Cantigas de Santa Maria (Eno nome de maria)

Goldberg
The performance style of the group Antequera, with the extraordinary singer Johannette Zomer, is yet another addition in terms of formal inventiveness. In this we find melodies shared between voice and instruments (Miragres fremosos) together with interpretations in which the solo female voice is accompanied by single or double vocal bourdons (Santa María loei). A purely instrumental performance (Como ponden) would be questionable, whereas the sung chorus and the narrated verses take us right to the melodies of the Wise King. When the singer is accompanied by the Arabian lute, she strives to imitate it by producing microtones in the final sustained notes (Virgen Madre groriosa). The extraordinary voice and exquisite style of Zomer make this a very pleasant recording to listen to. The instrumental accompaniments are quite discreet and do not overshadow the vocal performance at any time. The realisation of Dized'ai trobadores, with its alternation between the troubadours and the narrator, is especially recommended.
Editor's Info:
Les cantigas, chants du début du XIIIe sičcle composés en l'honneur de Sainte-Marie, sont intimement liées ŕ la tradition des troubadours. Le chant se fait doux et évanescent suscitant poésie et émotion.