The 'Mapes' project, led by singer-songwriters Neus Borrell and Elena Tarrats, aims to rediscover and interpret the richness of Catalan polyphony. This work, featuring pieces of popular and religious music dating back hundreds of years, such as goigs and Stabat Mater, will be performed on June 27th at the Cloister of the Monastery of Banyoles, as part of the (A)phònica Festival.
Resulting from joint research with ethnomusicologist Jaume Ayats, the project explores collective sounds and their evolution. 'Mapes' has focused on Catalan-speaking polyphony from various regions, but also extended its research to areas like Portugal, Romania, and Corsica, where they have found goigs, religious music, and tavern songs. The objective is to recreate these melodies with four voices from a contemporary perspective.
The creators explain their intention is to "honor and better understand what was heard in the past and bring it to life by singing the polyphonies that were sung in our own country." They seek to connect current musical creativity with these historical voices, viewing them as both "everyday" and "cultured."
The research, initiated a year ago, has gathered around thirty pieces. The project is defined as a "living map" that evolves with new additions. The collection phase has been challenging due to the diversity of polyphonic forms in Catalonia, often linked to religion and tavern music. The presence of 'Stabat Maters' and goigs, described as a "great polyphonic jewel," is highlighted.
The origin of the pieces is uncertain, with some potentially predating the 15th century. Jaume Ayats's research has uncovered living testimonies of ancient singing methods, including written material from the Renaissance. While minor adjustments have been made in some cases to soften the religious symbolic load, great respect for the original compositions has been maintained.
One of the most surprising aspects for the artists is how singing allowed women to occupy public spaces with their voices, considering it a "gift" that transformed their way of singing. The project's preview, co-produced with various cultural entities, will feature four voices: Borrell, Tarrats, Maria Coma, and Raluca Radu. The official premiere of 'Mapes' will take place on October 17th at the Fira de la Mediterrània in Manresa.
