Diáspora Sefardí Music from the Sephardic Jews - reviewed by REX HARLEY '... sensitive and subtle performances.'

Diáspora Sefardí is a two CD set by Hesperion XXI, under the direction of Jordi Savall. The first consists of vocal pieces, the second of purely instrumental works; but before commenting on the performances, it may be helpful to dwell on the title for a moment. The diáspora in question began officially on 31 March 1492, when the Jews were expelled from Spain -- (more specifically, from Aragon and Castile). They had been a presence there since at least the fifth century BC, though the major influx occurred in the year 711, in the wake of the Arab conquest of Southern Europe. It may be worth remarking, in the present world climate of hostility, that their arrival was welcomed and encouraged by the Arabs, and they were respected as dhimmi : believers in another faith.

Their fate after the Christian reconquista was very different. For the ensuing century and a half toleration and respect was replaced by persecution, looting and murder. By 1480 they were being confined in ghettos. Then, in 1492 came to order of expulsion. This affected some 300,000 Sephardim, who were forced to abandon property and possessions as they fled. During their flight, thousands were carried off as slaves, died or opted for the relative security of Christian baptism. Though widely scattered throughout Europe and what was then the Ottoman Empire, the feeling of being Spanish in origin stayed with the exiles. Thus, wherever these new communities established themselves, they spoke Castilian Spanish and told the stories, and sang the songs, of the old country.

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