Sephardic Chants

1. Avre Tu Puerta Serrada

2. Mal Kazada del Pastor

3. Tres Hermanikas Eran

4. Una Pastora Yo Ami

5. Noches, Noches ......

6. Kaminando Por la Plasa

7. Chichi-Bunichi

8. Arvoles Iloran

9. Serena

10. Por la Tu Puerta Yo Pasi

11. Morenica

12. La Una Yo Nasil

13. Ay, Tristura Korporal [Instrumental]

14. Yo M' Enamori de un Ayre

15. Pasharo d'Ermozura

16. Mar Esta en Fortuna

17. Mama, Yo No Tengo Visto

18. Kuando el Rey Nimrod

19. Buena Semana - Valentina Alvarez,

Sephardic Chants,Valentina Alvarez,Agave Records,Int'l & World Music,Pop

Average customer rating: An exquisite gem of a desert island CD Sweeping, seductive, and superlative! Mesmerizing music for the heart La Ninna Nanna "Stunningly beautiful" is an understatement

Ninna Nanna: Lullabies (1500-2002) William Byrd , Jordi Savall , and Hesperion XXI Manufacturer: Alia Vox Spain ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Lux Feminae Du temps & de l'instant Villancicos y Danzas Criollas Diáspora Sefardí Bella Terra ASIN: B000071XAC Release Date: 2003-02-11

Tracks:

1. Anon. (Purtugal): Cancao de embalar: Jose embala o menino
2. Anon. (England): Lullaby: My little sweet darling
3. Anon. (Greece): Berceuse: Dors mon bebe
4. Anon. (Sefarade): Berceuse Ladino: Nani, nani
5. Anon. Berbere: Berceuse Amazigh
6. William Byrd: Lullaby: Come, pretty babe
7. Tarquino Merula: Canzonetta spirituale sopra la nanna: Hor ch'e tempo di dormire
8. Anon. (Alicante): Mareta, mareta no'm faces plorar
9. Johann Friedrich Reichardt (1752-1814): Chanson d'une maleureuse mere: Dorsmon enfant
10. Modest Mussorgsky: La Chambre des enfants (1870): Avec la poupee
11. Anon (Israel): Berceuse hebraique: Noumi, noumi yaldati
12. Arvo Part: Berceuse de Noel (2002)
13. Max Reger (1873-1916): Maria Wiegenlied: Maria sitzt am Rosenhag
14. Manual de Falla (1876-1946): Nana: Duermete, nino, duerme. Canciones populares (1914)
15. Darius Milhaud: Berceuse hebraique: Dors, dors (1925)
16. Federico Garcia Lorca: Nana de Sevilla: Este galapaguito (1930)
17. Arvo Part: Berceuse Estonienne: Kuus, kuus kallike (2002)
18. Anon. Catalogne: Cancao de Bressol: La mare d e Deu

Amazon.com

This is a formidable collection of lullabies, spanning 500 years, 18 of them (from almost as many countries) in Greek, Latin, Hebrew, Catalan, English, and more, each one lovely, each one in its own idiom. Some are anonymous; others are by composers as different as Byrd, Mussorgsky, Milhaud, and Arvo Pärt. The disc shouldn't be listened to in one setting--no matter how interesting they are, they're still lullabies and can mellow the listener into torpor--but in three-or-so chunks, the contents are fascinating. Figueras can make her sound move from folk to classical, from a mother who is passionate about her child's safety to one who merely wants to entertain into slumber. The anonymous Greek lullaby (track 3) contains the oddest little vocal quirk--a whipping up of the tone at the close of some phrases--which only an artist like Figueras could pull off. And Savall and soloists accompany on various instruments--flute, harp, viols, etc.--with pianist Paul Badura-Skoda playing on three of the lullabies. The CD is a wonderful tour of the world through the centuries with only one subject in mind: sleep. And sleep is something, after all, that takes up a third of our lives. This CD keeps getting sweeter the more you listen. Recommended. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

An exquisite gem of a desert island CD.......2005-06-09

Every time I catch sight of a Vox Alia CD with its distinctive packaging I find resistance is futile and I end up buying it. This gorgeous collection of lullabies delivered much more than I had ever dreamt possible.

What gives this CD its magic is the fact that this is music making amongst friends and family. In fact the record label is Jordi Savall's own, Monserat Figueras is his wife, and Arianna Savall his daughter - so it really is an all family affair. The whole of Hesperion XXI play like they know each other intimately and we are just privileged eavesdroppers who were lucky enough to have overheard them. If some of the major record labels are increasingly marketing their music like MacDonalds hamburgers then this is like being invited to dine at a lovely family run Spanish restaurant. There is a heartwarming homeliness here the majors could never emulate in a hundred years. So it is entirely appropriate that this should be a collection of lullabies, for this is a celebration of family intimacy of the most deeply poetic and affectionate kind.

The selection of music might strike a casual listener as being unusual - exotic is a better term - yet they are all so instantly attractive that I think this would make a lovely gift (especially given the beautiful booklet that comes with it) to a child, a mother, a partner, a friend, a music lover; even people who know nothing about the composers here would surely be enchanted. I was particularly delighted by the reviewer who wrote that her daughter listened to this at night - oh, how fortunate it would be to grow up with music like this with its imaginatively chosen collection of music from so many countries and centuries - you would carry this music in your heart for the rest of your life! Amongst the songs is a Greek song, a Catalan song, a 16th century English song, a song by William Byrd, Max Reger, Moussorgsky as well as two by Arvo Part, both of which carry dedications to Monserat Figueras, Arianna and Jordi Savall (in the photograph reproductions of the first pages of the handwritten score Arvo Part has written in German 'gewidmet an...' if you were wondering where this info comes from).

Typical of the CD is how difficult it is to hold back a tear listening to Reger of all composers - I would have never thought it possible, especially when it would have been simply all too easy to choose some all to well known Schubert Lied, but here it is, they have picked Reger and it is PERFECT. Yet that is only one gem amongst so many more here. I am speechless, for this CD is indeed a rare treasure made for people who truly love beautiful music making - a CD to cherish and to weep for joy over.

I should add that as usual from Vox Alia the recorded sound is audiophile quality, and a notch above what you get from about 95% of record labels. In my opinion they even surpass some boutique audiophile labels like Linn, which is really saying something. So if you love to luxuriate in rich sound this will fit like a glove.

If you fall in love with this recording please, please may I suggest you BUY it for someone you love, rather than burning it, just as a way of saying 'thank you' to this family of musicians. This is a family run label rather than some huge impersonal coorporation and I have seen too many private boutique record firms go bust over the years, so please help ensure that these artists continue to make lovely recordings such as this one.

I am adding this CD to my desert island collection.

Sweeping, seductive, and superlative!.......2004-01-14

Figueras offers the listener a triumphant collection of evocative songs. Let's dispense with a possible concern. This CD is sub-titled "Lullabies". Anyone going to sleep listening to Figueras should see either a hearing or a brain specialist. While they may pacify children, adult listeners will be exhilarated by the sweeping range of her voice and exquisite presentation. Figueras' expressive style simply transcends descriptive praise. From soaring appeals to the heavens to quiet, soothing reassurances, she demonstrates the magnitude of her evocative skills. One can sense constrained passion in each song as she moves from one culture to another through the collection. That one of the pieces was commissioned for this collection is further proof of the extent she provides the listener - she's not confined to neither time nor place.

What is most clearly manifest in this musical anthology is Figueras' professionalism and her Catalan background. Unlike the operatic divas who have deigned to release popular renditions, she demonstrates how someone who truly understands the music of mountain villages or plains communities in any nation can elevate even the most "common" music. The selections range over five centuries or more, reinforcing the impression that nothing exceeds the capacity of her elegant voice to convey feeling to the enraptured listener. Each of us will likely settle on a favourite selection. Predictably, my own is a Catalan piece of an anonymous composer. Perhaps because the lullaby is in her native tongue, the richness of Figueras' rendition evokes intense emotional response. Would that i'd been born a Catalan!

Alia Vox was launched to give fresh impetus to the recordings of Figueras, her husband Jordi Savall and the groups they have created together. This CD will remain a testimony to their efforts to produce the highest quality discs. The sound is excellent, clearly imparting voice and background instruments alike. With 18 selections from a variety of eras and locations, the notes for this CD are extensive. The text of each tune is given in the original and seven other languages. Could scholarship and the universality of music be given finer endorsement? [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]

Mesmerizing music for the heart.......2003-10-18

Rarely has there been a more beautiful collection of lullabies than those presented in Ninna Nanna. Clearly a labour of love of Montserrat Figueras and her family, it brings together songs that mothers have been singing to their infants over the centuries - whatever their culture or language. "It is like food for the young child" reflects Montserrat Figueras in her dedication, the most intense reflection of affection and tenderness.

Lullabies in this collection, come from cultural backgrounds as diverse as Russia, Morocco, Greece, England and, of course, the Iberian Peninsula. They span from the Renaissance to contemporary music. Most of the musical versions have been masterly arranged by Jordi Savall, suited to fit the extraordinary voice of his wife. We also find some arrangements by well-known composers such as Moussorgski, Reger or de Falla.

Being lullabies, the songs show similarities: above all their tunes are beautifully soft and melodious. Yet, the tunes show considerable diversity in rhythm and tonality. Some are melancholy and almost haunting, others joyful and jubilant. Montserrat Figueras' voice is, as always, in a class of her own, radiating with richness and intensity. The music touches the deeper cords in the listener's consciousness. Her voice is superbly and sensitively accompanied by Hesperion XXI, the accomplished team of musicians under the leadership of Jordi Savall.

The informative booklet accompanying the CD is well presented and includes the songs' texts in eight languages, including the original. This is a CD you will not get tired to listen to many times, whether you play it for your children, your family and friends, or just for yourself. [Friederike Knabe, Ottawa, Canada]

La Ninna Nanna.......2003-08-17

Very few times in life we can be transported back to share such deep experiences as that of holding a child in your arms while singing a lullaby. This CD is exceptional not only because of the high quality of the production but also by the deep emotions that each song carries. A true gift for all those of us that need to stop and enjoy a moment of peace!

"Stunningly beautiful" is an understatement.......2003-05-31

I bought this as a gift for our daughter, and it works great; but I also can't stop listening to it myself day and night, having nothing to do with her bedtime and nap times. If one wants to go to sleep, it works beautifully for that; or if one wants to stay up and pay attention to every wonderful nuance, it also works for that. Or if it's just on as background music, it changes any room to a place of comfort and home. Montserrat Figueras here sings in at least twelve different languages, in music spanning 500 years, and puts it all across with heartfelt directness. What more difficult musical task could there be than all the above, together? But she does it.

This disc is really a family affair: Figueras and Savall, plus their daughter who also sings and plays, and their son who took the photos; plus their friends and colleagues, among the most imaginative and soulful players alive. Extraordinary. And the new music composed by Arvo Part for this album: it's proof that music can objectively make a person weep.

And the booklet: a gorgeous presentation with full background information, photos of the sessions, and each song is given in translation to eight or nine languages! (The original, plus eight more translations if different.)

The only thing you can't do is play this in the car, while driving around to lull the child with the motion. Oh, that works great for the child, but it's the driver's concentration we should be worried about. There is no way to keep one's mind safely on the road while this CD is on.

I rarely give a "five star" rating to anything, but this is one of those times.

Average customer rating:

The Chants of Camino De Santiago [Jade] Manufacturer: Jade / Bmg ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music ASIN: B00004VK8G Release Date: 2001-03-20

Tracks:

1. Jhesus Christ
2. A Que Por Muy Gran Fremosura
3. Romance De Don Boyso
4. Pregoneros Van Y Vienen
5. Nani, Nani
6. El Rey De Francia
7. Ondas Do Mar
8. Mia Yrmana
9. Lanquan Li Jorn
10. La Perneta
11. Gratulantes Celebremus Festum
12. Non E Gran Cousa
13. Mariam Matrem
14. Ad Superni
15. O Maria Maris Stella
16. Cuncti Potens Genitor Deus
17. Benedicamus Domino
18. Sancta Mater Graciae/Dou Way, Robin
19. Dum Pater Familias

Amazon.com

This record will transport you into a different world of sound and spirit: simpler, purer, more tranquil and serene. The program consists of chants from the 12th to the 15th centuries and includes several Sephardic songs--some quite dancelike, some rather mournful. Though the melodic range of the chants is naturally very limited, and the prevailing mood is devotional and somber, they have a lot of textural diversity. Some are purely instrumental, others are for one or two unaccompanied voices. When the tenor and bass sing alone, the latter provides a drone to the former's more florid line, or they move in open intervals, alternating between unison and solo. Their duets with the soprano combine unison, conversational give and take, and counterpoint. Most of the chants use a wide variety of vocal and instrumental combinations, with fascinating results. The final song employs the entire group; vigorous, assertive, and celebratory, it keeps adding voices and instruments, becoming increasingly elaborate.

The performing group is most admirable. Several singers also play numerous instruments, which include a citole, a cornemuse, a hackbrett simulating a psalterion, a Persian def, and a Syrian rek, in addition to the more familiar vieles and a large variety of flutes and percussion. Among the singers, tenor Hervé Lamy is outstanding. His voice is sweet and velvety, his expressiveness both chaste and intense.

The disc's packaging is odd. The booklet gives neither the texts nor any information about the music or the performers. But both the makers of the instruments, which are, of course, modern reproductions of the ancient originals, and the dates when they were made are listed in meticulous detail. --Edith Eisler

Average customer rating:

Sephardic Chants Manufacturer: Agave Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Folk | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B00005YGSS Release Date: 1998-08-18

Tracks:

1. Avre Tu Puerta Serrada
2. Mal Kazada del Pastor
3. Tres Hermanikas Eran
4. Una Pastora Yo Ami
5. Noches, Noches ......
6. Kaminando Por la Plasa
7. Chichi-Bunichi
8. Arvoles Iloran
9. Serena
10. Por la Tu Puerta Yo Pasi
11. Morenica
12. La Una Yo Nasil
13. Ay, Tristura Korporal [Instrumental]
14. Yo M' Enamori de un Ayre
15. Pasharo d'Ermozura
16. Mar Esta en Fortuna
17. Mama, Yo No Tengo Visto
18. Kuando el Rey Nimrod
19. Buena Semana - Valentina Alvarez,

Average customer rating:

The Harp of King David / Dominique Piana and Gregory Yaroslow Manufacturer: Eroica Classical Recordings ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Folk | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B000009M5N Release Date: 2001-09-04

Tracks:

1. The Harp of King David
2. Cuando el Rey Nimrod
3. Durme Hermozo Hijico
4. Los Siete Hijos de Hanna
5. La novia entre flores
6. Convite del fin de la boda
7. Hallazgo del esposo
8. La cena del desposado
9. Duelos y alegria de la esposa
10. Alabanza de la esposa
11. Scalerica de oro
12. Ah, el novio no quere dinero
13. Yo m'enamori d'un aire
14. Sephardic Romance
15. Noches, noches
16. Durme, durme
17. All' angolo del villaggio
18. La rondine chiamer
19. Percherrano
20. Noi ci saremo
21. Apritemi le porte della giustizia
22. Los bibilicos
23. Rhapsody
24. Montaaltas
25. Yom Ze L'yisrael
26. Yom Gila

Average customer rating:

Synagogue Chants Manufacturer: Le Chant Du Monde ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Bloch | Bloch, Ernest | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Jewish & Yiddish Music | Folk | Styles | Music Klezmer | Folk | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B00000DG2C Release Date: 1998-10-27

Tracks:

1. Chomer Yisroel
2. Yehi Rotson...Cheyibone
3. Elou Devorim
4. Al Tachlikhenou
5. Chema - Herve Desarbre
6. Kevodo
7. Mimaamakim
8. Enoch
9. El Mole Rahamim
10. Ani Maamin
11. Prld - Herve Desarbre
12. Tsour Yisroel
13. Sim Cholom
14. Im Echkahekh Yerouchalayim
15. Scalerica De Oro

Average customer rating:

Chants Judéo-Espagnols Manufacturer: Arb ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Folk | Styles | Music Spain | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B000003DHZ Release Date: 1995-04-18

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