Dec 13/04
The Baroque Motherland
I unapologetically admit that the Kronos Quartet is my favourite string ensemble. In 1992 this San Francisco-base group released Pieces of Africa, a classical fusion album mixing Western string arrangements with songs and rhythms from various spots on the African continent. The album was wildly commercially successful for a “classical” album, reviled by purists and praised by many.
That’s the way it is with Kronos. Purists often hate them, citing their numerous pop ventures and tendency to make albums with names like “Pieces of Africa.” I’m over it. They’re very talented musicians who are unafraid to pimp themselves out on cheap Jimi Hendrix covers if it means getting the public at large to appreciate a little Hildegaard von Bingen.
Their album Early Music is still one of my all-time favourites. Mind you, it brings back painful memories of late nights, long essays and very cold pre-exam crunch sessions while studying in Canada. You should check it out regardless of what you think of today’s selections.
Either way, we’ll stick with Africa for this post. I always sort of thought the kora would go well with a cello.
Kronos Quartet – Wawshishijay
Kronos Quartet – Tilliboyo
I don’t have “Pieces of Africa” yet, but I’m a big Kronos fan, and “Early Music” is by far my favorite of their albums. I’m also a big fan of African music, so I expect “Pieces of Africa” would be right up my alley. Thanks for the tip!
“Pieces of Africa” is a great album…I still listen to it a lot…You’re right about Kronos, you just have to go with it…they do such an amazing job with everything they touch…Black Angels is a pretty amazing album as well.
thanks!
Mai Nozipo est encore plus joli !
Pieces of Africa is absolutely one of my top ten favorite albums of all time. I have a link to the track Mai Nozipo on my own blog.
Pieces of Africa is too in my top ten of favorites albums. Classical string ensemble meets african songs. The best of this world!!. Amazing!!
Thanks for foster this kind of music!!
Heaven is waiting for you!!
A big fan of your site!! Dario from Buenos Aires!!