Jordi Savall and Hesperion XX, Monserrat Figueras, reissues
Frank Staplin | Alberta, Canada | 08/12/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Virgin Classics, as a box set, has reissued eight cds of medieval to baroque Spanish music, directed or played by Jordi Savall and Hesperion XX, and sung by Monserrat Figueras and others. The original issues, now deleted from EMI catalogues, contained descriptive booklets, unfortunately not reproduced for this set.
CD1, Songs of the Troubadors, contains songs by Condessa de Dia (c. 1200) and others, and instrumental music of the period, with period instruments. The voice of Monserrat Figueras is excellent for these songs, as it is for the other selections sung by her in the remaining discs.
CD2, selections from the 14c Llibre Vermell, was much played when it was issued in 1979, and made Monserrat Figueras and her haunting voice known to a broad audience. It is a gem, once heard, never forgotten.
Other cds include Sephardic Romances from before the expulsion of the Jews in 1492, renaissance music, instrumental works by Cabezon (1510-1566) and Spanish secular dances and songs, up to 1700.
The original discs are prized and are now unobtainable. Digitally remastered in 2001, sound is very good.
"
Great early music at an attractive price
Aquinas | celestial heights, UK | 11/23/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The 8 CDs in this collection contain some really lovely early music from diverse sources over several centuries. Curiously, I was struck by an instrumental tune on one of the CDs (the Baroque era, I think), which seems to be the same as the Taize chant: "Laudate Dominum, Omnes gentes..."
I have since foud out that this piece is called "Folia" and is well known and variations have been made by many composers. Forgive my ignorance.
Great value - buy it."