Shropshire Star - 19 Feb 2008

Audience enjoyed musical journey

Dufay Collective

At the Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury

The authentically attired Dufay Collective entranced, entertained and informed the audience on Friday.

After an explosive opening, which saw the quartet process through the Adam ballroom, the capacity audience was taken on a tour of medieval song and dance across Europe.

Two French songs of courtly love, Amors m'art and Tant es gaya, were introduced with the reminder that, in 13th century France, unrequited love was considered the purest form of love and the suggestion that this may explain why the French have the reputation of being excellent lovers.

Returning from the interval, the ensemble romped through the heady Dansa: Eno pouco, a Spanish piece from the 13th century, the perfect lead-in to a second half which took us through Italy and Spain before concluding with the thunderous Salterello, when the audience had to be held back from taking to the floor.

The musicians demonstrated tremendous versatility, moving from the harp, to the "shawm", bagpipes, recorder and percussion. Explanations were delivered in a witty manner, making what threatens to be a rather esoteric subject relevant and vibrant.

The next Shropshire Music Trust event is a performance by the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group at Concord College, Acton Burnell, on Saturday.

Emily Williams

Last Updated : 30/03/2008