Customer Reviews

Llibre Vermell

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This recording by Sarband offers creative and varied interpretations of the songs of medieval pilgrims at Santa Maria de Montserrat. In the late 14th century, to dissuade enthusiastic travelers from profaning the monastery church with secular songs and dances, the monks of Montserrat gathered together some songs they felt were more appropriate. Ten of these selections have been passed down to us as part of a volume of folios later bound in red velvet--the "Libre Vermell". Sarband's director Vladimir Ivanoff, also of the group Vox, is well known for his focus on the cultural exchanges that have occurred over the centuries between European and Arabic music. Such influences were especially prevalent in Spain, which was occupied by the Moors for centuries. Tracks #9, "Stella splendens", and #10, "Los set gotxs", are standouts, and for lack of a more period term, they "really rock"! Indeed, they are specified as "round dances" in the text of the Red Book, with which the pilgrims could celebrate in a state of religious fervor the culmination of their long journey. Four vocal soloists and five instrumentalists perform, and are joined at key points by a full choir. Other fine recordings which also feature music from the Llibre Vermell include the Toronto Consort's "The Way of the Pilgrim: Medieval Songs of Travel", and Ensemble Unicorn's "The Black Madonna: Pilgrim Songs from the Monastery of Montserrat (1400-1420)". Sarband's subsequent recording, "Sacred Women: Women as Composers and Performers of Medieval Chant", continues to explore the pure and expressive power of the voice in expressing religious devotion--Catholic, Byzantine and Muslim.

This CD contains what I always imagined great choral music should sound like; dynamic and powerful. While not all tracks are choral, all are very interesting--some very intense. This is music from the 14th century. I actually don't own this cd yet, I listened to much of it in a local cd store--I will be getting it though. I recommend this if you like early chamber and choral music. I am hardly an expert on choral or chamber music, and I don't know much about this album to be honest. I just found the sound inspiring and unusual to my ears, but very good, so I wanted to recommend it.

I bought this disk very cheap used as it's out of print. I was on a very short Dorian binge. I recovered rather quickly. I did find a few good disk. I thought "Crossroads of the Celts" and "Celtic Wanderers" are fine recordings. No doubt there are others that I would like. But this recording reminds me of all that I dislike about the Dorian label. It just all so over the top. If you can imagine someone doing a Los Vegas show of early music you may get some idea of how distasteful this cd is. Think Elvis in his late years. Think a large stage with smoke and mirrors and lots of flashing lights and scantily clad dancing. I think I need a drink.

There are far better recordings of this type of music that are much more satisfying on every level.