The Whole Music Experience

W orld /Folkloric Zadashe Intangible Pearls   Ancient Polyphony from the Republic of Georgia Electric Cowbell Records Traditional and sacred music from the Republic of Georgia carries with it a rich history of wine making, migration and exile, as well as, its connection to the Russian Orthodox Church.   The songs possess complex polyphonic harmonies that similar to the polyphonic vocal music from Sardinia (Italy) and Corsica (France), blow people’s minds or at least cause its listeners to experience deep emotions while listening to these songs.   The arrangements on Zadeshe’s Intangible Pearls feature mixed-gender vo ices singing traditional work, friendship, religious, feasting, wine making, and battle songs. However, the musicians treat their listeners to choral a cappella songs as well as, providing instrumental accompaniment on the traditional lutes, harp, drum and accordion.   And while those instruments add a certain charm to th...

Orchestra Popolare Campana Directed by Emilio Di Donato CM (Caserta Musica) Records According to the liner notes for Orchestra Popolare Campana, “Few places are more musical than Campania” of southern Italy (Amalfi Coast, Naples, Capri).   I’ll have to take writer Augusto Ferraiuolo’s word because I know little about regional music of Italy.   Certainly, I have heard traditional tarantata (tarantula) songs, in which a rousing one, Tarantella Tosta opens this album.   However, my experience with Italian orchestra music is relegated to movie soundtracks, such as the circus-like Fellini soundtracks composed by the late Nino Rota.   And of course, I have listened to Italian renaissance and baroque music.   Orchestra Popolare Campana threads sacred Christian chants with a carnival lament and primal tarantata into wondrous musical tapestry--the past and the present intermingling. Lead by the early music reed pipe, Ciaramella (which you’ll also...

Anonymous 4 Secret Voices Chant & Polyphony from the Las Huelgas Codex Harmonia Mundi I’m pleased to receive a new recording by the all-woman vocal ensemble Anonymous 4.   While I’m not a Christian, I enjoy Christian music from medieval and renaissance eras.   I find the polyphony and Gregorian chants relaxing, as do many music fans.   In fact, there is a craze out there for this type of music that goes underground at times only to resurface later.  Many of the fans of early sacred music aren’t religious, but looking for peaceful and contemplative music. I lose track of the number of albums recorded by Anonymous 4, but each album features provocative music programs.   We are usually treated to music sung by ancient women or composed by women as in the case of Hildegard von Bingen, which Anonymous 4 covered.   However, on the latest recording, Secret Voices , we are privy to medieval music from the cloisters of Las Huelgas, in Cas...

Trio Mediaeval A Worcester Ladymass ECM New Series The first time I listened to a Trio Medieval recording ( Stella Maris ), I ended up with a strange dog in my apartment. As soon as I slipped the disk and turned up the volume, I heard a crashing sound on my front door. When I opened the door, a large Alaskan dog entered my small apartment. Fortunately, the dog seemed mesmerized by the polyphonic vocals coming out of the speakers and stayed calm until its human companion showed up to retrieve him. The reason why I’m sharing this dog and music tale is because I too found Trio Mediaeval interpretation of sacred medieval chants mesmerizing. The three Nordic women voices (Ana Maria Friman, Linn Andrea Fuglseth and Torrun Østrem Ossum), fit together so well, that we can only call the overall effect alchemical. Returning from a four year hiatus (the trio’s last release was Folk Songs on ECM New Series in 2007) this time around the trio interprets and performs the Ladymass of Worces...