In the 12th century, the Arab cartographer and geographer Al-Idrisi, commissioned by Norman King Roger II, travelled extensively to create the most advanced atlas of the known world. His maps would be relied upon by scholars for centuries to come.
Today, the Idrîsî Ensemble, who owe their namesake to the scholar, are on their own voyage. Their mission? To unearth medieval texts and bring them to life through riveting performances.
Fittingly, they open with a pilgrimage song. A hush instantly falls over the sold-out 1,500 cap room as vibrant a cappella harmonies fill the room.
They perform rare texts from Corsica, Mallorca, Greece, and across the Mediterranean. The ensemble also includes traditional instruments, such as the Turkish kanun, hurdy-gurdy, vielle (fiddle), portative organ, and kaval (wooden flute).
Soloist Elsa Hackett Esteban gives a particularly spell-binding performance, where her quivering voice and emotional delivery take the audience on a beguiling journey.
It’s a deeply moving experience, and the textured sound resonates in your bones as it would’ve done to those listening all those centuries ago.
The Idrîsî Ensemble released their debut single at the end of last year. Otys Theos is a Roman Chant written in Greek and drawing on musical traditions from Syria, Egypt, Jerusalem, and Constantinople.
While each piece is unique, whether it is a folk song or a liturgical Stabat Mater, each musical tradition borrows from the other. More than a researched representation of Corsican or Greek polyphony, this is a celebration of intercultural exchanges and music without borders.
