Graindelavoix doesn’t do mediocre. Characterful voices in experiential music ablaze with electrical tension: that is the signature style of the world-famous collective. For this edition of the festival, the ensemble has chosen an unusual collection of Media vita motets: the illustriousness of Nicolas Gombert, the solemnity of John Sheppard, local colour from Antwerp by Peter Philips, forgotten music by José Gay, unparallelled works by Stephan Mahu and two recently published pieces by Ludwig Senfl. The theme is the monodic responsory Media vita in morte sumus, sung centuries ago during rituals of exorcism. With Antwerp’s own Björn Schmelzer as the master of ceremonies, the eight singers dig for the roots of folk culture in the Renaissance and ritual practices between spirituality and magic.
Program
Media vita motets by N. Gombert, J. Sheppard, P. Philips, J. Gay, S. Mahu & L. Senfl
Performers
Florencia Menconi, Teodora Tommasi, Andrew Hallock, Albert Riera, Marius Peterson, Andrés Miravete, Arnout Malfliet, Tomàs Maxé, singers | Björn Schmelzer, artistic leader