La Folia (1490-1701) - Jordi Savall

La Folia (1490-1701) - Jordi Savall
Baroque | Eac, flac, cue | log, cover | 1 CD, 298 MB
February 9, 1999 | Alia Vox Spain | RapidShare

CD Review

In this sumptuously presented collection, the Catalan polymath Jordi Savall charts the origins of the famous tune 'La Folia' from the late 15th century to the early 18th. The music is fascinating especially the anonymous Folia Rodriguez Martinez and the sublime improvisations of Juan del Enzina, a true study in the art of variations. The percussion playing of Pedro Estevan also makes a distinctive appearance in these medieval works. Antonio Martin Y Coll's 'Differencias Sobres Las Folias' is also full of succinct fantasy and at almost eleven minutes matches Corelli's work for complexity and sheer inventive harmony. The Italian composer's variations are well known and they receive a sterling reading here, one that is full of celebratory panache and mysticism in equal measure. The final work is by Marin Marais and here the theme of 'La Folia' turns full circle. This is definitely a work to which I will be returning with gusto. In exploring the fundamental glories of baroque art matched with a fiery aptitude for skilful virtuosity, Marais' variations are not unlike the Bach Chaconne from the 2nd Partita. Jordi Savall and his group of highly talented players play with considerable élan and precision, they are also superbly recorded in a spacious and elegant acoustic. Aliavox's presentation is commendable with the three-fold sleeve neatly containing booklet, CD and listings, this is the way CDs should be done. Unhesitatingly recommended to lovers of this wonderfully mystic music.--Gerald Fenech

Tracks:

01 - Jordi Savall, Rolf Lislevand, Michael Behringer, Etc. - Anon: Rodrigo Martinez (05:36) 02 - Jordi Savall, Rolf Lislevand, Michael Behringer, Etc. - Ortiz: Recercada Quarta Sobre La Folia (01:30) 03 - Jordi Savall, Rolf Lislevand, Michael Behringer, Etc. - Venegas De Henestrosa: Para Quien Crié Yo Cabellos (02:11) 04 - Jordi Savall, Rolf Lislevand, Michael Behringer, Etc. - Ortiz: Recercada Ottava Sobre La Folia (01:45) 05 - Jordi Savall, Rolf Lislevand, Michael Behringer, Etc. - Enzina: Hoy Comamos Y Bebamos (03:25) 06 - Jordi Savall, Rolf Lislevand, Michael Behringer, Etc. - Martin Y Coll: Diferencias Sobre Las Folias (10:55) 07 - Jordi Savall, Rolf Lislevand, Michael Behringer, Etc. - Corelli: Violin Sonata In D Minor, Op. 5/12, "La Follia" (11:21) 08 - Jordi Savall, Rolf Lislevand, Michael Behringer, Arianna Savall, Bruno Cocset, Pedro Estevan, Adela - Marais: Pièces De Viole, Book 2 - Les Folies D'Espagne (18:08)

Wonderful website...http://www.folias.nl/ highly recommended!