi The Halifax Herald, 1999

"The group’s attention to authentic detail is evident in their style of playing (...) and perhaps more strikingly in theirvocalization…"
Musica Mundi The Telegram, St-John’s Nfld, 1999

"In short, the concert (…) was an education, a revelation, and an intriguing musical voyage back in time,"
La Rue des Jugleors The Shelter Island Reporter, 1996

"…Three joyful, spirited recordings, glowing with the colours of the outdoors…"
Rue des Jugleors, Llibre Vermell, A la Via! Revue Diapason, 1996

"…the arguments put forward to support the itinerary of the Llibre Vermeil, (…) make this a serious contender for theprize of best recorded version…"
Llibre Vermell (5 diapasons) Revue Diapason, 1996

"Among delights, readers should look for Llibre Vermell, an enchanting collection of lively Catalonian pilgrim songsand dances of 14th century Spain."
Llibre Vermell (CD) Magazine In Tune, 1995

"This new performance then, by Québec's Ensemble Anonymus, gets a welcome, though a seriously qualified one."
Llibre Vermell (CD) Continuo, New-York, 1995

"Without a doubt, this triple concert is a wonderful demonstration of flexibility."
La Rue des Jugleors Le Soleil, Québec, 1994

"Its five members gave a fascinating recital (…) In the troubadour song Souvent soupire, for example, the emotionalimpact was heightened by making the instrumental accompaniment increasingly rich with each verse,"
La Rue des Jugleors Ottawa Citizen, Ottawa, 1994

"In perfect control of their voices, instruments and gestures, the musician-singers go through a slow, dignifiedchoreography centred on Music."
O Fortuna Le Soleil, Québec, 1993

"The vocal performers produced an aura of purity and extraordinary refinement."
Noël, Paris, Notre-Dame The Gazette, Montréal, 1992

"What was admirable about the Ensemble Anonymus was its evident devotion to the music…"
O Fortuna The Toronto Star, 1992

"One of the best music groups to appear during the 17th Cervantino international festival."
El Siglo de Oro El Nacional, Mexique, 1989

"This was a historic performance of Li Jus de Robin et Marion, a perfect fusion of text, music, gesture andstaging…"
Li Jus de Robin et Marion La Presse, Montréal, 1986

"Anonymus’ performances are lively and brilliant…"
Li Jus de Robin et Marion New York Times, 1986

ANONYMUS ON TOUR

In prestigious festivals and series

Elsewhere on tour

Europe / USA / Canada 1996-2003

Canada 1995-2004

International 1985-2003

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