| THE EDGE OF THE FOREST Romanian Music from Transylvania  This unique collection of Romanian music highlights instrumental and vocal songs of celebration from Transylvania and includes lyric songs (hore), drinking songs, and dance tunes. Vocals, violins, violas, kettledrums and pipes combine to create a fascinating listening experience featuring some of the best known musicians in the region. Wild, raw and engaging, this music reflects the pathos of Eastern European culture. (MOW 144)See AllMusic reviews and album credits  |
 CELTIC SOUNDSCAPE: MUSIC FROM BRITTANYPaul Huellou An outstanding recording of traditional Celtic-influenced music from Brittany featuring well-known Breton singer Paul Huellou. Accompaniment is provided by Paul’s son, J. Pol, and several other musicians, among them Brendan Fahy, Pascal Segart and the internationally acclaimed piper Paddy Keenan. Celtic Soundscape consists of twelve tracks sung in the Breton language, and two instrumental pieces are beautifully performed by the popular group Sked. (LAT 50606)
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| TARAF: ROMANIAN GYPSY MUSIC Various Artists Some of Romania’s finest and best-known
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musicians are featured in this stirring collection of digital recordings from the Danube Plain. These festive rhythms and melodies are as passionate and fiery as the very soul of the Gypsy people. Vocals, violins, accordion, dulcimer, double-bass and other stringed instruments are highlighted on this exciting recording. Soulful and moving, Taraf is a valuable insight into the musical heart of a vibrant East European culture. (MOW 137) TENORES DE ONIFERIPolyphonic Singing From Sardinia The rich tradition of polyphonic singing in Sardinia dates back thousands of years. Today, this music is kept alive by quartets known as cantu a tenores. The music is rich in harmonies and overtones, and sung poetry may be set or improvised on the spot. Tenores de Oniferi are among the best Sardinian vocalists of this rich tradition. (MOW 152) |
| BULGARI Bulgarian Folk Music
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Bulgari presents several of Bulgaria’s leading folk musicians who render authentic interpretations of their native folk music. This recording is an excellent selection of traditional and folk melodies from the region. The gaida, a Bulgarian bagpipe, is prominent and lends a familiar tone to the tunes, which also feature strummed and bowed string instruments, percussion, bass, flute and vocals. Seventeen tracks, excellent sound quality. (LAT 50613)