SALTABRAZ – Palästinalied (2024)

Saltabraz is a French ensemble dedicated to the performance of medieval music. Their repertoire spans over a millennium, encompassing early monophonic chants from the High Middle Ages, the courtly love songs of troubadours and trouvères, and the intricate polyphonies of the 15th century. The group draws from both sacred and secular traditions, including dances, pagan rituals, and satirical pieces, aiming to revive and share the rich tapestry of medieval musical heritage.

Saltabraz refers to “one who jumps over fire” or “fire-jumper.” It’s a composite word in Occitan or an archaic Romance form, combining salta (“to jump”) and braz (from braza or braise), meaning “ember,” “burning coal,” or metaphorically “fire”. In medieval and folk traditions, jumping over fire has symbolic meanings—purification, fertility, courage, or the passage between seasons—common in solstice or pagan rituals.

In 2014, Saltabraz released the album Tempus Sardinis, featuring tracks such as “Bevons ma Commère,” “Cuncti Simus Concanentes,” and “Danse Royale.” The ensemble brings these pieces to life using period instruments and historically informed performance practices.

“Palästinalied” (“Palestine Song”) is one of the most famous surviving medieval songs in Middle High German, composed by the minnesinger Walther von der Vogelweide (c. 1170 – c. 1230). It was likely written around 1228, during the time of the Sixth Crusade, and reflects both religious fervor and poetic sophistication.

Saltabraz is: Christian Devaux (Chant, flûte en os, cornemuse, Loumi Séveno (Rebec), François Taillefer (Bedon), Christian Rogeaux (Tambouras).

Palästinalied by Walther von der Vogelweide, XIIIe siècle. Filmé à la chapelle Notre-Dame de Bon Secours, Cran, Morbihan. Prises de vue : My Home Studio, Morbihan.