The Religious Affairs Office

“Cuncordu Codronzanesu: traditional Sardinian polyphonic singing” is the new activity in the second edition of the “Trànsits: músiques de l’esperit” [Transitions: Music of the Spirit] programme, organised by the Museu de la Música de Barcelona and the Religious Affairs Office (OAR) as part of L’Auditori’s “Power or Revolt” season. This new session will be held on Friday 10 May, at the Tradicionàrius Crafts Centre, and on Saturday 11 May at the Crypt in the Sagrada Família (TICKETS SOLD OUT).

The activity will put a cuncordu polyphonic singing in the spotlight, a type of a cappella singing that originated on the island of Sardinia that has close links to the Catholic Church. These are chants that form part of the Holy Week services, and are accompanying representational liturgical and paraliturgical practices such as the crucifixion and the lowering of Christ from the cross, or offering versions of compositions such as the Miserere (a 17th-century composition based on a psalm from the Old Testament set to music) or the Stabat Mater (a Gregorian sequence based on a 13th century poem). The a cuncordu chant can also be heard in masses that have particular significance for the confraternities of the different churches on the island. In musical terms, the cant a cuncordu is characterised by the pursuit of complete chordal sonority through a polyphony of four male voices, which together interweave to form a well-organised and harmonious whole. Hence the name, a cuncordu.

Despite these common features, a cuncordu singing is notable for its regional character, insofar as the different repertoires of chants vary by region, each having distinctive characteristics that confer a unique identity. However, this diversity has not been a hindrance to continuity over time. In some areas of Sardinia, such as Santu Lussurgiu and Castelsardo, it has continued uninterruptedly, while in others recent years have seen a revival thanks to ensembles such as Su Cuncordu Codronzanesu, which has been working to reconstruct the repertoire of the defunct Arciconfraternità de Santa Croce del Rosario since 2009.

The ensemble will be in charge of offering a recital of a cuncordu chants in the new session of the “Trànsits” programme.

CUNCORDU CODRONZANESU, TRADITIONAL SARDINIAN POLYPHONIC SINGING

Conversation about the particularities of a cuncordu chants with Jaume Ayats, doctor in history of art specialising in ethnomusicology, professor at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, violinist and singer, Ester Llop, music teacher and ethnomusicologist specialising in oral music and the singing of ‘els goigos’ [poetic compositions to be sung, usually in praise of the Virgin or a saint], and Maria Antonietta Muggianu, singer of Sard origin specializing in ancient music through historically documented interpretation. Closing musical performance with Su Cuncordu Codronzanesu. Limited capacity, no prior booking required. Admission is free, but places are limited. 

• Date: 10 May
• Venue: Tradicionàrius Crafts Centre (Travessia Sant Antoni, 6)
• Time: 6:30 pm

Liturgical concert with Su Cuncordu Codronzanesu. Limited capacity. Admission is free, but prior booking is required – click here. TICKETS SOLD OUT!!

• Date: 11 May
• Venue: The crypt at the Sagrada Família (C/ Sardinia, 318)
• Time: 6:30 pm