Sardana - Al capdavall del pont Vell (2006) by Josep Cassú (Symphonic Sardana) -

Group dancing sardanes in Barcelona - Credit bernatff wikipedia 

The sardana is much more than a dance: it is a collective expression of identity and brotherhood that has accompanied the Catalan people throughout the centuries. Danced in a circle, with hands joined and hearts open, it symbolizes equality and unity. Today, it remains alive in the squares and festivals across the country, reflecting a tradition that unites generations and keeps the essence of Catalonia alive.

The sardana has been, for more than a century, one of the most recognized cultural expressions of Catalonia. Danced in a circle and with a collective spirit, it is considered the national dance of Catalonia for its ability to unite, express community, and evoke a shared identity. Its popular origins and adaptation over time have made it much more than just a dance: it is a form of social connection, celebration, and cultural affirmation. Whether it is performed in the main square of a small town or in front of Barcelona’s Cathedral, the sardana continues to convey a message of cohesion, respect, and belonging.  Source: Catalunya.com 

Josep Cassú i Serra (Bordils, July 23, 1941) is a musician, composer of sardanas and music teacher. He was the director of the cobles Els Montgrins, La Principal de la Bisbal and La Flama de Farners. A composer of sardanas with great popular projection, he taught at the Isaac Albéniz Conservatory in Girona and in 2009 received the Creu de Sant Jordi from the Generalitat.

Josep Cassú composed 'Al capdavall del Pont Vell' (At the end of the Old Bridge) in 2006. In the video, the Symphony Orchestra Cobla i Corda plays the sardana accompanied by a a colorful choreography that was recorded at the El Jardí theater in Figueres; the performance was part of the TV3 New Year's Concert of 2011. 

Stella splendens - Jordi Savall

Jordi Savall and Hesperion XX recorded in 1979 "Llibre Vermell de Montserrat. A fourteenth century pilgrimage" (usually known as The Red Book of Montserrat). Here is one song of this remarkable album.  Read more about Jordi Savall here

The Llibre Vermell de Montserrat ("Red Book of Montserrat") is a manuscript collection of devotional texts containing, amongst others, some late medieval songs. The songs are in Catalan, Occitan and Latin. While the collection was written near the end of the 14th century, much of the music in the collection appears from its style to originate earlier. The 14th-century manuscript was compiled in and is still located at the monastery of Montserrat outside Barcelona in Catalonia, Spain.

The manuscript was prepared in approximately 1399. It originally contained 172 double pages, of which 32 have been lost. Six folios contain music. The title "The Red Book of Montserrat" describes the red binding in which the collection was placed in the 19th century. No composer is identified for any of the songs it contains.

The monastery of Montserrat holds the shrine of the Virgin of Montserrat, which was a major site of pilgrimage during the time it was compiled.

STELLA SPLENDENS
Stella splendens in monte
Ut solis radium
Miraculis serrato,
Exaudi populum.

Concurrunt universi
Gaudentes populi,
Divites et egeni,
Grandes et parvuli,
Ipsum ingrediuntur,
Ut cernunt oculi,
Et inde revertuntur
Gratiis repleti.

Principes et magnates
Ex stirpe regia,

Saeculi potestates
Obtenta venia
Peccaminun proclamant
Tundentes pectora,
Poplite flexo clamant
Hic: Ave Maria.

Prelati et barones,
Comites incliti,
Religiosi omnes
Atque presbyteri,
Milites, mercatores,
Cives, marinari,
Burgenses, piscatores
Preamiantur ibi.


ENGLISH TRANSLATION
A bright star miraculously
shining on the mountain
like sunshine.
Hark the mass
assembling,
all people rejoicing,
the rich and the poor,
the greatest and the pettiest,
are gathering as well
as we are self-witnessing,
let’s all herald once more
this: Hail Mary

http://lyricstranslate.com

http://lyricstranslate.com