MUSIC OF THE MEDITERRANEAN WORLD COLLOQUIUM:
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MEDIA REVIEWS
"A STANDING OVATION"
Article published in LE MIDI LIBRE (Montpellier)
Monday June 29, 2009 Edition
Music: Gellone, The Mediterranean and beyond
The day before yesterday, at the close of the inauguration of the Museum of the abbey of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, and enthused by the music offered by the members of the Camerata Mediterranea and orchestra Abdelkim Rare of Fès , the public rose to give a standing ovation. The Cantigas of Santa Maria blended Christian, Arabic and Jewish music, as in the court of Alphonse le Sage in the thirteenth century. Joël Cohen insists on the importance of bringing to life that which connects us, rather than "to obsess upon what divides us" and he dedicated [the Hebrew prayer] Ahot Ketana, "the small sister", to Neda [Soltan], who was killed in Tehran.
In four segments, the musicians alternated between cantigas and noubats, played by all participants. For in this unique era where the King had with him thirteen Christian musicians, and just as many of Muslims and of Jews, creativity was shared. The mother of God [in one of the Cantigas] is also a single and abandoned Virgin, closer to the Koran than to the Gospels; she is a worker of miracles.
The simple melody composed by King Alphonse, in which he creates a tableau of his life, is extremely touching. Mehmet Sanlikol performs passionately, and Equidad Barès very expressively. Anne Azéma always possesses the delicacy and the nuance that have made her the "lady" of Saint-Guilhem. All sing in varied vocal colors: Aziz Alami, indispensable on the tar, Suzanne Ansorg, who contributes the grace of the vièle, Joël Cohen, who accompanies on the lute, and Mohamed Briouel, the successor of Abdelkim Raïs. [In one Cantiga,,] one imagines Simon welcoming to the temple the son of God before he dies; [in another] the faithful monk celebrating the five letters of the name of Maria, transformed into roses...
The instrumentation was enriched by the zurna (shawm) and by a chiffonie (small vielle). The public, music in hand, sang the Cantiga 100 Santa Maria, in an atmosphere of jubilation. The concert of the day before, and also the colloquium, were each a great success. The Mediterranean reunites, to go further.
MICHELE FIZAIN
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL OF DEMONSTRATIONS
Frederic Muñoz wrote [on Facebook]:
On the occasion of the inauguration of the museum of the abbey of Saint Guilhem le Desert and the symposium of Camerata Mediterranea, I had the pleasure to hear the closing concert devoted to the cantigas of Santa Maria. Wonderful evening in the unique framework of the abbey church of Saint Guilhem, of pure Languedoc Roman style. Music appropriate to the place, accoustically suited to the scale of this repertoire. Music of the court of Alfonso el Sabio, king of Castille in the XIII° century, reuniting Christians, Muslims and Arabs. Thanks to the carefullly thought-out program, various musicians of these various horizons were brought together for our pleasure. As Joël Cohen insists, it is time to focus on what reunites all humans, rather than to focus, as is too often the case, on what separates us! Thank you for this simple and nevertheless serious guidance. The music here tonight was the most beautiful of demonstrations.
What also struck me at the time of this concert was jubilation, the sincere joy of the singers and instrumentalists, communicated for the public: smiles, laughs exchanged, happiness in making and sharing the music, as is the wish of all artists. And the repertoire of the Blessed Saint Mary BMV is always phenomenal and a gold mine.
Bravo to everyone and thank you for giving us so much happiness.
FREDERIC MUNOZ
Frédéric Muñoz is the head of Historical Society of the Abbey of Saint Guilhem le Desert (Hérault)
"BREAK(ING) DOWN THE BARRIERS"
Article published in Le MIDI LIBRE (Montpellier)
Thursday June 25 2009 Edition
The Camerata has Gellone in its heart, and she has reserved her response. At present, it is sure: Christine Albanel will not come to the inauguration of the museum of the cloister of the abbey of Gellone, Friday and Saturday. Altered ministerial obligations. As for the new Minister of Culture, his presence does not seem very probable. A question of working in busy times.
Joël Cohen, director of Camerata Mediterranea, regrets it: "At one time, we were neighbors in the Lubéron and spoke a lot of music". Nothing seems more normal when one knows the journey of this fine American virtuoso, specialist of the repertoires of medieval and ancient music. As a child, he bathed in solfège: his mother was a pianist, his uncle sings to the synagogue of Petrograd. "In the 70s, I studied at Paris with Nadia Boulanger, musician and famous teacher."
It was immersion in a culture that he cherishes, and that reciprocates his affection. "They decorated me in France well before the United States. This is an open country, that respects artists. And then, I married a Frenchwoman, the soprano Anne Azéma, who has succeeded me as director of the Boston Camerata." Joël Cohen held this office for 39 years.
In 1989, he created Camerata Mediterranea. [The organization] is concerned, as is her older sibling of Boston, with the research and connections between scholars and artists. A mission saluted by the public throughout the world and by many prizes. "[Camerata Mediterranea?s] work concerns Eastern and Western early music, the dialog between countries and cultures that appear different but that have so many similarities. It is necessary to break down the barriers". The message of the Camerata is musical and humanist: "To know, to exchange, is to learn to be tolerant".
[Camerata Mediterranea] is a regular at Saint-Guilhem, whose history and heritage correspond well to [the Mediterranea's] spirit . It will coordinate concerts and lectures during these two inaugural days. And it contributed financially to event. And it may well be that the collaboration will continue. Every two years. In the heart of Gellone.
P. GUIPPONI
"Of Wonderful Moments"
Having appreciated the work of The Boston Camerata for a long time, we followed the birth of the project of the Camerata Mediterranea that today asserts itself in this musical collaboration here with life and warmth during the first historic and musical days of the June 26th and 27th colloquium in the wonderful framework of the abbey of Gellone in Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert.
We are simple listeners liking the music, the song. And this was a true discovery for us, at the time of the two concerts given on June 26 and June 27 during the symposium. If world-wide and recognized specialists were present to transmit to us their passion and their enthusiasm towards the medieval music that conceals again and always many mysteries, it was with such modest generosity that our curiosity quickly transformed itself into interest and pleasure in these sonorous and various worlds around the Mediterranean, but also so close in their purpose and their end.
There were wonderful musical moments thanks to Joel Chen, Anne Azema and the musicians and singers that surrounded them. The town of Saint Guilhem is also a so beautiful place; such a jewel, and animated by a very likable and dynamic mayor.
Bravo and we all hope that we will be able to relive similar moments of happiness and exchanges next year.
MARIE JACQUELINE LAURIAU