Un lay de consolation

Un lay de consolation (Soothing Song) – this is the name of the first piece, and well describes the overall idea of this CD. “Lay” refers to a set of short lyrics or a narrative poem that is meant to be sung. It is a form of composition identified with Guillaume de Machaut. It uses a time management that is fascinating and cannot be understood simply by listening. It engages the listener and can be as bewildering as Scheherazade. The compositions collected in this CD are bound by a historic thread. The flute is one of our oldest instruments, and thus has the archaic power to give comfort and consolation. All the pieces in this CD were originally composed for the recorder player Ulrike Volkhardt.