Record Reviews

TIBURTINA ENSEMBLE / DAVID DORUZKA TRIO ~ APOKALIPSIS ANIMAL MUSIC 041 (Barcode: 8594155997053) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2013 Released: 2013 This is an album by Czech female vocal septet called Tiburtina EnsembleFind albums by this artist, directed by Barbora SojkovaFind albums by this artist, and Czech Jazz guitarist David DoruzkaFind albums by this artist and his trio with saxophonist / bass clarinetist Marcel BartaFind albums by this artist and drummer Martin NovakFind albums by this artist. The album presents eighteen tracks recorded at the Zvikov Castle, which combine medieval music, mostly from the early fourteenth Century Las Huelgas Codex from Spain, based on Biblical texts (mostly the Book of Revelation or Apocalypse of St. John – hence the title) and contemporary improvisations by the trio led by Doruzka. The audacious attempt to bridge the almost Millennium long chasm, not only musical but also cultural and even spiritual, seems at first completely unimaginable, but this album proves that music is indeed timeless and the musicians are able to create an amalgam, which ignores the a.m. disparities. The original medieval vocal music is performed almost "untouched", in all its glory and divinity. The individual voices of the ensemble members as well as the choir parts are absolutely stunning, which is hardly surprising considering the Tiburtina Ensemble´s well earned reputation. However, the improvised parts by Doruzka and his cohorts are even more shocking, since their contemporary form and sound differs as totally as humanly possible from the medieval music, and yet are able to create a mystical bond between the two. Symbolically, like in the Book of Revelation, where the Good eventually triumphs over Evil, here the great stylistic division manages to be conquered by human ingenuity and love of music. Obviously this is no ordinary music, and it demands from the listener a complete submission to the overall sonic experience. Cultural background and knowledge of music history can be helpful, but is not necessary in order to absorb this wonderful and very potent offering, absolutely worth of every bit of effort needed to fully enjoy it. This is one of the most profound musical projects that try to bring medieval music into contemporary musical environment that I ever encountered, and as such it deserves a special praise, in addition to the wonderful sound recording and highly aesthetic packaging, all of which speak volumes of the Czech Culture and love of music and tradition. Kudus to all the people involved in this project and of course a warmest recommendation to all true music connoisseurs to get a copy ASAP. Hats off!

Updated: 16/10/2020Posted: 16/10/2020

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