Magdalena:Medieval Songs for Mery Magdalan

Magdalena:
Medieval Songs for Mery Magdalan
Jogaresa / Belinda Sykes
Avie Records
CD#: B0000C3I91

The works of Belinda Sykes and the Joglaresa ensemble- inspired, creative renderings based on meticulous research-are cause for excitement among those keen to hear more of the revival of antiquarian music. Excellent balance is struck in the arrangements, which employ four female voices and three period instruments. Plaintive, minor-key vocal reveries, hardy chants, stirring improvisations, and straightforward solos combine with a surprising diversity of accompaniments: haunting harp, quaintly grinding hurdy-gurdy, and throaty medieval fidel, each played with delicacy and high energy.

Twenty-four selections comprise the anthology, voicing the themes of Mary Magdalen's sin, salvation, servanthood, despair at the crucifixion, and astonishment at the resurrection. The vigorous opening praise song "Magdalena degna da laudare" is paired with a concluding instrumental jig, followed by the ethereal, earnest "O Madelena che portasti," a rich vocal ballad with gentle accompaniment. The ensemble proceeds with a nicely varied program that will appeal to listeners of assorted interests.

Joglaresa are noted for their effective improvisations. When necessary, they use the ancient practice of contrafactum, or requisitioning common period melodies for songs for which the original music is lost. They also apply Italian pronunciations to Latin songs.

In sum, Magdalena is not intended to be a formal re-enactment of precisely how the songs were composed 1,000 years ago; rather, it is a splendid restoration of this ancient liturgical style.

--Daniel Elton Harmon