Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

The featured instrument on this interesting release is the salterio which is a member of the zither family, being first cousin to the hammered dulcimer and a more distant relative of the home-made dulceola made famous by blues gospel man Washington Phillips. In times past the salterio was hugely popular until in 1749 it was banished from the Church by order of Pope Benedict XIV. Nevertheless, in the second half of the century it came into fashion in sacred repertoire and was played especially in nunneries. This album was recorded with a salterio built in 1725 by Michele Barbi. The playing practice is based on research by Franziska Fleischanderl on the Italian salterio in the 18th century. In the 'Lamentations For The Holy Week' for obbligato psaltery, soprano and basso continuo, coming from the Benedictine monastery of San Severio in Apulia, we find a fine example of Italian Rococo, full of colourful textures and unusual sounds, masterly rendered by the soprano Miriam Feuersinger and the psaltery specialist, Franziska Fleischanderl. Miss Feuersinger featured in a very fine 'Messiah' reviewed in 2016 and we are glad to hear her again. Her texts are from the Old Testament book of Lamentations but although the CD liner notes are translated the songs are printed only in Latin and German, although it is easy enough to track down the English version if you need. Personally I was happy to go with the flow and listen to the music. Miriam Feuersinger is an excellent soprano and Jonathan Pesek ('cello) and Deniel Perer (organ) are no slouches either. However our focus has to be on Franziska Fleischanderl and her salterio. If you have an interest in period music and instruments this is an essential purchase and if you appreciate contemplative music of a spiritual nature then you will enjoy hearing this.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.