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Hespèrion XXI is an international early music ensemble. The group was formed in Basel, Switzerland in 1974 as Hespèrion XX by Spanish musical director Jordi Savall (bowed string instruments, particularly the viola da gamba), Montserrat Figueras (soprano), Lorenzo Alpert (flute, percussion), and Hopkinson Smith (plucked string instruments). The ensemble is noted for its scholarship in early music — especially the music of 16th and 17th century Spain. Their performance practice is noted for the liberal use of improvisation around the basic melodic and rhythmic structures of the early pieces, resulting in great emotional intimacy and immediacy.
[edit] Awards
- Grand Prix de l'académie du Disque Français
- Edison-Preis Amsterdam
- Grand Prix du Disque of the Charles Cros Academy of France
- Grand Prize of the Japanese Recording Academy
- Cannes Classic Award
- Diapason d'or
- Grand Prix FNAC
- Giorgio Gini Foundation Prize
[edit] Selected discography
- 2006. Orient-Occident, Alia Vox
- 2004. Isabel I: Reina de Castilla, Alia Vox.
- 2002. Ostinato, Alia Vox.
- 2000. Diáspora Sefardí, Alia Vox — a recreation of music of the Eastern Sephardic communities.
[edit] External links
Official Hesperion XXI site
[edit] See also
