The Secrets of Andalusia
We know that key influences on Flamenco date back to Islamic Iberia or the Al- Andalusian era of Spain between the 8th–15th centuries. Yet the first mention of Flamenco by name is not until 1774, where it appears in an epistolary novel, Cartas Marruecas, by the playwright and soldier, José de Cadalso y Vázquez.
What happened in these intervening centuries?
In collaboration with soprano Victoria Couper, kanun player, Konstantinos Glynos, and oud/Flamenco guitarist, Ignacio Lusardi Monteverde, this album seeks to explore this question by tracing the influences on Flamenco through Arabic music alongside Sephardic song and the Spanish composers of the late-16th to 18th centuries.
24th January 2025
VESTIVA
12th January 2024
Vestiva features virtuosic diminutions and embellishments practices of the 16th and 17th centuries, both historical and brand new ones written and improvised by the performers, based on historical treatises.
The programme includes famous and hidden treasures by composers such as Cipriano de RORE, John BENNET, Giovanni Pierluigi da PALESTRINA, Philippe VERDELOT, Pieter de VOIS, Orlando di LASSUS et al
"Vestiva explores how the art of embellishment revolutionised instrumental music in the 16th and 17th centuries, allowing performers to openly flaunt both their virtuosic and improvisatory skills alike...This is an album of pleasing variety." BBC Music Magazine February 2024
VIDEOS
Lux Musicae London performs Con qué la lavaré from Cuatro madrigales amatorios by Joaquín Rodrigo.
Lux Musicae London performs A la una yo nací (Trad. Sephardic) - arranged in the Flamenco style.
Featuring Ignacio Lusardi Monteverde, Flamenco Guitar.
Lux Musicae London - Un sarao de la chacona (Chacona 'A la vida bona') by Juan Arañés.
Lux Musicae London performs Faronell's Division's on a Ground