Oliphant, the four-member Finnish vocal and instrumental ensemble, specializes in medieval music, from twelfth century monody to fifteenth century Ars Nova polyphony. Here it performs thirteenth and fourteenth century Northern French trouvère songs, some anonymous and some by well-known trouvères such as Adam de la Halle and Thibault de Champagne.
Oliphant writes that its aim is "to play different instruments with good taste, discretion and Pythagorean intonation." It may not be possible to evaluate the success in maintaining Pythagorean intonation, but the description of its goals doesn't begin to capture the spontaneity and improvisatory energy that brings these songs to life. The instrumental ensemble, which includes fiddle, recorder, lute, dulcimer, shawm, bells, Jew's harp, and a number of drums and percussion instruments, provides a quirkily inventive and remarkably colorful accompaniment to the singers. The voices are both pure and impassioned, capturing the heat of spiritual fervor that imbues these songs.
Oliphant's outstanding characteristic is the vitality and conviction and joy of its performances; the singers and players make this music shimmer and dance, as though they were making it up on the spot and having a great time. The recorded sound is ideal for this repertoire: clear and intimate.