The Sephardic Jews of Medieval Spain enjoyed one of the richest flowerings of culture of any Jewish enclave in medieval Europe. Under the rule of the Islamic moors of southern Spain in particular, they prospered for seven centuries, begining in 711, and continuing until the final loss of Granada to the Christians in 1492.

In that landmark year, the Jews of Spain were expelled, and made new homes in North Africa and the Ottoman Empire, where they were welcomed.

The Sephardic Jews gave to their descendents are remarkable and vital tradition of secular and sacred song, passed down orally, and mainly through the women of the community. This repertoire was preserved and added to over the centuries, often adopting styles from the "far away lands" in which the scattered Sephardim found themselves.

These haunting and beautiful melodies have lost none of their evocative character over the centuries, and are a magnificent tribute to one of the great Jewish cultures of the Middle Ages.

Buy Far Away Lands from these online sources:

Also available at stores such as Borders, Sam Goody, Virgin Megastore, etc.

Performers:

Alison Sabedoria - voice (a), symphony (b), percussion (c), fiddle (d)
Suzanne Hirschman - recorders (e)
Tim Rayborn - 'ud (f), psaltery (g), percussion (h), harp (i), voice (j)

Contents:

1. Siete hijos tiene hanna, Improvisation, arr. Rayborn, 3:55 a,e,f

2. "Ay de mí!" dize el buen Padre, 4:57 a,c,g

3. Puncha, puncha, 2:33 a,c,e,h

4. Por la tu puerta yo passi, 5:05 f,j

5. Oh, que relumbror de novia hermoza, 2:23 a,e,h

6. Durme, durme 4:27 a,e

7. Estampie "Por qué llorax blanca niña", arr. Rayborn, 3:00 d,e,h

8. Delgadina, 5:11 f

9. La madre d'esta novia, 3:40 a,e,h

10. Entre las huertas paseando, 5:27 i

11. Porqué no cantáis la bella?, 4:35 a,f

12. La malcasada del pastor, 4:27 g

13. Dos amantes, 1:59 a,h

14. Esta montaña d'enfrente, 6:07 a,e,g

15. Yo m'enamori, 3:55 a

16. El marido disfrazado, 2:40 a,b,e,g,h

Playing time: 64:50

Recording date: March and October 1996, Yorkshire, England