“Lately, TV arts/documentary schedules have teemed with films on Islam, mostly over–simplifying history to the point of distortion and suggesting a centuries–old conspiracy to deny the contribution Muslim civilisation made to European culture. Viewers with an interest in early music (and contemporary music, for that matter) may have raised an eyebrow: if Islamic influence has been concealed, it's been hidden in plain sight. Especially in the context of fears of growing Islamophobia after 9/11 and 7/7, any campaign to foster understanding is commendable. This CD reminds us of the common roots of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, the importance of the Psalms to each religion, and the connections between the music of each. The programme includes Rossi Hebreo's attempts to reconcile Catholic liturgy with the Jewish tradition (from which it ultimately sprang) and works by Ufkî, a Polish Calvinist captive and convert to Islam who recast melodies from the Genevan (Huguenot) Psalter in Turkish modes. Sarband has collaborated with Concerto Köln in intriguing explorations of the interaction between European classical and Turkish music, while the King's Singers have tackled an eclectic repertoire ranging from Gesualdo to The Beatles, so it's hardly surprising that the groups work well together, meshing Reformation counterpoint with 17th–century Ottoman music, comparing and contrasting the incorporeal sounds of one and the lithe rhythms of the other. They share the pieces by Ufkî, Sarband performs an improvisation inspired by Psalm 2, and the King's Singers take the rest of the tracks. Altogether a fascinating, attractive, beautifully performed album.”
March 2006
“This CD reminds us of the common roots of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, the importance of the Psalms to each religion, and the connections between the music of each. The programme includes Rossi Hebreo's attempts to reconcile Catholic liturgy with the Jewish tradition... and works by Ufkî, a Polish Calvinist captive and convert to Islam who recast melodies from the Genevan (Huguenot) Psalter in Turkish modes. Altogether a fascinating, attractive, beautifully performed album.”
