Capella de Ministrers

Another superb CD from the Capella de Ministrers and their director Carles Magraner of music from the 13th century. Works include Cantigas de Santa María: Ben Pode, Santa María (Cantiga del Dragón y el valenciano, CSM 189) En quantas guisas os saeus acorrer (Cantiga de Alicante, CSM 339). Beautifully researched and performed as we have come to expect from these forces.

Capella de Ministrers commemorate the 800th anniversary of the birth of Jaume I with three recordings that bring together the various styles of music in his time. Religious, Profane and Secular with an Andalusian mix of music and poetry from the 12th and 13th centuries. Glorious performances from Capella de Ministrers as we have come to expect from them.

The Capella de Ministrers under the direction of their founder, Carles Magraner, are joined on this release by Ensemble Akrami, and together they present a programme of music demonstrating the influence of Arabic culture on early Andalusian music. As always this is carefully researched and well thought out programme proving why this group of musicians is regarded as one of the finest in the world when it comes to historical and early music.

John Dowland (1563-1626) wrote his “Lachrimae” in 1604. On publication the work was described by the composer as “Lachrimae or Seaven Teares, figured in Seaven Passionate Pauans with divers other Pauans, Galliards and Almands, set forth for lute, viols, or violins, in five parts”. The capella de Ministrers under the direction of Carles Magraner give passionate and dedicated performances of these wonderful Dowland pieces.

Carles Magraner once again leads the Capella de Ministrer in a superb collection of music spanning from the 12th to 15th centuries. “L’Ars Antiqua in the Kingdon of Aragon. Sacred Polyphony in the Kingdom of Aragon, 13th -15th centuries, and the Chant of the Sybyl (Gerona, 12th century). Works from the monasteries of Santes Creus, Sant Jeroni de la Murtra, Santa Maria de Ripoli, the Priory of Escaladei and the Cathedral of Tortosa”. Excellent moving and atmospheric performances.