A revelatory disc from the ever-resourceful Discantus, based on research by the French musicologist Marie-Noël Colette into various mediaeval sources in Prague.  Bohemian musicians were amongst the first to absorb the Aquitanian nova cantica, and this collection shows just what richness and invention characterized polyphony in Prague over a period of three centuries. 

Particularly interesting is the cantio, a liturgical composition without a specific function, of which the title track, Universi populi, is an example.  They have an immediate melodic appeal, somewhat suggestive of the Cantigas de Santa Maria or Laude, and often a cheerfully lax approach to the accentuation of Latin that only increases their charm (Hac nube irrorante is a particularly good example).

Liturgical music proper is also included, some of it unique.  The troped Sanctus Deus rerum principium survives only in a 12th century source from St Vitus’ Cathedral; other chants are related only to French and Catalonian repertories.  Also remarkable are the motets included here, the development of the genre in Prague likely owing its rapid progress, according to Colette, to Machaut’s presence in the city in the 14th century. 

Again, they are characterized by a fresh melodic quality – Surrexit Christus/Angelus/Christus/Terra tremuit is a particularly fine example – exploited by  Discantus to the full.  The rich clarion sound of the ensemble is exactly the right vehicle for this remarkable and exciting repertoire. IVAN MOODY