The Liberation of the Gothic: Florid polyphony by Thomas Ashwell and John Browne - Graindelavoix, Björn Schmelzer
Quarterly Critics' Choice 1.2019 - German Record Critics' Award. With considerable expertise and creativity, the ensemble Graindelavoix has revived the vocal polyphony of the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance in a way that is both surprising and deeply touching. By making the connection to the traditional singing practices of the Mediterranean region - in retrospect an obvious link - in which individual singers are given appropriate freedom in tone colour and ornamentation, these musicians find a new and rare depth and impact with this repertoire. The fearlessness and musicianship of the singers and their conductor Björn Schmelzer produce results that can be compared to those of the historically informed performance practice movement in the instrumental world. (For the jury: Helmut Mauró)