Projects with a similar aim–to explore the “sacred bridges” between Christianity, Islam, and Judaism–have been done before, but this one does it uniquely through psalm settings “by composers from three religions”, many of which use the tunes from the Genevan Psalter as their base. We’re also treated to the world-class singing and playing of the King’s Singers and the ensemble Sarband, a group formed in 1986 specifically to explore the subject at hand. Its members include a singer, Mustafa Dogan Dikmen–who performs several selections here in an authentic style that informs the Turkish modes and texts set by Ali Ufkî–and instrumentalists who create fascinating sounds on ney (reed flute), three-stringed bowed fiddle, zither, and bendir (frame drum). The King’s Singers perform several Sweelinck psalms and also a couple by Salamone Rossi Hebreo, which, unlike the polyphonic style of the former, are set in a more straightforward hymnlike manner, characterized by strikingly vibrant harmonies.
But the program doesn’t simply alternate between selections representing Western and Eastern traditions: several tracks combine two different settings of the same psalm, and there a few extended solo-vocal renditions by Dikmen and one substantial instrumental improvisation. While listeners may not readily hear the musical similarities or connections among these highly varied settings, the concept is an interesting one, and the performances are excellent. Clear, well-balanced sound complements a fascinating release.
