Jordi Savall’s latest project arose from an invitation to give a series of concerts on the theme of the three great monotheistic religions – Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Realising that Jerusalem would prove an ideal subject, Savall set about assembling an expert group of musicians from different traditions representing the major cultures and countries that have played an influential role in Jerusalem’s history, supplemented by Savall’s own instrumental groups and backed up by detailed research. The result is a staggering 400-page lavishly-illustrated book in eight languages, containing essays on various aspects of Jerusalem’s history, accompanied by two 77-minute discs. The recording’s title makes explicit reference to both heavenly and earthly peace, and so the music evokes some of the key moments in the city’s spiritual and physical history, whether in a selection of the psalms of David as preserved in the ancient tradition of the Jews of southern Morocco, three of the most famous Crusader songs from around the 12th century, or later Arab and Ottoman prayers and legends. The arresting opening track is a spine-chilling recreation by Savall of a trumpet fanfare from the battle of Jericho; at the other end of the time line Savall has included a historical recording from 1950 of a hymn to those who died in Auschwitz. Little of the music is what we in Western Europe consider “classical”; it‘s certainly far from Savall’s viol-playing roots. But it is fascinating and a privilege to be immersed in two thousand years of Jerusalem’s cultural history, to begin to appreciate the differences and similarities between the different cultures and to experience some of the most beautiful and joyful music that Jerusalem has inspired.

Reviewed by Anne McAlister