CD review of Road to Compostela
By Susan Beeby, Classical 89.3 (WCAL)
The Rose Ensemble recently released its fourth CD, The Road to Compostela. The St. Paul-based early music group ensures a truly magnificent journey down that road. Medieval polyphony mixes easily with new music by the ensemble's 2001-2002 composer-in-residence, Victor Zupanc.
The Road to Compostela is based on the 12th-century Codex Calixtinus, a collection of music and writings about St. James the Apostle and the pilgrimage to his relics at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
The acoustics on The Road to Compostela are indeed striking. On hearing the first note, I was transported to a 12th-century cathedral. Vocal textures vary from piece to piece, keeping the listener engaged throughout.
Most striking, however, are the modern harmonies on Victor Zupanc's compositions. These five new works complement perfectly the CD's early music - with the singers maintaining their beautiful, clear tone. Yet Zupanc's dissonances stand out from the carefully constructed medieval polyphony. .The addition of solo vielle (a medieval, violin-like instrument) and percussion on various tracks enriches the harmonic landscape.
Several other works enhance the recording as well. The pilgrimage begins with Beata viscera, by medieval composer Perotin, in which voices are again accompanied by vielle drone. Audi pontus, from the 13th-century Codex Las Huelgas, is a beautiful work for solo woman's voice set with an accompanying vocal drone.
The exciting Annua gaudia is another new composition written for the Rose Ensemble, this time by J. David Moore. To its two main themes are added layers of polyphony and varied vocal textures. Strong rhythms drive Annua gaudia to a thrilling conclusion.
The Road to Compostela is a souvenir every early music traveler should be happy to bring home.