In 2012, the Alia Vox label released Mare Nostrum, described as a musical dialogue between East and West of Christian, Muslim and Jewish music, a dialogue of souls dedicated to peace.
At the beginning and end of a 454-page book in ten languages, we find two CDs offering 28 pieces in which some 30 musicians from at least a dozen countries participate in a project conceived by Jordi Savall and Montserrat Figueras. Traditional song, improvisation, and interpretations of music from medieval manuscripts combine to offer a colorful tapestry of music.
Mare Nostrum, of course, refers to the Mediterranean Sea. It was the cradle of civilization and of the Muslim, Jewish and Christian faiths, and a meeting point for the sharing of knowledge and culture. Differences in chronology and beliefs need not divide us artistically, and art can highlight elements that diverse cultures share.
