Altissima Luce (Lauda V)
Bryars’ collection of Laude (songs) is inspired by the oldest book of Laude (The 13thC Cortona Collection). Yet these Laude belonged to no particular church or liturgy. Lauda V – a Maryan Latin text – is an invocation to Mary.
These songs, Written in 2002, are a dialogue between ancient Medieval Chant seen through a contemporary perspective. Very modern aesthetic based upon antique feeling. So old are these feelings that they are totally new to us. So the old is new.
The beautiful icon is made by Greg Tricker and is used here by permission.

Centuries of Songs

Altissima Luce

Gavin Bryars: Altissima Luce | Lauda V | Marianne Lihannah (Mezzo)

Early Music Channel streams  Early Music + Folk + Art Music as well as Fusions, New Music and related genres.


1: Never let yesterday use too much of today.

2: Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.

3: Don’t walk behind me, I may not lead. Don’t walk in front of me, I may not follow. Just walk beside.

4: Once you realize how good you really are, you never settle for playing less than your best.

5: Always do more than is required of you.

6: The purpose of life is a life of purpose.

7: Love is an ability, capacity in our minds, which is to be systematically cultivated.

8: You shouldn’t let a little thing like total public humiliation stand between you and a good time.

9: There are more possible games of chess than there are atoms in the known universe.

10: Unborn tomorrow and dead yesterday, Why fret about them if today be sweet ?

Early Music Radio