Secular Music from Christian and Jewish Spain

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Before their expulsion in 1492, the Jews of medieval Spain developed a rich and lively culture, including an exquisite repertory of songs called romanceros--and they kept that repertory alive as they settled in places as diverse as Morocco, Bosnia, Turkey, and Bulgaria. Lovely as the romanceros are, they would have languished as the objects of ethnomusicological studies and might have disappeared altogether, were it not for the efforts of gifted musicians like Hespèrion XX. Jordi Savall and his ensemble, fronted by the unique soprano Montserrat Figueras, just about single-handedly brought those songs to the attention of the modern public with this 1976 recording (now reissued at a bargain price). Disc 1 features a selection of secular music from "Christian" Spain--that is, the courts of Ferdinand and Isabella and the Catholic nobility. The music is elegant and occasionally austere, but Figueras, Savall, and colleagues give the livelier pieces a flavorful swing. Yet disc 2, which features the Sephardic songs, is the real drawing card here. It was in Moorish Spain that Jewish culture flourished, so Hespèrion XX performs the romanceros with Arabic instruments, such as the 'ud (the ancestor of the European lute) and hand drums. These musicians, rechristened Hespèrion XXI in honor of the new century, perform this repertory with more polish now than they did in 1976, but--just as A Feather on the Breath of God did for Hildegard von Bingen--this recording made its own little bit of musical history. --Matthew Westphal

Secular Music from Christian and Jewish Spain, Music, Anonymous, Cancionero de Palacio Anonymous, Spanish Anonymous, Bartomeu Carceres, Juan del Encina, Garcimunos [Garcia Munoz], Luis de Milan, Diego Ortiz, Roman, Sephardic Traditional, Chamber, Chamber Music & Recitals, Classical, Classical Collections-Artist Desc., Classical Music, Miscellaneous, Miscellaneous Music, Part Song/Glee/Music for Unaccompanied Voices, Renaissance Polyphonic Song, Vocal, Vocal Music
Secular Music from Christian and Jewish Spain
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Like a religious experience
  • Dissappointing soprano
  • A balm for any soul
  • Ten stars if possible...
  • Historical re-release
 Secular Music from Christian and Jewish Spain

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
CompilationsCompilations | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
PartsongsPartsongs | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Sephardic Romances
  2. Music for the Spanish Kings
  3. The Splendour of Al-Andalus
  4. Mudejar
  5. Spanish Music of Travel and Discovery/ The Waverly Consort

ASIN: B00000J2QD
Release Date: 1999-06-08

Tracks:

  1. Villancicos From Cancionero de la Colombina: Ni?a y vi?a
  2. Villancicos From Cancionero de la Colombina: Propide melyor
  3. Villancicos From Cancionero de la Colombina: Como no le andaro
  4. Villancicos From Cancionero de la Colombina: Recercada
  5. Villancicos From Cancionero de la Colombina: Fantasia
  6. Villancicos From Cancionero de la Colombina: Pavana
  7. Villancicos From Cancionero de Palacio: Al alva venid, buen amigo
  8. Villancicos From Cancionero de Palacio: Perda mi rrueca
  9. Villancicos From Cancionero de Palacio: A los badel amor
  10. Villancicos From Cancionero de Palacio: Fantasia
  11. Villancicos From Cancionero de Palacio: Romanesca
  12. Villancicos From Cancionero de Palacio: Pues bien para esta
  13. Villancicos From Cancionero de Palacio: Si av dicho, marido
  14. Romances From Cancionero de Palacio: Si d'amor pena sent
  15. Romances From Cancionero de Palacio: O voy
  16. Romances From Cancionero de Palacio: Qu'es de ti, desconsolado
  17. Recercadas sobre tenores: Recercada 4
  18. Recercadas sobre tenores: Recercada 5
  19. Recercadas sobre tenores: Recercada 6
  20. Villancicos From Cancionero de Uppsala: Yo me soy la morenica
  21. Villancicos From Cancionero de Uppsala: Si la nocha haze escura
  22. Villancicos From Cancionero de Uppsala: Soleta s ac
  23. Villancicos From Cancionero de Uppsala: Con qua lavar
  24. Villancicos From Cancionero de Uppsala: Soy serranica

Tracks:

  1. Sephardic Romaces: Pregoneros van y vienen
  2. Sephardic Romaces: El rey de Francia tres hijas tenia
  3. Sephardic Romaces: Una matica de Ruda
  4. Sephardic Romaces: Palestina hermoza
  5. Sephardic Romaces: Nani, nani
  6. Sephardic Romaces: El rey que tanto madruga
  7. Sephardic Romaces: Por que llorax blanca nina
  8. Sephardic Romaces: Moricos los mis moricos
  9. Sephardic Romaces: Lavava y suspirava
  10. Sephardic Romaces: Paxarico tu te llamas
  11. Sephardic Romaces: La Reina xerifa mora
  12. Sephardic Romaces: Por alli paso un cavallero

Amazon.com

Before their expulsion in 1492, the Jews of medieval Spain developed a rich and lively culture, including an exquisite repertory of songs called romanceros--and they kept that repertory alive as they settled in places as diverse as Morocco, Bosnia, Turkey, and Bulgaria. Lovely as the romanceros are, they would have languished as the objects of ethnomusicological studies and might have disappeared altogether, were it not for the efforts of gifted musicians like Hespèrion XX. Jordi Savall and his ensemble, fronted by the unique soprano Montserrat Figueras, just about single-handedly brought those songs to the attention of the modern public with this 1976 recording (now reissued at a bargain price). Disc 1 features a selection of secular music from "Christian" Spain--that is, the courts of Ferdinand and Isabella and the Catholic nobility. The music is elegant and occasionally austere, but Figueras, Savall, and colleagues give the livelier pieces a flavorful swing. Yet disc 2, which features the Sephardic songs, is the real drawing card here. It was in Moorish Spain that Jewish culture flourished, so Hespèrion XX performs the romanceros with Arabic instruments, such as the 'ud (the ancestor of the European lute) and hand drums. These musicians, rechristened Hespèrion XXI in honor of the new century, perform this repertory with more polish now than they did in 1976, but--just as A Feather on the Breath of God did for Hildegard von Bingen--this recording made its own little bit of musical history. --Matthew Westphal

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Like a religious experience.......2007-03-28

This disc is pure magic that transends and defies definition. It is time period music that has been rereleased to capture the magic of the original recording. Each song is amazing. The music creates a mood that is best enjoyed alone ,in private so that your thoughts can be elevated to the point of inspiration. Although I like both discs I prefer the one that features Sephardic Romances over the disc that is Court Music and Songs. Montserrat Figueras angelic voice lends itself to beautiful interpretations of these beautiful songs from the Age before the expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492. This ancient music is preserved and freshly interpreted under the masterful leadership of Jordi Savall for an authentic recreation. If you have never heard Hesperion XX check this one out, it is fantastic. Recommended for classical music fans who want to hear something different. Once you hear Montserrat Figuerras voice you will feel the inspiration and be hooked on her angelic voice.

3 out of 5 stars Dissappointing soprano.......2006-02-22

I was excitet buying this CD, expecting the quality of songs equal or better than
Begona Olavide and Carlos Paniagua on MA recodings. The music was fine but singing by soprano Montserrat Figueras was borderline annoying.

5 out of 5 stars A balm for any soul.......2001-01-02

Attempting to review a Savall/Figueras CD is a frustrating task. The arsenal of superlatives is so quickly depleted. Terms like 'matchless' and 'unique' might be used, but lack strict definition. After all, a 'matchless' voice needn't be a good one. Terms like 'divine' or 'angelic' tend to remove Montserrat's singing from the real and human. She's nothing if not human. Having been blessed with watching as well as hearing her perform, vouching for her vitality on a stage is easy. But the superior quality of her voice and presentation is so far above the mundane or common as to become nearly indescribable. Anything less than adulation for her seems to indicate shortcomings in the disk or performer. Neither performance nor disk quality falls short here. That she performs religious songs here simply adds to the power of her impact on the listener. You necessarily hesitate, cease other activity, and, if moved enough, drop to your knees in respect and admiration. Tough to do in a crowded concert hall, but the motivation is there. And this from someone who shunned listening to vocal performances for many years. Dame Kiri was one exception and Argenta another, but the discovery of Figueras was the discovery of a voice without flaw.

Anyone visiting this page must certainly know of Jordi Savall and Hesperion XX. You may, however, have missed the glory of Montserrat Figueras' voice. Make up for that lack right away. The selections available here are pitifully limited, but this CD is as good an introduction as any. Don't hesitate to sit and enjoy this music. The sounds received will be a reward to whatever spiritual sense you possess.

5 out of 5 stars Ten stars if possible..........2000-01-27

I agree completely with Stephan: outstanding performance. Montserrat at her best. If "Si d'amor pena sentis" doesn't bring tears to your eyes, what does?

3 out of 5 stars Historical re-release.......1999-07-20

Hesperion XX were pioneers in reviving this music, and collectors will value these recordings which first came out in 1976. However most listeners may prefer more recent recordings by Wimmer on Naxos, and Alia Musica on Harmonia Mundi which have digital sound and include Spanish, and occasionally Hebrew, texts and translations.

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