In Vinea Mea
Sheet Music

SKU: NX.IIIMIL-0185

By Ensemble Chominciamento Di Gioia. By Anonymous. Classical. CD. Naxos #IIIMIL 0185. Published by Naxos (NX.IIIMIL-0185).

Praised in profane poetry and honored in religious symbolism, prescribed in medicine and fundamental element of the economy, wine was a fundamental part of medieval culture. Already established in Mesopotamia in the 4th millennia BC, the wine culture arrived in Europe after having passed through Egypt, Greece and Spain. After having spread throughout the Mediterranean basin, grape vine cultivation slowed its growth during the crisis of the Roman Empire between the 3rd and 4th centuries AC due to political and economic disorders which caused security problems and thwarted long term agricultural activity. Consistent production was guaranteed by the church because of the necessity of having wine available at all times for liturgical rites. Wine brought into the Middle Ages the symbolic meanings which it had accumulated in the previous centuries. As a means of communication with the divinities and frequently present in rituals, it was fundamental in ancient Egyptian ceremonies where the grape was called "the eye of the god Horus". In ancient religions wine was considered a gift of the gods given to man by Osiris for the Egyptians, by Bacchus/Dionysus for the Latins and the Greeks, by Saturn for the italic peoples and by Noah for the Jews, while the Etruscans considered Voltumna the deity who protected the vines. This drink which promoted life and immortality was present in funeral commemorations and banquets and was spread on the tombs during the so-called libation. The music on this release is dedicated to that ever-famous drink.