Genre

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Chamber

 

Hespèrion XXI is a classical music ensemble that specializes in early music, particularly from the Mediterranean and Latin America. The ensemble was founded in 1974 by Jordi Savall, a Catalan viol player and conductor, and his wife Montserrat Figueras, a soprano. The name "Hespèrion" comes from the Greek word for "western," reflecting the ensemble's focus on music from the western Mediterranean. The early years of Hespèrion XXI were marked by experimentation and innovation. Savall and Figueras sought to revive and reinterpret early music, using historical instruments and techniques to create a fresh and dynamic sound. They also incorporated elements of traditional music from around the world, including Arabic, Sephardic, and South American styles. Over the years, Hespèrion XXI has grown to include a core group of musicians, many of whom have been with the ensemble for decades. These include Savall on viol, viola da gamba, and other instruments; Figueras, who passed away in 2011, on vocals; Pedro Estevan on percussion; and Xavier Díaz-Latorre on lute and guitar. The ensemble also frequently collaborates with guest musicians and vocalists. Hespèrion XXI has performed at major venues and festivals around the world, including the Edinburgh International Festival, the Salzburg Festival, and the Lincoln Center in New York. The ensemble has also released numerous recordings, many of which have won critical acclaim and awards. One of Hespèrion XXI's most notable performances was the 1991 concert "La Capella Reial de Catalunya i Hespèrion XXI: El Llibre Vermell de Montserrat," which was recorded and released as an album. The concert featured music from the Llibre Vermell de Montserrat, a medieval manuscript of songs and dances from the Montserrat Monastery in Catalonia. The album became a bestseller and helped to popularize early music in the 1990s. Another highlight of Hespèrion XXI's career was the 2006 concert "Jerusalem: City of Two Peaces," which was performed in Jerusalem and broadcast live on television. The concert brought together musicians from Israel, Palestine, and other countries to celebrate the cultural diversity of the city. The performance was praised for its message of peace and reconciliation. Hespèrion XXI has received numerous awards and honors over the years. In 2008, the ensemble was awarded the prestigious Prince of Asturias Award for the Arts, which recognizes individuals or groups who have made significant contributions to the arts. The award cited Hespèrion XXI's "extraordinary contribution to the recovery and interpretation of early music." Today, Hespèrion XXI continues to be a leading force in the world of early music. The ensemble's innovative approach and commitment to cultural diversity have helped to expand the boundaries of classical music and inspire new generations of musicians and audiences.

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