Medinea Session is a unique ensemble of 23 talented musicians, the majority of whom are from the Mediterranean. The group's particular character stems both from it's individual mix of instruments and it's innovative musical ideas; each player is not only a composer but also a soloist of the highest calibre, a combination that gives the ensemble's music an unparalleled richness and diversity. The players' cultural heritages range from jazz to Gnawa via Turkish, Arabic, and Balkan musical traditions, all of which are blended seamlessly into the ensemble's repertoire. The distinctive sound of Medinea Session conjures up emotions that range from the deepest melancholy to the most joyful exaltation, a reflection not only of the great migrations of souls that have marked the history of the Mediterranean but also of the luminous strength of hope. Whilst these talented young players embody the vitality of this region, they also pay homage to it's traditions and it's challenges.
Mozart’s Requiem is one of the most iconic works in the history of western music. After exploring its labyrinth of secrets in several years of research, Fabrizio Cassol wanted to reframe the mournful ritual of the Requiem to express other emotions as well – such as joyfulness – transcended by music and dancing. He confided his wish to Alain Platel, who was immediately fired by the idea. The choice of musicians was key: the ensemble is made up of six singers, three likembes, accordion, guitar, bass, euphonium and percussion. The basic narrative and formal scheme of the original Requiem is retained: recognizable fragments from it are quoted in almost all the sections. Joy and intense exultation, the power of the ‘groove’ and profound incantations all meet and intermingle with polyphony from many different sources. Five African languages intertwine with the ancient Latin text, and invocations to the ancestors ring out, creating a unique journey towards the hereafter – a journey open to the reality of the world today.
The Scarlatti Book (feat. Fabrizio Cassol, Stéphane Galland)
Outhere Music
CD
$20.99Nov 13, 2015
The intrepid experimental jazz trio Aka Moon has represented an approach to jazz that has seen them collaborate with a multitude of artists from different backgrounds in their richly filled career. Their new collection ‘The Scarlatti Book’ is devoted to the music of Italian Baroque composer Domenico Scarlatti. (Outhere)
Aka Balkan Moon and AlefBa are two projects, the core of which is the Aka Moon jazz trio. • The Aka Balkan Moon project draws its inspiration from the Balkan gypsy tradition. • With assistance from a pair of fellow musicians, the trio went in search of musical fellow travelers, finding four virtuoso Bulgarian musicians. • The result is a unique contemporary jazz and traditional folk music blend. • The AlefBa project brought together 12 artists, half from Europe, half from Syria, Egypt and Lebanon, to create what could be called a Musical and Poetic Suite in Arabic Languages.
Coup Fatal (Fatal Blow) is an original encounter between Baroque and Congolese music. Organized around Fabrizio Cassol (musical director), Serge Kakudji (countertenor) and Rodriguez Vangama (conductor/guitarist), they have been elaborating for several years a ‘Baroque recital’ the likes of which have never been heard. Live, the show is staged and choreographed by Alain Platel, who leads the company of 13 musicians into a universe where songs, traditional African instruments and dances are one. In this new exploration of the repertoire, Baroque ‘hits’ unite with folk music.
