Michel Godard - Castel del Monte (2000)

The Castel del Monte near Ruvo di Puglia, Southern Italy, was the last and most beautiful building of Frederick II. (1194-1250), Roman emperor and King of Sicily. It dominates the Apulian landscape like a white crystal, a fata morgana beyond time and space whose original purpose will probably remain a mystery forever. When German producer Achim Hebgen and French musician Michel Godard visited the castle together, they felt there should be music created in and for the building - music that is simultaneously in the past, the present and the future. Along the borders between Mediterranean folk song and modern composition, mediaeval tradition and jazz improvisation, the first "Castel Del Monte" project (ENJ-9362 2) became a great musical document of the European-Arabic heritage and its historical continuity. Critics liked it all over Europe: CD of the month (Stereoplay), Rating: **** ½ (Jazzthetik), "Un sentiment d'éternité; **** (Jazzman). The elusive Michel Godard continues to blend genres and to produce timeless music. For Castel del Monte, an abandoned castle built by Frederick II, Roman emperor and king of Sicily, the French tubaist convened eight musicians to match the octagonal plan of the building. Ironically, the pieces are not performed by the potential octet, but using different combinations of players. Vocal music has always been an important part of Godard's universe. Therefore, the presence of two vocalists should not come as a surprise. Linda Bsiri, a regular collaborator, and Lucilla Galeazzi, a powerful Umbrian singer and veteran of classical, folk, and new music, are fully involved in the creative process and their parts range from singing to chanting to wordless improvisation. Both artists demonstrate extraordinary control, even in the highest register, and their versatility allows Godard and his other cohorts to tackle and combine varied musical forms: Baroque, Italian folk dances, free improvisation, and more. Despite the background of most of the participants, jazz is not the prevailing form. Obviously, jazz has shaped their improvisational skills, as evidenced by Godard's mellifluous solos or Italian reedist Gianluigi Trovesi's blunt statements. But in general, the music reaches far in the past to bring out elements that are just as relevant in the modern age. Thanks to his vision and bandleading skills, Godard achieves his goals: universality and unity. And with Castel del Monte, he delivers a demanding, fascinating, and profound recording that will bring many rewards to the adventurous and persistent listener. ~ Alain Drouot, All Music Guide





Tracks:

*01.- Ciaconna
*02.- La Muntagnella
*03.- Serpent D'Or
*04.- C'era Una Strega, C'era Una Fata
*05.- Canto Della Sibila
*06.- Huit
*07.- Preghiera
*08.- UN
*09.- Ah! Vita Bella
*10.- Crisbell
*11.- Le Vent Respire
*12.- Magnificat
*13.- Una Serenata
*14.- Cathedrale Sans Nom
*15.- Murmures
*16.- Voi Che Amate



Personnel:

*Michel Godard: tuba, serpent
*Gianluigi Trovesi: alto sax, clarinet, bass clarinet
*Pino Minafra: trumpet
*Jean-Louis Matinier: accordion
*Renaud Garcia-Fons: bass
*Pierre Favre: percussion
*Linda Bsiri: vocal
*Lucilla Galeazzi: vocal







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