Search - Locus Musicus :: El viaje del Navegante: Songs & Dances from the Middle Ages

The sonic equivalent of time travel.

Eddie Konczal | 10/29/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Locus Musicus captures the spirit of the Middle Ages with this collection of Medieval songs, dating from the 9th through 14th centuries. This 4-part Spanish consort casts an aural spell that virtually transports the listener back in time: the effect is eerily captivating.



As discussed in the liner notes, "El Viaje del Navegante" ("Voyage of the Traveller") signifies the soul-searching journey of the medieval traveller - not necessarily a heroic quest, but a spiritual journey of self-discovery. The selection of songs illustrates the traveller's "feminine side," as exemplified by chivalric love and devotion to the Virgin Mary. The conceptual journey is further enhanced by regional diversity: the repertoire includes songs from Italy, France, and Spain. While many of the 18 compositions are anonymous, Iberian composer Martin Codax is well represented with 6 songs.



The first three songs immediately illustrate Locus Musicus' versatility. The gentle homophony of the opening track, "La crisis de la mitad de la vida," segues into the sublime, timeless "Lamento di Tristano," featuring a plaintive recorder set against an atmospheric drone. Vocals and instruments join forces in "La Rotta," a lively dance tune with a catchy melody. The remainder of the song selection further demonstrates Locus Musicus' ability to convey distinct moods and styles within a broad conceptual framework.



The structure of many of these songs enhances their accessibility to modern listeners. The melodies are essentially monophonic with simple accompaniment and percussion - not unlike modern rock or pop song structures. The tone color, however, is firmly rooted in the Medieval period. The instrumentalists - Carlos Zumajo on recorder, Laureano Estepa on vihuela, and Eduardo Moreno on percussion - perform their parts with exuberance and expertise. Elena Gomez' vocals achieve a high degree of authenticity without sacrificing emotion; her passionate delivery is crucial to making these songs come alive.



Some excursions into medieval music sound like academic exercises; not so with "El Viaje del Navegante." Locus Musicus brings these centuries-old compositions to life, mastering the musical details while succeeding on a larger conceptual level as well. For the listener, it's the sonic equivalent of time travel.

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