Enzina / Chant 1450 / Zuckerman - Eros & Thanatos [CD]

The Greek gods of covetous love and gentle death, Eros and Thanatos, are symbols of this CD's program from chant 1450.The ensemble sings the nocturnal matins from the Gregorian Liturgy of the Hours. Unexpected components are integrated into the rigid liturgical structure: in place of the long Psalms and readings are four-part love songs by Spanish poet and composer Juan del Enzina (1468-1529).In both content and polyphonic texture they provide a counterpoint to the monodic funeral liturgy.Sometimes simultaneously, sometimes in-between songs, Mr. Ken Zuckerman improvises on the sarod.