The disc's title comes from a Victor Hugo novel, written while in exile on the island of Guernsey, situated between the English coast and Normandy, and which just happens to be the birthplace of harpist Andrew Lawrence-King. Soprano/baroque guitarist Clara Sanabras likewise has ties to Normandy, and thus this recording takes on particularly personal meaning for these performers--and we can't discount the importance of this fact in the exceptionally heartfelt solo work by these two artists. Sanabras is a riveting singer who really captures the pure, natural, unrefined passion of several of the songs, and baritone Paul Hillier adds his own brand of "local color" to his solos. The instrumental accompaniments and ensemble pieces are marvelous--just listen to the effect of the shawm's voice in "La berouïsse" and "Le furet", or enjoy the warm, comforting sound of the cittern and psaltery in "Dansai donc ou ne dansai pas". "Le voyage de Lihou" offers not only Sanabras' voice, but also the unique sound of the cornetto, and "Ma chifournie" features the reedy drone of the hurdy-gurdy--the chifournie of the title.

This is an endlessly fascinating program; each successive track is a new experience, involving the sounds of ancient language (medieval Norman/French Guernesiais) and of ever-changing instrumental colors--yet all together it works as a cohesive presentation that brings us vividly closer to repertoire from a rarely visited corner of the world. The performances and sound are first rate--my only complaint being the ever-so-slightly out of tune solo flute in the second track, "Y a de belles filles partout", unfortunate but not devastating. In all, this is a terrific disc whose particular blend of unusual repertoire and distinctive performers makes an irresistible package for early music fans. [3/8/2005]