Add to playlist: the cliche-correcting medieval music of Idrîsî Ensemble and the week’s best new tracks

2026-02-27 - 12:13

The group reimagines Corsica’s ancient music for modern female voices with fresh spiky arrangements that remain heavy with the pain of the past From London via Corsica/Occitania Recommended if you like Arooj Aftab, Maria Callas, the choral tragedy of Prioritise Pleasure-era Self Esteem Up next New single Dieus Sal la Terra out now Idrîsî Ensemble are a useful corrective to the stereotyping of medieval music as smooth, pious and sleepy. Hearing the howls of this London-based group – sometimes powered by up to 19 members – you’re reminded of song’s inexhaustible capacity for conjuring fresh pain. Continue reading...