VOICE OF THE BLOOD is so named because the texts of Hildegard of Bingen's songs performed here refer often to the spilled blood of St. Ursula and her 11,000 virgins. Sequentia wonderfully presents Hildegard's monophonic "song cycle" here in the order she probably intended. … Thanks, Sequentia, for bringing this savory piece of history to life!
Jephtha was the last full-length composition that Handel wrote. (The Triumph of Time and Truth of 1757 was almost entirely made up of pre-existing music.) Given this fact, and also that the actual writing of it was an inordinately laborious task for Handel as he fought with rapidly failing eyesight, it's incomparable depth of expression and personal commitment make the whole work a profound and magnificent conclusion to his life's output. Based on a story from Judges XI, it tells of Jephtha leading the Israelites against the Ammonites and his ultimate sacrifice.
Calexico s follow-up to 2012 s acclaimed Algiers, Edge of the Sun began with a songwriting retreat to the historic Mexico City borough of Coyoacán. Working for the first time with Mexican collaborators, Calexico expanded their horizons as the guest list grew to include musicians from a myriad of backgrounds, origins, and genres, including Sam Beam from Iron and Wine, Ben Bridwell from Band of Horses, Nick Urata from Devotchka, Carla Morrison, Gaby Moreno, Amparo Sanchez, multi-instrumentalists from the Greek band Takim, as well as Neko Case. Deluxe Edition Features a bonus 6-track EP.