CD - Alpha et Omega

Datura's first album. Mighty Medieval Music performed by four multi-instrumentalists plus many guest apearences. Ballads, drinkingsongs, spirituals and dancing music written between the twelfth and the fifteenth century. Contains a CD and a 20p. illustrated backgroud booklet with the lyrics and more.

Datura is a band that keep the songs of old alive, All tracks are written (music and poetry) in the Middle Ages. For this debut album Alpha et Omega they recorded the most beautiful medieval music: from the breathtaking Stella Splendends and the romantic Tempus est Iucundum. The historical Palästinalied the merry dancemusic of Branle d’Escosse. The first half of the album is recorded live in a cosy small church in Zutphen with great accoustics. The latter part is multi layered studiowork.

Among their great inspirational manuscripts are the Cantigas de Santa Maria. These songs were collected and (most probably) partly written by King Alfonso X of Castilia y Léon, also known as 'el Sabío', the Wise (1221-1284). His court was well known for the prosperous culture in which Moors, Jews and Christians all participated and respectfully worked together. Another inspiration is a famous red songbook from Cataluña that goes by the name Llivre Vermell de Monserrat. It was found hidden in a wall in the impressive church on a holy mountain build upon an ancient Cathar sanctuary. This book suggests alternative lyrics for the inappropriate songs that were sung by pilgrims within the churchwalls during sleepovers. The songs of the Carmina Burana are, contrary to most songs from the 12th or 13th century, mostly critical towards society or very much worldly in a frivolous manner. There is so much treasure to find on the anciant parchments, we still have a lot of work to do. Do check out our other albums!

Datura's musicians are:
Nynke Glazema: Viella and vocals
Tom Haage: Spanish lute, flute and vocals
Francesco Scafidi: Davul, saz and vocals
Tjerk Schipper: hurdy gurdy
Lies Sommer: harp, hurdy gurdy, shawm and vocals

Guest musicians: 
Anne Dekker: Viola da gamba
Fieke van den Hurk: hammered dulcimer
Eva Ijsveld: percussion
Wim Riefel: Organ
Rijk Schipper: flute
Ronald Vandenberghe: tambourin

Recorded by: 
Fieke van den Hurk, Dearworld Studio

Rob Dückers is responsible for the illumination of the cover in handmade pigments and goldleaf on parchment.

Datura – Alpha et Omega (2012)

Live session
1. Como Poden per sas Culpas
2. Cuncti Simus Concanentes
3. Stantipes
4. Tempus est Iucundum
5. Anima Aestatis
6. Branle d’Escosse

Studio session
7. A Virgen Madre
8. Manfredina
9. Tres Morillas
10. Palastinalied
11. Pastourelle
12. Stella Splendens
13. Santa Maria Strela do Dia