The Orlando Consort: La Passion de Jeanne d'Arc

When Carl Dreyer's historic silent film "La Passion de Jeanne d'Arc" was released in 1928, it caused a minor scandal. At the time condemned in France and banned in England, it is now recognized as a cinematic masterpiece, among the 10 greatest films. Based on the transcription of Joan of Arc's trial, the film features claustrophobic close-ups that both interrogate and reveal the true emotions of the protagonists. Various forms of music have accompanied the movie, from J. S. Bach to Nick Cave. But until now, no one has performed music of the 15th century that the film depicts. The story comes to life anew with conflicting discourses, alternately cajoling and condemnatory, an unheard aural polyphony that finds an echo in the clashing polyphony of medieval motets, antiphons, plainsong, and discant, repertoire that the internationally acclaimed medieval a cappella vocal ensemble The Orlando Consort has made its own over the past 25 years.