Was Le Jeu de Robin et Marion the first musical in history? This captivating 13th-century romcom featuring a shepherdess, her lover and an insistent knight is certainly a milestone in music history. Adam de la Halle wrote the work around 1285 for Charles of Anjou’s court in Naples, where it went down an absolute storm. The ingredients are historical, but the story is perfect for our time: amorous drama, a touch of humour, sparks that fly… and a happy ending! The soundtrack to this ‘pastourelle’ mixes folk melodies with refined polyphony in a stroke of genius that allowed the composer to bridge the gap between the Middle Ages and Renaissance. It earned him the nickname ‘the last great trouvère’. The piece will be performed by Ensemble Micrologus, which has set the standard for mediaeval music theatre for decades. With authentic instruments such as a bombard, vielle and bagpipes, this classic piece promises to sparkle as it did when it was new!
Performers
Enea Sorini, Andres Montilla, Vincent Chomienne, vocals | Patrizia Bovi, vocals, harp & trumpet | Gabriele Russo, vielle & trumpet | Goffredo Degli Esposti, bombarde, flute, drum, transverse flute, double flute & bagpipes | Matteo Nardella, bagpipes | Leah Stuttard, harp