Programme

Misterios del Amor 

At the heart of the program called Misterios del Amor is the musical legacy of Sephardic Jews. The story consists of songs, each of which touches on the theme of love in a different way. In addition to deeply emotional Sephardic songs, there will also be music of a similar charge and inspiration from the Iberian world and the Mediterranean region.

The Sephardim are a community of Spanish Jews who were definitively expelled from Spain in 1492 as a result of a long reconquest. Subsequent wandering and finding a place to rest brought them to various places in the Mediterranean. Their songs and culture in these areas are still alive today. Temperamental songs are full of emotions, the melodies and lyrics reflect not only the desires of individuals, but we also hear painful and hopeful tones referring to the turbulent history of this nation.

The program, which is on the border of genres – classical, folk-traditional and jazz – offers listeners comfort, a trip from reality far to distant or foreign parts, dreaming and the resulting catharsis. The songs were based on a rich tradition of folk music. They were accompanied in different communities and at different times. The lute, or its Arabic predecessor – the oud, the vihuela, the drum, the tambourine, or they just sounded in the solitude of the night. Although it is secular music, it is basically deeply spiritual songs, whose ballad lyrics bear traces of the suffering of their creators. The names of ancient musicians have been blown away by time, not so much by their experiences.

The music is emotionally charged and deeply personal; but not a sentimental, rather a proud sigh than a lament. Ancient personal confessions in aggravated situations (the fates of women and mistresses, sighs from prison) are still surprisingly close to many situations where love and hope are all that people have left. Wars and conflicts, viruses and diseases may also rage, but with this concert we will once again remember that it makes sense to live for love and it makes sense to fight for a life of love. And if love touches the hearts of all present tonight, our mission has been fulfilled this time as well.