Customer Reviews

Bella Terra

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Arianna Savall proves herself to be quite an accomplished singer, composer, and harpist in this new collection of mainly her own compositions. This is not my typical type of music, but I still listen to it constantly, and I bought it as soon as it was available in America. I'm glad that it is once again available, as it was out of stock for a very long time. Savall's pure straight-tone may not appeal to some classical vocal buffs, but as part of the Catalan early music scene ruled by her parents, Jordi Savall and Montserrat Figueras, straight tone comes natural to her. Her voice is clearer than her mother's and, if somewhat less emotional, it is also more ethereal and her technique is solid. The songs themselves run from Middle Eastern influenced to Catalan folk songs.

This is a delightful disc. If you appreciate the technique of Jordi Savall, and the siren sweet voice of Montserrat Figueras, you will be instantly captivated by their daughter.

In what appears to me to be a very personal project based upon moving poems authored by Miguel Marti i Pol (dedication appears untranslated in Catalan), Ms. Savall is invoking a song tradition of harp playing accompanied by the singer which was long ago lost in all but a couple of cultures. It thrives in the rich cultural Catalan region, as is evidenced by Ms. Savall's own compositions.

You too will submit to her enthralling spell.

Whilst the classical training shines through, her composition often surprises with its contemporary feel (although she nods to her Catlan roots).

Lovers of harp, and young soprano voice need look no further. The lady has some pair of lungs.

Musically this is ocassionally reminiscent of Andreas Vollenwieder although far more minimalist.. but then she starts singing...and quite simply...WOW!

She's so perfectly in control of her vocal instrument, and she's so pitched. How she manages this but still sounds so relaxed, I will never know. I could go on about her technically, but that would diminish her voice, a thing of great beauty.

Worth the entry for "Bella Terra" alone. I look forward to more of this young woman's work.

Beautiful album from a beautiful singer/harpist. Quite lovely and relaxing. Also this album comes with a nice thick songbook and notes, unlike almost all modern productions on CD which seem to accomplish nothing more than cover art and gigantic FBI Big Bro Is Watching labels. You can actually read this, which is a very nice touch. Classic and classy all the way.

This CD is okay, but once you have heard one song you have heard them all. The music gets a little repetitive, and Arianna has a bit of heaviness in her voice that I do not personally like. It is a nice CD, but not one that I would listen to over and over again.