(Jose Lemos, countertenor; Steve Rosenberg, recorders/Renaissance & Baroque guitars; Mary Anne Ballard, treble, tenor & bass viola da gamba and rebec; Danny Mallon, castanets/darbuka, riq, frame drums, shakers, wood block, agogo bells; Larry Lipkis [guest], viol/recorders/gemshorn)
The Sephardic Jewish culture of early Spain might be considered a very early example of musical crossover. The Sephardic Jews who lived in Spain from Roman times until the expulsion of 1492 had their own culture but soaked up those of their surroundings wherever they were. Cultures from Europe, North Africa and the Middle East came into Spain and when the scattering of the Iberian Jews occurred, they mixed their musical culture with those of their new neighbors. One of their beloved forms was a type of ballad influenced by the early songs of the medieval troubadours. It was called the Romance, and this Dorian debut of the quartet known as Brio concentrates on their exquisite interpretations of this traditional Sephardic music.
Brio makes use of instruments from the medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods as well as culture of the West and Near East. Some of the songs have a strong Turkish flavor, others sound more thoroughly Spanish. They are in both in Spanish and in the Ladino Sephardic language. Many have a strong dance beat. Brazilian countertenor Lemos is one of the leading Baroque singers, and has performed in productions of such operas as Monteverdi’s Poppea, Handel’s Giulio Cesare, and Lully’s Psyche. His unstrained high voice is quite lovely, and I should admit that I am generally not a fan of countertenors. Complete English translations are provided of all the songs – thank you Dorian. Sonics are superb. This fine collaboration might also be called an early example of world music.
TrackList:
1. Serena
2. Ya Me Consi
3. El mi quierdo
4. Quien es aquello
5. Esterica
6. Debka
7. Noches, Noches
8. Nimrod
9. Las Estreyas
10. La Rosa
11. A la Una
12. Las Muchachas
13. Adio
14. Durme Durme
15. Los Cominos
16. Van y Vienen
17. Nani Nani
18. Proque llorax
19. Una Tarde
20. Ah El Novio
– John Sunier
