Adam Bałdych – ‘Laeta Mundus’

The Revisions series presented by the Anaklasis label presents music by outstanding composers, artists who emphasise experimentation, transgression, and subversion. The latest project “Laeta Mundus” is another intriguing meeting of artistic worlds, juxtaposing jazz, contemporary music and historical repertoire from the Middle Ages.

It began with the Kras52 collection in the Krasiński Library, one of the most important Polish sources of medieval polyphonic music. Pieces from the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance found there became the starting point and inspiration for the project.

The main actors this time are international stars. Adam Bałdych [compositions, renaissance violin] is one of the best-known figures in Polish jazz. The same can be said of Michał Górczyński [contrabass clarinet]. They are joined by Agnieszka Budzińska-Bennett, singer, harpist, musicologist and founder of Ensemble Peregrina. This ensemble, which specialises in historical repertoire, is associated with the famous early music school Schola Cantorum Basiliens. As well as the leader, the recording of Laeta Mundus featured Hanna Järveläinen, Lorenza Donadini [vocals] and Grace Newcombe [vocals and gothic harp].

Adam Bałdych’s music began with the classics. Today – indirectly – he returns to his roots by playing a replica of a Renaissance violin. Michał Górczyński plays with Bastarda trio, often venturing into early music. So for them an encounter with 15th-century music was no novelty. Ensemble Peregrina faced a slightly more difficult task, venturing into improvisation, which they do not normally deal with. Rehearsals involved getting to know the repertoire, but also each other, observing how each player worked, and creating a platform of artistic understanding.

All six treated entering new territory as a challenge, but also an adventure. And it produced an excellent result. ‘Laeta Mundus’ became a story of eras, personalities, and time travel. All the elements interpenetrated. The vocal quartet harmonised perfectly with the violin and clarinet. The acapella parts were moving and beautiful. The instruments commented intriguingly on the vocal passages, sometimes taking the lead in subdued, expressive duets. The entire album testifies to the uniqueness of the Revisions series – the originality of the idea and perfection of its realisation. A unique and extraordinary project.

from https://ukjazznews.com