Movie spotlight
Llibre Vermell de Montserrat
North of Barcelona sits the hill of Montserrat ("serrated mountain" in Catalan). Atop its summit sits the monastery of Santa Maria, which houses the famous "Black Madonna", La Moreneta, a holy object which has drawn pilgrims since the 12th century. The Llibre Vermell ("Red Book") is a collection of music, hymns, writings and much more that has been the crown of the monastery's archives for centuries, and it is music from that which Savall and his team perform here. The music was written to be danced in the church or the cloisters. This performance gives us an insight into medieval Christianity that is all but unique, and it's cherishable if for nothing other than historical reasons. The polyphony is early, and modest, but the choir of La Capella Reial sing it with seriousness and disarming simplicity. The ladies are particularly impressive, with some spine-tingling alto solos that are both devotional and sensuous in a combination that shouldn't work but really does.
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Plot Summary
This documentary explores the historical and spiritual significance of the Llibre Vermell (Red Book) of Montserrat, a medieval manuscript containing pilgrim songs and dances from the 14th century. It delves into the history of the Benedictine monastery and the cultural context in which these songs were created and performed. The film also features performances of these ancient melodies, bringing the music to life for a modern audience.
Critical Reception
The documentary received positive reviews for its educational value and its artistic presentation of medieval music. Critics praised its thorough research and its ability to connect audiences with a significant piece of Catalan cultural heritage. Audiences appreciated the visual beauty of Montserrat and the evocative performances.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its historical depth and exploration of a unique cultural artifact.
Appreciated for its atmospheric depiction of Montserrat and its musical performances.
Seen as an important documentary for understanding medieval Catalan musical traditions.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce due to the niche nature of the documentary, but available feedback highlights its informative content and the beauty of the depicted monastery and music.
Fun Fact
The Llibre Vermell itself is a unique manuscript, containing some of the earliest examples of polyphonic music and dance music in Europe, and is considered a vital part of the medieval musical repertoire.
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