Apparently, music from the Renaissance and frontier America has more in common than one might think. Hesperus has made a career of melding musical styles with a great degree of success.
Their instrumentation includes traditional string, wind, and percussion from across the globe. Rather straight renditions of popular pieces from these two different time periods sound quite authentic; it is their juxtaposition that highlights the similarities in form and melody.
Their choice in Renaissance music leans toward 13th and 14th-century Spanish and French pieces, usually traditional music that had been appropriated by a composer and preserved for posterity. The dances in particular absolutely transcend time--the Flemish "Ohne Fels" could just as easily have originated in Louisiana.
When performed alongside traditional blues pieces such as Robert Johnson's "Sweet Home Chicago," the time and distance between Renaissance Europe and early America melts away. The result speaks volumes to the tradition of folk music and the rhythms and melodies that move us all.
Includes traditional cantiga(s). Ensemble: Hesperus Ensemble. Soloists: Scott Reiss, Tina Chancey, Bruce Hutton.
Includes traditional song(s). Ensemble: Hesperus Ensemble. Soloists: Scott Reiss, Tina Chancey, Bruce Hutton.
Includes work(s) by Diego Ortiz. Ensemble: Hesperus Ensemble. Soloists: Scott Reiss, Tina Chancey, Bruce Hutton.
