CANTEFABLE
Peace Concert - Concert de la Paix - Friedenskonzert
Sunday,
April 29, 2007 8pm
Eglise
Saint Georges, Edde, Byblos (Jbeil), Lebanon
german
version
CANTEFABLE
voice, harp, hammered dulcimer, vielle d' arco (medieval fiddle), rebec
Cante
for the music, which enchants the spirit
Fable for the story, which delights the wit
"Cantefable"
is a term from the Middle Ages for a story which is partly spoken and
partly sung or accompanied by music. CANTEFABLE's programs are a blend
of stories and music which transport the listener to magical times and
places.
PEACE
CONCERT Medieval Songs of Love and Adoration to Harp and Vielle
Music
builds bridges. The musicians of the Middle Ages travelled freely through
many lands and their music was influenced by the musical cultures they
experienced. King Alfonso of Spain (1252-1284) was called "El Sabio" ("the
Wise") because he employed Islamic, Christian and Jewish musicians at
his court. His collection of songs about the miracles of the Virgin, the
"Cantigas de Santa Maria", reflect the influence of all three. Oswald
von Wolkenstein (1377-1445) often used French melodies for his songs written
in Old German.
The
troubadours and minstrels, who performed primarily at the courts of nobility,
sang mostly of love, faithfulness and adoration. In the profound symbolism
of the Middle Ages these can not be interpreted as love songs in the modern
sense, however. They were often an expression of deep faith, a model for
behavior or a reflection of utmost devotion to the Virgin Mary. At the
same time the songs also express a sense of humor and an almost ecstatic
joy. Spanish songs to the Virgin Mary are particularly characterized by
the influence of Arabian rhythms. The songs in the German language often
have very sophisticated texts filled with symbolism and double meaning.
Harp
and vielle are often shown being played together in depictions from the
Middle Ages. With medieval harp, vielle, rebec and hammered dulcimer,
CANTEFABLE plays, sings and tells the stories of songs from the Codex
Buranus ("Carmina Burana", 13th c.), the Notre Dame School (13th c.),
the Jenaer Liederhandschrift (13th - 14th c.), the Cantigas de Santa Maria
(13 th c.), the Codex Engelberg (ca. 1400), and by Hildegard von Bingen
(1098-1179), the 12th century troubadours and Oswald von Wolkenstein (1377-1445),
etc.. Particularly pleasing is the blend of harp, voice and vielle in
the 2 and 3 part songs.
The musicians from CANTEFABLE also travel through many lands performing
medieval music from many cultures. Their goal is to promote understanding
through music as ambassadors of peace.
shedule
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