REVIEW: A Fine Companion// Early Music America

PRESSREVIEWS
Written By Beth Beauchamp

ALKEMIE’S MEDIEVAL AND MODERN COMPANIONS

By: Stephanie Manning | February, 2024

“Re-contextualizing 12th-century texts and melodies into a package of psychedelic synth-pop could seem a bit of a stretch. Alkemie’s latest project somehow makes it seem perfectly natural.”

The New York City-based Alkemie and its sister ensemble, Freelance Nun, collaborated to create A Fine Companion, an album that blends the medieval and modern in impressively creative ways. Composer Charles Mueller skillfully transforms troubadour texts into dreamily contemporary journeys, where listeners are just as likely to hear the rock trinity of electric guitar, bass, and drums as they are a viola da gamba.

We tend to associate much of troubadour music with idealized versions of chivalry and beautiful women loved from afar. A Fine Companion instead platforms the writings of trobairitz — female troubadours who sang about their own romantic feelings and often bucked convention in the process.

Beth Beauchamp

Having worked as a professional musician, a music-educator, and the Executive Director of a number of non-profit arts organizations, Beth has over 10 years of experience in catering to the unique needs of artists. Beth believes that the talent, education, and skill-sets of her clients have inherent worth. As a passionate artist advocate, she aims to help her artists improve the quality of their own lives by encouraging them to honor the value of their own work, and by creating materials which allow them to champion their art with confidence. Equally interested in building community, Beth aims to create a roster of artists who are excited to support and collaborate together. 

http://www.beauchampartistservices.com
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