Wot, No Windmils ?

Another lavish production from Jordi Savall with Montserrat Figueras, Hesperion XXI and La Capella Real de Catalunya is this two disk set, again presented together with a hardback book, Miguel de Cervantes's Don Quijote de la Mancha Raomances y Musicas. The disks consist of atmospheric readings from the text in a spacious acoustic, often accompanied by solo harp, viol, guitar etc, and ballads that are relevant to the ideas and events portrayed in the book. Some of these ballads are written by Cervantes himself and it is a feature of the book how often music is mentioned, either in the form of song or as dance to accompany the action. These dance numbers and lively songs also feature, as does some sacred choral music from the period. The readings are of course in Spanish and although there are translations of the text in the accompanying book, it is not necessary to know exactly what is being said to delight in their delivery. The disks follow the narrative of the book and highlight many of the memorable events, though there have to be omissions of course. No tilting at windmills for instance. A significant musician amongst the many featured in the two ensembles is Andrew Lawrence-King. Several times I was reminded of Missa Mexicana, the disk his group the Harp Consort made of Spanish American sacred music and folk dance amalgams. The disks end with Don Quijote regaining some sanity at his death and with a poignant requiem. Listening is a very civilised way to lose oneself in a world for an evening.