This disc had a good cross section of the type of music I was looking for !!!
July 19, 2008Interesting 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.
March 24, 2008The 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!
October 11, 2005 |  | easily the most formidable instrumentalists in early music |  |
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.
August 7, 2001Of 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!
May 18, 2000More reviews at Amazon.com ...
