Todi

In 1988 Musick's Company was invited to perform a concert in the medieval Italian town of Todi (Umbria), near Perugia, Orvieto and Assisi. The theme of the concert was non-liturgical religious songs sung by informal gatherings of the faithful. The first half was dedicated to the medieval songs of the penitents and pilgrims in honor of Mary. Of special interest was a selection of laude by the poet and monk Jacapone da Todi.

The  crypt beneath the altar of San Fortunato in which the bones
of Jacapone are interred. The singers were allowed to go down 
and sing his songs in his presence. (click for larger view)

It was a deeply moving experience for the musicians to be able to perform songs that were nearly 700 years old in the very spaces and buildings in which their author lived and worked.

The Temple of San Fortunato. Jacapone lived in the attached
cloisters. We were fortunate to be allowed to rehearse in this
special place. (click for larger view)

The program also included songs (Cantigas) from Spain  from the same era, and shape-note hymns from Appalachia.

The program. (click for larger view)

The performance took place in the Sala del Consiglio off the
main piazza. (click for larger view)

Members of Musick's Company on the 1988 Todi tour included:

• Donna Boyd, director

• Jenny Brock

• Atossa Kramer

• Catherine Oleksa

• Anna Isaacs

• Dwight Newton

... all of whom are still performing with the ensemble.

Relaxing on the steps of the Ducal Palace in
Gubbio after the concert. (click for larger view)

Center for Old Music in the New World
PO Box 217
Lexington, KY 40588
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