Embark on a captivating journey through the rich musical heritage of the Mediterranean with the Boston Camerata's "A Mediterranean Christmas." This enchanting album, released on November 1, 2013, under the Cybercentaur label, is a beautiful fusion of medieval, traditional folk, and Christmas choral music, spanning a diverse range of styles and influences from the Mediterranean basin.
The Boston Camerata, under the direction of Joël Cohen, presents a meticulously curated collection of 19 songs, each telling a unique story and reflecting the cultural exchanges that have shaped the region's musical landscape. The album's duration of 1 hour and 11 minutes offers a comprehensive exploration of the area's musical traditions, from the 12th century to the 20th century.
Highlights include the Sephardic and Balkan influences in tracks like "Farahfaza With Respondemos" and "Cuando El Rey Nimrod," the sacred choral works "Gloria'n Cielo" and "Ave Maris Stella," and the enchanting folk melodies of "Noi Siamo I Magi" and "En Belén Tocan a Fuego." The album also features collaborations with other musical traditions, such as the Arabo-Andalusian influences in "Todo Logar Mui Ben (With Taouchia)" and "Borea (Prelude) [Arabo-Andalusian] [With Tant Aos Peccadores]."
"A Mediterranean Christmas" is not just a collection of songs but a testament to the Boston Camerata's dedication to preserving and celebrating the diverse musical heritage of the Mediterranean. Whether you're a fan of medieval music, traditional folk, or Christmas choral works, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that showcases the beauty and complexity of the region's musical traditions.