Islam and Christianity were strongly dichotomized polarities during the Spanish reconquista of 711-1492 C.E. While there were real territorial struggles and marginalization of religious minorities, it’s important to remember the times of covivencia, or cultural plurality, which characterized much of the period. This Sunday’s musical selections include works evocative of Al-Andalus, the Muslim-ruled territories of Iberia, and suggest the artistic richness of music reflective of Arab, Christian, Jewish, and gypsy influences. Elsewhere, I’m pleased to play for the first time works by the Lebanese composer Zaki Nassif and the Egyptian Gamal Abdel-Rahim. Read on for programming details and stay tuned for spoken introductions.
Gathering Music: Adam Kent, piano
From Préludes, Book II ~ Claude Debussy
La puerta del vino
From Iberia, Book I ~ Isaac Albéniz
Evocación
Meditation:
Ya Ashikata al Wardi ~ Zaki Nassif, arr. Rim Hanna
Offertory:
Córdoba ~ Isaac Albéniz
Parting Music:
“In the style and rhythm of an Egyptian dance” ~ Gamal Abdel-Rahim