Customer Reviews

Lambarena: Bach to Africa - An Homage to Albert Schweitzer

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Electrifying...first let me say that this is among the 10 top CD's in my
entire music collection. Let me explain what this music is NOT. It is not a group of African singers and musicians performing Bach. No, instead it is the response of African musicians listening to the music of Bach and talking back in their own tonal language. First we hear melodies of Bach - tame and civilized - played on the traditional instruments, perhaps organ or piano or violin. On hearing Bach, the Africans join in and respond with their own raw, primeval, earth-centered music. Think of a bird which changes its song and rhythm in response to a classical flute melody and you get the idea. A treat not to be missed.

This CD is a marvelous marriage of two widely varying styles of music--it's extremely successful at shaping the moments of transition between the Bach and the African music as well as overlaying the two. Having been raised with a little bit of both of these cultures, the African and the European, I am delighted to find this very classy musical synthesis.

"I'm in love". A beautiful intertwining of earthy African music and classic Bach creating rhythmical compositions. A winner for those who enjoy both sounds but possibly an acquired taste.

I saw the ballet Lambarena with San Francisco Ballet, including Evelyn Cisneros who created the lead role and is the role. I was so amazed, so moved by both the music and the dancing I went to see the ballet again 2 days later. Have been waiting for the music ever since, and here at Amazon have finally found it. The integration of the music is just wonderful - you really feel as if the two music types were mean to be as one.

This CD is like a communion between western music ( Bach) and African music ( gabonese traditional songs)... For instance, SANKANDA makes you want to stand up and dance even if you have no clue of what you are supposed to do! :)
i wish more people would know about this CD which is one of the best of the 20th century.

This CD is truly the best of all possible worlds for Bach and for the African rhythms it contains. Classical music enthusiasts will be fascinated by the way in which the traditional music informs and illuminates the Bach. Lovers of world music will appreciate the complexity with with the artists engaged the classical without surrendering the African beat. Amazing.

Those eager to hear something really unusual might want to check out this CD, a homage to Albert Schweitzer that combines the music of Gabon, Africa, with that of Bach. Schweitzer worked in a hospital in Lambarene, Gabon, and, as you may know, was a Bach scholar and organist. While, the concept sounds almost as bad as Roy Orbison tunes performed in traditional Celtic style (there really is such a CD), surprisingly it's wonderful music. The disc's best pieces combine excerpts from Bach's St. John Passion with Gabonese percussion and chants. It's truly amazing how well such disparate music blends. The track "Sankanda" which features incredible vocals by a Gabonese woman combined with a chorus singing a slowed down and rhythmic version of "Lasset uns nicht zerteilen" is simply stunning.

I am a dance student and we are dancing to this music for our upcoming performance. This is an incredible CD! The music has given me much inspiration to dance. I would definatly recommend this CD it's a nice relief from the traditional.

We are all one world. Combining the sounds and rhythms of different cultures and eras can be a beautiful thing. This album does it well. With an open mind, you'll find yourself swept away, only to be brought back by the natural motion of your tapping foot or your swaying body.

As a classically trained celleist and person who simply loves classical music- This album has been a tremendous insparation, opening my eyes to the true possibilities of music. The mix of the traditional music of Africa and Bach shows how cultures, from complete and totoal opposit ends of the world can come together and culturally unite. I would highly recommend this album to anyone who wants to see the true potential of Bach.