#hèsperion XXI

[caviarsonoro]

Ferran Savall, Jordi Savall, Le Concert des Nations, Hèsperion XXI : Deploratio III (Improvisation) -  Lachrimæ Caravaggio 2007

The piece Deploratio III (Improvisation) is a work that blends the essence of early music with the expressive freedom of improvisation, a distinctive approach by Jordi Savall and his collaborators. In this case, the musical dialogue between Ferran Savall and the instrumental ensemble led by Jordi Savall achieves exceptional emotional depth. The piece traverses dark and melancholic soundscapes, evoking the shadows and light characteristic of Caravaggio's painting, to whom the album is dedicated. From the first chords, the improvisation feels like a poignant lament that transcends time, a timeless echo that connects with Baroque spirituality.

Ferran Savall delivers an ethereal and enveloping vocal performance that becomes the emotional core of the piece. His voice fluctuates between the earthly and the celestial, guiding the listener through an introspective journey filled with lyricism. The instrumental accompaniment, performed by Hèsperion XXI and Le Concert des Nations, stands out for its richness in timbral texture, with technical precision that never overshadows the spontaneity of the improvisation. The period instruments, such as the viola da gamba, converse with Ferran’s voice in an interplay that references both sacred music and ancient popular forms.

Jordi Savall’s direction shines in his ability to create a musical space where each performer finds their place, contributing to the emotional narrative of the piece. Rather than imposing a rigid structure, Savall allows the improvisation to flow organically, highlighting the interaction between musicians. The performance is both a homage to the Baroque musical tradition and a contemporary exploration of its possibilities, capturing the duality between structure and spontaneity.

[eopederson]

Upper: Hèsperion XXI tuning; lower Jordi Savall playing a bass viol, Coolidge Auditorium, Library of Congress, 2 April 2024.

Last evening we had the immense privilege and pleasure of hearing one of my musical heroes and his primary group play in the magnificent acoustics of the Coolidge. Their program of early baroque music had the audience enraptured and wishing for more!

[yetibaba]

Folia: Rodrigo Martinez, c. 1490, by the ever amazing Jordi Savall & his band Hèsperion XXI Favorite Youtube comment: "Jordi Savall coming from outer space, with golden fingers." Indeed. ;) Just incredible musicianship, all around.

[fire-in-the-aviary]

I was tagged by @waterstons — thank you!

directions: you can tell a lot about a person by the music they listen to. put your mp3 player, itunes, spotify, etc. on shuffle and list the first 10 songs, then tag 10 people! no skipping!

Deena Webster — Geordie

Eivør — Trøllabundin

Plethyn — Cariad Cywir

Daughter — Doing the Right Thing 

Huun-Huur-Tu — Kaldak Khamar

Martin Carthy — Scarborough Fair

Karen Dalton — Katie Cruel

Hedningarna — Täss'on Nainen

Kapela ze Wsi Warszawa (Warsaw Village Band) — Maydów

Hèsperion XXI — Amor (Lamento della Ninfa)

I tag @thursen @thelastgreenseer @iamtooslow @under-the-gaslight @beholdthebedlam @lavendelirium @michellefairleylove @favrielle @efferd and @glasscandlegrenade [just ignore this if you don’t want to do it]