Some scholars believe that the music of the Notre Dame period, the Ars Antiqua and Ars Nova movements (approximately 1250-1320 and 1320-1380 respectively) are the foundations of the Western classical music tradition. This is music worth investigating, and The Early Music Consort of London, under the direction of David Munrow, do a superb job of presenting this material in as appealing a manner as one could ask. From the Notre Dame period, examples of Leonin and Perotin's polyphonic work are presented with delicacy and generate a timeless wonder in anyone even just half listening. From the Ars Antiqua are motets by Adam de la Halle and the Bamberg and Montpellier Codices. The Ars Nova music features motets by Guillaume de Machaut and other assorted sources. The clarity of the singing is haunting, compelling in the solo material, polyphonic selections, and the choral work, which is perfectly blended. There are no shortcomings to this recording, and it is assembled to both respect a valuable historical timeline and entertain listeners. Even the pre-digital, 1976 recording quality is beyond reproach. For those even mildly interested learning the early works of Western European music, this is an essential find.