Programme

KRYŠTOF HARANT: JOURNEY TO THE HOLY LAND

Agha Mo’men (c.1525–1600): Kuh-Pareh, Pishrow Hessar, Cantemir Collection #163
Kryštof Harant (1564–1621): Missa quinis vocibus Credo
Anonym (16. stol..): Naqsh Dar Bazm-e Del, poem by Hafez (1315-1390), MSS s 314
Kryštof Harant: Missa quinis vocibus Kyrie
Kiya Tabassian (1976): Namaz-e Sham-e Ghariban – poem by Hafez (1315-1390)
Kryštof Harant: Missa quinis vocibus Gloria
Shishtari Murad (?–1688 ): Chashm-e Mast, Huseyni Agir Semai
Kryštof Harant: Missa quinis vocibus Sanctus
Kâsebâz-i Misri (16. stol..): Pishref-i Misri & Sama‘i, MSS s.318-319
Kryštof Harant (arr. Jaroslav Pelikán): Psallite Domino in cythara
Seyyid Seyfullah (16. stol.): Bu Ashk Bir Bahri Ummandir, Nihavend ilahi, MSS s.318
Kryštof Harant: Maria Kron
Kryštof Harant: Missa quinis vocibus Agnus Dei
Paschal de l’Estocart (c.1538– po roce 1587) / Ali Ufki (1610-1675): Psalm 4 / Mezmur 2 & 4
Kryštof Harant: Qui confidunt
Kiya Tabassian: Parvaz
Kryštof Harant (arr. Jaroslav Pelikán): Dies est laetitiae
Gazi Giray Han (1554–1607): Mahour Pishrow, Cantemir Collection
Anonyme: Otce Buoha nebeského

MUSICAL JOURNEY TO EXOTIC REGIONS 

The remarkable life of Czech humanist Kryštof Harant of Polžice and Bezdružice ended prematurely in Prague’s Old Town Square on 21 June 1621. The execution of Czech noblemen was the catalyst for huge social change throughout Europe, ultimately becoming the incendiary event that led to the Thirty Years’ War. In a year marking the 400^th anniversary of Harant’s death, the legacy of this, one of the most distinctive figures of the estates’ uprising continues to find relevance to this day. Due to historical upheaval, however, Harant’s musical heritage regrettably remains incomplete. The aim of this new project by Cappella Mariana is to present all of his surviving works, including fragments, in their authentic guise, and also to inform the audience of his literary legacy as well – a travel book, unprecedented in its time, detailing his expedition to the Holy Land and back again. Harant’s colourful text, narrated by Saša Rašilov, will guide listeners on their musical journey to exotic regions – Cyprus, Jerusalem, Sinai and Cairo. In addition to Harant’s compositions we will also hear the music of distant lands. “The project involves phenomenal setar player and artistic director of the Constantinople ensemble Kiya Tabassian who, with his Persian roots, is well qualified to ensure that we find a common musical language,” says Cappella Mariana’s artistic director Vojtěch Semerád. Thus the two ensembles won’t remain on opposite sides of the Bosphorus, but will come together in a joint performance that blends both cultures.  

DISCOVERY TO DISTANT HORIZONS

“During the 16^th and 17^th centuries the vibrancy of music – and art in general – founded on Eastern traditions from Persia to the Eastern Mediterranean, contributed to the creation of multicultural societies. Dialogue and mutual enrichment between artists of different cultures were commonplace,” Semerád explains. “We will find evidence of these musical and cultural exchanges in period works that appear in musical manuscripts of 17^th century Osman, Persian and post-Byzantine origin. These compositions will be combined with other masterpieces surviving for centuries through the oral tradition and handed down from one generation to the next; together they provide a comprehensive picture of the atmosphere and local colour of the places Harant himself visited and the music he heard on his travels. The Journey is like a beacon which will act as a guide for both ensembles – a geographical, historical, cultural and inner voyage of discovery to distant horizons,” Semerád concludes.