A combination of traditional African music in a western choral set up sounds a little unusual but this piece is actually a modern masterpiece and a very poigniant tribute to world music. The piece's underlying theme is a trip Fanshawe made across Africa in the shape of a cross, recording native sound as he went. Having heard the piece live I must say it loses a little in recording but the power of the Kyrie and haunting rock-operatic Crucifixous are still something very unusual and beautiful. Thoses interested in world music should definately purchase a copy of the score to accompany the piece as it has some fascinating insights to the performance written by Fanshawe. The inside of the sleeve has a good history of the piece as well as detailed break downs of each movement's African music. An unusual and fascinating piece. I believe David Fanshawe has since written a similar peace called Pacific Odyssey based on the Pacific islands traditional music.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
The 1970s was the decade of "fusion". But when David Fanshawe presented his eclectic mix ... more
of tape recordings from travels in Africa and his own compositions, he still caused quite a stir. No one had heard anything like it. Fanshawe's truly original idea...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Temporarily out of stock. Order now and we'll deliver when available. We'll e-mail you with an estimated delivery date as soon...