Montserrat Figueras/ La Capella Reial de Catalunya - El Cant de la Sibil·la
Sat, Dec 8 2012, 3:05PM
This is probably one of my favourite records, bar none. Absolutely stunning in every way. Montserras' gorgeous, angelic voice, the excelent instrumentalists, and of course the music! Hypnotic and deeply moving, this is music of unparalelled depth, quietude and devition. Some info from wikipedia:
The prophetic Sibyl tradition has roots stretching far back into antiquity, and the Song of the Sibyl itself derives from a 3rd century Greek poem translated into Latin by St. Augustine, who began the tradition of wishing non-Christians a Merry Christmas with the famous opening verse: Judicii signum, tellus sudore madescrit ("The Sign of Judgment: the earth will be bathed in sweat [or, will begin to sweat]"). The song proceeds by alternating the refrain with numerous apocalyptic visions. The famous melody seems to have emerged around the tenth century. Increasingly elaborate versions of the Song of the Sibyl appeared over the following centuries, and the melody was reused in the 13th century Cantiga de Santa Maria "Madre de Deus" (CSM 422). The Song of the Sibyl is one of UNESCO's "Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity".
There are several versions of the song, and Monserrat Figueras and Jordi Savall have recorded five of them, devided over two cd's. Both are excelent and absolutely mandatory for any lover of ancient music.
Are there any other lovers of this music here?
Sibilla Occitane:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqsnfBLaeOo
Siblilla Catalane:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5p40pPd-UPc
Sun, Dec 9 2012, 4:20PM
#2
RE: Montserrat Figueras/ La Capella Reial de Catalunya
Yes, in this kind of repertory, Savall is one of the very greatest, as was Monsterrat Figueras - I was very sad to here of her demise earlier this year, so consider this thread an hommage to her.
Parla, if you liked this record, despite its not being your cup of tea, have you ever heard Paul van Nevel's amazing rendition of the Codex Las Huelgas? It features some material in the same vein and from the same period, and is simply sublime. Especially the motet from which I borrowed my user name: the gorgeously pessimistic Homo Miserabilis:
Sun, Dec 9 2012, 5:26PM
#3
RE: El Cant de la Sibilla
I completely agree with you both. I have a couple of these Savall recordings and they are fabulous reconstructions. The tradition is famous but, as you say Parla, as so often with very early music the surviving music would be dry as dust without the brilliant recreation of Savall and the superb singing of his late wife. Magic! It brings to mind another superb reconstruction of many years ago, the famous Play of Daniel, recorded by Noah Greenberg. Has it ever been reissued on CD.
Chris
But what is it about sopranos (and mezzos). So many seem to die prematurely. As well as Figueras, Lucia Popp, Tatiana Troyanos, Lorraine Hunt-Liebermann, Arlene Auger..... Is it such a dangerous occupation?
I'm with you Brumas on this one, not that much because of the music, but mostly owing to Saval's authority on this kind of music and his late wife Montserrat Figueras' moving and very beautiful performances respectively.
Ancient music as well as the other edge (contemporary, modern, etc.) are far from being any sort of my cup of tea. However, notable performances of this sort of music are within my prime interest.
Parla