Melodies from four important courts of the Middle Ages
A fascinating collection of 21 vibrant tracks based on melodies from four mediæval courts, those of Eleanor of Aquitaine (1122 - 1204), Gaon of Tiberias (1000-1077), Saladin of Egypt (1138-1193) and Alfonso X of Castile and Leon (1252-1284). Cantigas creatively explore sounds and expression within an historical context, brought to life by an array of authentic mediæval instruments revealing the unique style and character of each nationality.
Press quotes:
“[An] excellently produced and performed disc which will bring much joy to lovers of early music.”
— The Canberra Times
“played with delicacy, precision and power ... Thanks to Cantigas for finding this music and performing it.”
— The Melburnian
“If you like folk music, you will probably go nute over it”
— Patrice Connelly, Australian Music Teacher Magazine
A l'entrade del tens clar (anon.) Gaite de la Tor (anon.) Ce fut en mai (Moniot d'Arras) C'est la fins (Guillaume d'Amiens) Can vei la lauzeta (Bernart de Ventadorn) A chantar (La Comtessa de Dia) De bone amour (Thibaut IV de Champagne) Hebrew Melody I and II (Niggunim) Hebrew Melody III Hebrew Melody IV Hebrew Melody V Fun shtot tsu shtot Hebrew Melody VI Turkish Melody I (Taqsim) Turkish Semai Turkish Melody II (Taqsim) Cantiga 353 Quen a omagen Cantiga 3 (supp) Alegria Cantiga 384 A que por muygran Cantiga 10 (supp) Como o demo Cantiga 2 (supp) Virgen Madre gloriosa Cantiga 375 En todo nos faz merçee
Cantigas recreate the music of the Middle Ages with authentic compositions which use techniques of mediaeval performance practice such as countermelodies, drones, rhythm parts and creative improvisation.