Gothart, a historical music ensemble, was founded in 1993. Five friends got together united by a common interest to restore medieval music. Their repertoire at that time focused mainly on the Czech Gothic production. Opuses originating in other European countries have enriched the repertoire since 1994. The band extended its set of instruments and covered also works by German minnesingers, French troubadours and the music of medieval Spain.
The collection of Marian songs Cantigas de Santa María was the main source for Gothart’s first CD, Por nos de dulta (1996). At that time, the band played all throughout the Czech Republic, as well as in many cities of and on festivals in Slovakia, Germany, Belgium, France and Poland.
History remained the inspiration source and the second CD, Stella Splendens (1997), centered on another well known collection of medieval Spanish songs, Llibre Vermell.
At that period, the ensemble also successfully cooperated on various projects with Czech Television and Czech Radio. Its music accompanied the documentary Schindlerova volba (Schindler’s Choice), to name only one. Absolute commitment, zeal and humor together with formal excellence place Gothart among ensembles that bring historical music near even to fans of entirely different genres,
Rich as it was, Gothart’s repertoire was further extended and altered by the new impulses of world music. The radical change the ensemble went through between 1998 and 1999 culminated in the release of its third CD (1999). Named Adio Querida. It contains Sephardic romances, Gypsy songs and especially Balkan ethnic songs and dances.
Discography:
Por nos de dulta (1996)
Stella splendens (1976)
Adio querida (1999)
Cabaret (2001)
Rakija’n’roll (2003)
Rakioactive (Indies MG Records, 2006)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
