Les Sacqueboutiers - Reis Glorios (2016)

Arab civilization has left traces in Occitania (a historical region encompassing Southern France, Spain and parts of Italy) much more numerous in the late Middle Ages (fourteenth and fifteenth centuries) through trade and crusades than it dit during the High Middle Ages (from the eighth to tenth centuries). Never formally a country, Occitania did develop unique cultural and linguistic traditions. Between land of Islam and land of Oc, there is no unbridgeable gap. At successive times its submission to the Carolingian Franks and afterwards to the French of Simon de Montfort, the deep South has naturally turned to Andalousia, whose civilization shines il all its brilliance. The musical program Glorios Reis, presented by The Sacqueboutiers’ imaginative and colorful instrumentation and impressive virtuosity, with the assistance of master oud, Driss el Maloumi, highlights, through a collection of mostly anonymous medieval dances and vocal works, the close ties that have been forged between the art of the troubadours and Arab civilizations of the late Middle Ages. Traditional pieces of oriental origin alternate with music from great collections of Occitans of that time, as the manuscript of Apt or the famous Vermeil book of Montserrat and signed scores of the great troubadours of the rich period: Bertran de Born, Girau of Bornèlh, Bernard Ventadorn.

The title piece, Reis Giorios is a work by the 12th century troubadour Girau de Bornelh and is mournful and expressively performed by Pierre-Yves Binard and beautifully supported by the ensemble. Of special note is O Felix Templum Jubila by Johannes Ciconia, the one major composer represented on this recording. This four-part motet is given an instrumental rendition by the wind band and their beautiful ensemble sound is showcased. Canihac’s full cornetto tone is clear and vibrant throughout. The bulk of the repertoire on this fine recording are anonymous vocal and dance pieces given a splendid reading by Les Sacqueboutiers. Their interpretation makes a strong case for Muslim musical influence. In any event, the musical outcome is wonderful. Jean-Pierre Canihac sent a note about the instrument makers that the cornett and sackbut players used. On the Reis Glorios CD Daniel Lassalle played an Ewald Meinl sackbut and Canihac played a cornett by Damien Bardonnet.