Jordi Savall enchants Berlin with slave music with sound worlds

Jordi Savall enchants Berlin with slave music with sound worlds

On August 31, 2024, the Berlin Philharmonic experienced an extraordinary concert that looked at the cultural and historical roots of musical traditions more profound. Jordi Savall, an outstanding Catalan gambist who had just celebrated his 83rd birthday, presented his concert "Un Mar de Músicas" together with the La Capella Reial de Catalunya and his ensemble Hespèrion XXI. It was a unique performance that combined musical depth with emotional charisma and took the listeners on a journey through the centuries.

SAVALL, known for his committed examination of the musical traditions in the world, performed with a small treble gambe at this concert. The performance combined European baroque music with the passionate chants of enslaved people between 1440 and 1880. A moderator, Bless Amada, led through the program during the concert in German, which involves the audience even more into the history and emotions of the music.

a area of ​​tension between history and the present

The topic of slavery was the central point of this concert. Jordi Savall said that he had dealt intensively with the role of music in the context of the slave trade. The double meaning of the term “sea” plays an important role here: on the one hand it was the sea through which the slaves between Europe and the America were transported; On the other hand, it was the sea of ​​musical influences that let the chants of the enslaved people flow into musical life. These chants, which were often shaped by painful experiences, offered consolation and hope.

As part of the concert program, various musical styles and cultural influences were interwoven. Savall led the audience from the origins of music in the 16th century to sounds that embodied African and Latin American traditions. It became clear how strongly the music of the colonial period and the slaves also shape today's music landscape. Savall's discovery was particularly striking that many composers of the 17th century processed traditional melodies and the languages ​​of the enslaved and indigenous population in their works.

A highlight of the evening was the performance of the slaves, among others, of the Creole songs. These songs were not only an expression of suffering, but also a means of preserving and passing on their own culture. The artists from different countries, including Cuba, Mali and Brazil, made their contribution to a harmonious and powerful performance, which made it easy for the audience to identify with the music.

The diversity of the performances ranged from African rhythms to the music of the Caribbean area to European sounds from the 17th and 18th centuries, such as works by Jean-Philippe Rameau. The use of traditional instruments and the lively dances of the artists ensured that the audience was carried away and gave strong applause.

among the artists who entered the stage were well -known names such as Neema Bicksterteth and Sekouba Bambino. With their high -energy performances, these talents brought the culture of their home countries to life and left a lasting impression. The colors of the costumes and the emotionality of the dances made the concert a visual and acoustic experience.

Jordi Savall summarized the importance of music when he emphasized: "Without music, the story would be a huge desert!" His conclusion reflects the essential role of music in human history. In a world that is often shaped by conflicts and challenges, music remains an expression of hope, community and cultural heritage.

The concert with Jordi Savall and his participants was more than just a musical performance; It was an impressive memory of the power of music, colonial history and the humanitarian struggles to reflect and at the same time beat a bridge between different cultures. The Berlin Philharmonic became the scene of a truly impressive cultural experience on this evening.

- Nag