LA FOLIA: 1490-1701. Works by Corelli,
Marais, Martin y Coll., Ortiz & Anon.
Various Instrumentalists Jordi
Savall.
Aliavox AV9805 55m
DDD.
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.
Reviewer
Gerald Fenech
Performance:
Sound:
