FORTUNE'S WHEEL AT ST. PHILIP'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, MARCH 6, 2003

   The Mississippi Academy of Ancient Music presented the Medieval performing
group Fortune’s Wheel in a concert entitled Pastourelle-The Springtime Art
of Machaut and the Trouveres.  The performers were Lydia Heather Knutson 
(soprano), Eric Mentzel (tenor), Shira Kammen (vielle, harp, voice) and
Robert Mealy (vielle, harp, voice).  

   The first song on the program was "Desouz l’olive" by an anonymous
composer sung by both principal singers accompanied by two vielles. This
piece featured some choreographical movement and gestures between the
singers and instrumentalists, and a relaxing, "folksy" feeling. Another
anonymous composition in the first group of songs, "Volez-vous que je
mous chant", had a somewhat rhapsodic accompaniment on the vielle and
harp to the story-telling soprano part.

   The second group of pieces included two rondeaus by the famous trouvere
Adam de la Halle. In "Lis dous regars" the singers demonstrated a nice
blending of voices in a three-voice polyphonic composition having tight
intervals. In "Tant con je vivrai" the mood was subtly mournful. The final
piece in this group, "Doucement mi reconforte", was a motet by an anonymous
composer which featured a complex rhythmic structure.

   In the third group of pieces "Je muir" by Adam was a hauntingly beautiful
three-voice rondeau. This was followed by "Lai de la Pastourelle", an
instrumental piece for harp and vielle which displayed the improvisational
skills of the performers. "Bele doette", an anonymous chanson, was an
incredibly powerful example of Lydia Knutson’s soprano voice and her vocal
skills - a truly moving and enchanting moment!

   Following intermission the program’s second half featured songs and
instrumental pieces by Guillaume de Machaut. "Je vivroie liement" was a
monophonic virelai which showcased the lyrical qualities of Eric Mentzel’s
tenor voice. Also outstanding in this group was "De Fortune", an intriguing
three-part ballade with a rhapsodic rhythm characteristic of many of
Machaut’s compositions.

   This was another in a string of superb performances presented by MA'AM
during the past few years. Many thanks are due to the hard work, vision and
direction of the president of MA'AM, Richard McGinnis, and to the support
given by many in the community who appreciate the highest quality in early
music performance. Keep up the good work!
                                                          - Frank T. Laney