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DIÁSPORA SEFARDÍ. Romances & Musical Interludes with Sephardi influences. Hesperion XXI Montserrat Figueras: canto. Jordi Savall.
Aliavox AV9809 130m DDD.

Jordi Savall's outstanding group of instrumentalists, Hesperion XXI continue to chart rare medieval territory with this double album of vocal and instrumental music dedicated to the Sephardi age. The first disc contains some wonderful demonstrations of the impressive vocal range of the highly talented Montserrat Figueras who sings the various pieces with unique character. I was particularly entranced by 'Por que llorax blanca nina' from Sarajevo and the Salonican 'Levantose el Conde Nino' both works of mystical provenance and complex harmonies. Figueras is consistently stupefying in the works dedicated to Marrucos, Sofia and Rhodes, all imbued with a rhythmic drive and particular élan. The second disc is even more intriguing as the instrumental pieces are much more inventive and create a particularly intriguing atmosphere. Savall is unquestionably one of the finest minds in this particular territory and this is shown in the outstanding interpretations of 'Las estrellas de los cielos' (Alexandria) and 'Longe de mi tu' estaras' (Sofia) where the music is consistently shifting harmonies and tonalities. Each piece has its own characteristics and charms of its own, and they really come alive in Hesperion XXI's lively interpretations.

The recorded sound is exceptionally clear with each instrument spotlighted in a perfectly natural manner. AliaVox's presentation is also superb with a triple gatefold sleeve containing an appropriately detailed booklet that expounds on the history of the Sephardic Jews and their impact on the musical scene. I have nothing but praise for this outstanding issue - another superb addition to AliaVox's catalogue.

Reviewer

Gerald Fenech

Performance:

Sound:


Reviewer

Gerald Fenech

Performance:

Sound:


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