Ragas indiens & chant médiéval, mélodies modales d'Est en Ouest

Description

This recording offers the rare opportunity to experience a dialogue between different musical traditions: the musical culture of medieval Europe, and the ancient but unbroken tradition of classical music from North India - two worlds separated by time and geography, yet linked by characteristic common traits. The classical tradition of North Indian music is marked by a strong adherence to its origins while being open to influences from other cultures. On the other hand, the musical art of Europe in the Middle Ages, equally distant and accessible only through written documents, has clearly recognizable roots that delve into Eastern traditions. During their respective musical development, Dominique Vellard and Ken Zuckerman have each been greatly influenced by their varied practice of Eastern musical traditions. The Schola Cantorum Basiliensis, where these two artists teach as part of the medieval program, became a meeting place to compare their notes and develop an organic approach to experimentation. The recording of the music on this CD was designed to be like that of a live performance in the studio. In the case of Indian music, this blend of spontaneity and improvised atmosphere is an extremely important ingredient for the interpretation of ragas and talas, but the improvised accompaniments of monophonic songs are also absolutely magnified by this unique quality of "live."