Jordi Savall presents
Claudio Monteverdi Revolution

The Tears and the Fire of the Muses with La Capella Reial de Catalunya and Hespèrion XXI

September 4, 2024

Traquen’Art is thrilled to announce the North American premiere of Jordi Savall‘s Claudio Monteverdi Revolution, the Tears and the Fire of the Muses. The event will feature two exclusive performances in Quebec City, on October 6 and Montreal on October 7. This extraordinary musical event promises to captivate audiences with its rich tapestry of historical sounds and unparalleled artistry.

Jordi Savall, the renowned Catalan gambist, conductor, and musical scholar, has long held a special place in the hearts of Quebec music lovers. His boundless curiosity, exceptional musicianship, and unique ability to bridge the gap between different eras, cultures, and musical traditions have made him a beloved figure in the province’s vibrant cultural scene.

Savall’s performances are immersive journeys through time, offering audiences a rare glimpse into the musical landscapes of bygone eras.

In this groundbreaking program, Savall turns his attention to the revolutionary works of Claudio Monteverdi, a towering figure of the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods. Monteverdi’s contributions to music cannot be overstated; he was a visionary composer who pushed the boundaries of musical expression, pioneered the development of opera, and made significant advancements in music theory. Through a carefully curated selection of Monteverdi’s sacred and secular compositions, Savall illuminates the profound influence this Italian master had on Western music.

However, the program doesn’t stop at Monteverdi. True to his comprehensive approach, Savall weaves together a rich tapestry of musical voices from the period, including works by English composers John Dowland and Anthony Holborne, German organist and composer Samuel Scheidt, and the lesser-known Italian composer Jacomo de Garzanis. This diverse repertoire offers a panoramic view of the musical landscape of 16th and early 17th-century Europe, highlighting the interconnectedness of musical traditions across national boundaries.

Adding to the significance of these performances is the celebration of a remarkable milestone: the 50th anniversary of Hespèrion XXI, Savall’s prestigious early music ensemble. Founded in 1974, Hespèrion XXI has been at the forefront of the early music revival movement, breathing new life into forgotten masterpieces and pushing the boundaries of historical performance practice. The ensemble’s meticulous research, coupled with their passionate and virtuosic performances, has earned them worldwide acclaim and a devoted following among early music enthusiasts.

For these special concerts, Hespèrion XXI will be joined by the sublime voices of La Capella Reial de Catalunya, another of Savall’s esteemed ensembles. Specializing in the vocal music of the Iberian Peninsula from the Middle Ages through the Baroque, La Capella Reial de Catalunya brings a wealth of expertise and expressive power to the performance. The combination of Hespèrion XXI’s instrumental prowess and La Capella Reial’s vocal mastery promises to create a truly unforgettable musical experience.

Music lovers in Quebec will have two opportunities to witness this extraordinary event. The first performance will take place on October 6, 2024, at 4 pm. in the historic Palais Montcalm in Quebec City. Known for its superb acoustics and intimate atmosphere, the Palais Montcalm provides an ideal setting for the nuanced textures of early music. The following evening, October 7, 2024, at 7:30 pm, the performance moves to Montreal’s Maison symphonique, offering music enthusiasts in Quebec’s largest city the chance to experience this musical revolution.

Tickets for both performances are now on sale and, given Savall’s popularity and the significance of this program, early booking is highly recommended to secure seats. Whether you’re a longtime fan of early music or a curious newcomer, this concert promises to be a transformative experience, offering a rare opportunity to hear some of the world’s finest early music specialists bring centuries-old masterpieces to vibrant life.

Jordi Savall

Jordi Savall – Photo: David Ignaszewski

Jordi Savall is an exceptional figure in today’s music world. His career as a concert performer, teacher, researcher and creator of new musical and cultural projects, makes him one of the principal architects of the current revaluation of historical music.

Hespèrion XXI

With a repertoire that encompasses the period between the 10th and 18th centuries, Hespèrion XXI continuously searches for new points of union between the East and West, clearly wishing for integration and the recovery of international musical heritage.

TICKETS

CONCERT IN QUEBEC CITY
October 6, 2024, at 4 pm
Palais Montcalm
995 Place d’Youville
418 641-6040 – 1 866 842-2112

CONCERT IN MONTREAL
October 7, 2024, at  7:30 pm
Maison symphonique
1600 Saint-Urbain Street
514 842-2112 – 1 877 641-6040

Feature image: Hervé Pouyfourcat

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