Customer Reviews

Sephardic Romances: Traditional Jewish Music from Spain

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Note, however, that Sephardic music is NOT verifiably medieval, having been recorded only in the 20th century. Also note that Sephardic songs are/were rarely accompanied by instruments (all the arrangements here are instrument-heavy). Nonetheless, the fact remains that Michael Posch, Marco Ambrosini, Riccardo Delfino, and Thomas Wimmer are among the very few truly brilliant early music players at large. Their names may never be trumpeted by early music critics, but that's because said critics tend to be desiccated scholars instead of impassioned musicians (rather like most of the performers they critique). This CD features lots of compelling improvisations and extended solos -- including one, "kavaldulka", that's just from another world. Purists be damned: the musicianship is too good to be missed! btw, the ensemble is also known as Unicorn and Oni Wytars.

Five stars for a CD that only costs as many dollars might seem like overkill, but this really is a gem. The songs range from the humorous La Serena ("si la mar era de leche, los barquitos de canela, yo me mancharia entera por salvar la mia bandiera"), to the wistful Esta montana d'enfrente, but there are also ehoes of sadness as a slave mother lullabies to her switched babe in Partos trocados and a girl prisoner sings to the tombs of her ancestors in Ya viene el cativo. In comparison with the equally good 1998 release "El canto espiritual judeoespanol" by Alia Musica under Sanchez (HMI 987015) Wimmer gives a bigger role to the instruments here featuring 6 instrumental pieces. And while Sanchez features 7 singers, all the songs on the Naxos disc fall to the mezzo Carmen Cano. Another difference is that while Cano sings in Spanish, half of the Alia Musica disc is in Hebrew. But not to worry as both of these discs feature full texts and translations. 59'15" playing time.

Of all the Ladino/Sephardic music I have come across, this is one of the most lovingly crafted compilations. The ensemble treats every song with respect and care, and plays them with great spirit. The songs chosen were also organized in a way that helps to reflect the beauty of the music. Absolutely enchanting!

The Sephardim were the Jews of Spain. They picked up many musical elements on their journey there. The sum is very much an alchemy of antiquity. It's got Greek modes, North African percussion, Turkish/Arabic melodies and a bit of Western European refinement. The original Jewish component is the lyrical text which was first sung by women around the house. After being steeped in the culture of Andalusian Spain for a few centuries it allowed more and more instrumental phrases. And since this was secular music, it was acknowledged and enjoyed by everyone at this place in time -- Muslims, Jews and Christians. The ensemble who performed these pieces did a great job, utilizing completely acoustic and culuturally-respective instruments. You can't beat the price either!

I agree with the other reviews here; this is an excellent CD, especially given the bargain price. I love the fiddling on this disc in particular - it's a must-listen for any fiddlers looking to expand their horizons. Great rhythm throughout, too, and the recording quality is fantastic; the music really comes alive in stereo. Highly recommended.

Interesting and highly listenable collection of Sephardic music from Spain and the environs. If you've never heard this type of music before, it can press some uncomfortable buttons until you just let it roll over you. I've enjoyed both micro tonal and untempered scale music for decades and this just fits the bill perfectly.

A suggestion - as convenient as it is to buy MP3 downloads, this (and other albums like it) almost beg to have some form of a discography and instrumental explanation. The liner notes were good and gave enough clues to further explore this remarkable genre of music. I liked it, and I'm not Spanish, Sephardic or Jewish. Good music is good music.

very good musicians but they miss out on several critical elements of Ladino music; not Moorish enough, missing Jewish liturgical element.

Both the selection and the performace quality of this cd is amazing. The rythmic and tonal palate in some selections is so rich that I feel portions of each peice could easily stand as impressive compositions (e.g., repeat a stanza or two several times with very simple harmonies). Anyone who likes contemporary Sephardic music is sure to recognize this as the "concentrate" from which the genre came.

This album is just a delight. A beautiful blend of hispanic and middle eastern themes. Strongly recommended.

This disc had a good cross section of the type of music I was looking for !!!