In stock - usually despatched within 1 working day.
3 hybrid SACD + 1 DVD documentary
PAL format - all zones
Deluxe book 244 pages Eng, Sp.
Total times : 70'58 + 75'54 + 75'35 (music)
Coinciding with the 500th anniversary of the birth of Saint Francis Borgia, Fourth Duke of Gandia, Jordi Savall and Alia Vox offer a visually lavish and artistically comprehensive new release entitled Dinastia Borgia.
Savall’s latest musicological/historical quest focuses on music from the time of the Borgia dynasty, including works by composers such as Isaac, Dufay and Morales, from Pope Alexander VI/6 and two of his children, Cesare and Lucrezia, through to Francis Borgia, Jesuit priest and, perhaps, composer. For five centuries, scholars have studied and debated the role of the Borgias in Renaissance history. Although their name is synonymous with Papal corruption and they were undoubtedly malevolent and immoral, as patrons of the arts, the Borgias were also instrumental in the period’s explosive growth of culture. The fascinating story of their life and legacy (both good and evil) still has the power to inspire the imagination. With this dramatic historical and artistic backdrop, Savall and his fellow musicians shed new light on this unique (and at times bloody) era in Western history, revealing first-rate musicians, the vital role of original instruments in performing this type of music and the importance of reconstructing original scores. Above all, it reflects the multi-faceted talents of Jordi Savall as director, researcher and performer.
The Borgia family originated from Valencia in Spain and became prominent during the Renaissance in Italy, especially when Rodrigo, a cunning intriguer, was elected Pope in 1492, taking the name Alexander VI. He had several acknowledged children, of which Lucrezia and Cesare were best known. The Borgias have been accused of many different crimes, generally on considerable evidence, including adultery, simony, theft, rape, bribery, incest, and murder (especially murder by arsenic poisoning. Cesare, with his father's backing, tried to become the ruler of Italy. But in 1503, Pope Alexander died suddenly. Cesare's intrigues collapsed, and he went off to Spain. Lucrezia was also rumoured to be a notorious poisoner. She married three times, and after the fall of her father and brother, remained the respected consort of the Duke of Ferrara.
Saint Francis Borgia was a grandson of Rodrigo through another son, Giovanni. After a career in the service of the kings of Spain, he entered the priesthood and became a Jesuit. He eventually rose to be the third Father General of the order.
Thanks to the elite ensembles Hespèrion XXI and La Capella Reial de Catalunya, Jordi Savall delivers the soundtrack of a time during which cruelty and beauty were mixed as never before. A bonus DVD (details the creative process which enables Jordi Savall to bring this era back to life.
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Ductia (CSM 123) instr
Saltarello - Guillaume Dufay / Jordi Savall
Da Pacem - Gilles Binchois
Deserts d'amichs, de béns e de senyor (réc.)
Rondeau (instrumental) « Ce jour » - Guillaume Dufay / Jordi Savall
Strambotto-caccia : Correno multi cani - Anonyme (C. Montecassino)
Zappay lo campo (instr.) - Anonyme (C. Montecassino)
Sibil la Valenciana - Anonyme / Chansonnière de Gandie
Fantasia I (harpe) - Lluís del Milà
La Batalla (instr.) - Janequin / Susato
Motet : Proch dolor - Josquin Des Prez
La guerra : Todos los buenos soldados - Mateu Flecha
Fantasia II (harpe) - Lluís del Milà
Tau garçó la durundena - Bartomeu Cárceres
Meis olhos van por lo mare - Anonyme portugais
Égloga III (1536) Aquella voluntad honesta y pura (réc.) - Garcilaso de la Vega
Jubilate Deo omnis terra - Cristóbal de Morales
Pavana « O voy » - Juan Román (C. Palacio)
Credo in unum Deum - Francesc Borja (attribué)
Kyrie I (harpe) - Venegas de Henestrosa
Alma buscarte has en Mi / Anonyme
Lachrimosa dies illa - Cristóbal de Morales
Mille regrets (violes) - Josquin Des Prez / Luys Narváez
Improvisation & Danse - Anonyme traditionnel turc
Fanfare - Anonyme
Psaume 35 : Deba contre mes debateurs - Claude Goudimel
Requiem : Pie Jesu Domine - Cristóbal de Morales
El Rey y por S.M. Don Luis Carrillo (réc.)
Improvisation - Déploration morisque
Pange Lingua gloriosi (grégorien) - Anonyme
11th December 2010
****
“The musical legacy of the Borgia dynasty? Some mistake, surely — aren’t this family of kings and popes renowned for their poisonings and unfettered sex? ...In another of his history spectaculars, Savall and his devoted musicians go beneath the headlines...This collection is a treasure chest and the performances are blissfully vivid.”
16th December 2010
**
“The start, in Muslim Valencia in the 13th century, is illustrated by a piece for voice and oud; later, the Borja pope Alexander VI's offer of refuge to Sephardic Jews is accompanied by a Hebrew song of peace, and instrumental and choral pieces by western composers such as Dufay, Isaac, Josquin and Ockeghem serve similar functions elsewhere in the historical narrative.”
February 2011
“One might expect that, with the Borgias, all roads would lead to Rome, but in this case most lead back to Catalonia...Savall's own presence, as both leader and principal viol player, can always be felt. His string, wind, brass and percussion players are superb...His wife, the soprano Montserrat Figueras, makes beautifully positioned cameo appearances on each disc. Hats off!”
February 2011
****
“The spicy family saga allows Jordi Savall the freedom to evoke a vibrant and eclectic soundscape...Savall animates the whole to fine effect, drawing performances which range from the poetic to the bellicose...an impressive musical journey which enhances our understanding of a powerful clan and its enduring cultural impact.”
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