Missa Luba [Import, Soundtrack]

Troubadours du Roi Baudouin (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 13, 2008)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import, Soundtrack
• Label: El [Cherry Red]
• ASIN: B00142RX0I
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #13,981 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #28 in Music > Imports > Soundtracks
  • #29 in Music > Imports > Broadway & Vocalists
  • #35 in Music > World Music > Africa > General AAS

Track Listings

1. Kyrie

2. Gloria

3. Credo

4. Sanctus

5. Benedictus

6. Agnus Dei

7. Dibwe Diambula Kabanda

8. Lutuku & A Bene Kanyoka

9. Ebu Ewale Kemai

10. Katumbu

11. Seya Wa Mama Ndalamba

12. Banaha

13. Twai Tshinaminai

Editorial Reviews

Hailed by Stanley Kubrick as "Absolutely, one of the great films", Lindsay Anderson's stylish, surrealistic, uncompromising and confrontational film IF... encapsulated the revolutionary atmosphere of the sixties; and four decades on has lost none of it's power to astonish and provoke. Malcolm McDowell (of whom IF... made a star), suggested the bewitching, other-worldly music of 'Sanctus' from the "Missa Luba", a version of the Latin Mass based on traditional Congolese songs, which establishes the film's very particular atmosphere. IF... captured the public's imagination beyond anyones expectation and the memorable 'Sanctus' subsequently became a chart hit ("I couldn¹t believe it" recalled McDowell). Les Troubadours du Roi Baudouin, a choir, with percussion section, consisting of about 45 boys from 9 to 14 years old, and 15 teachers were formed by Father Haazen. The "Missa Luba" is pure Congolese. It is completely void of any modern, western musical influences. None of it is written. Certain rhythms, harmonies and embellishments are spontaneous improvisations.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Classic Revived, October 18, 2008

By 

Willowisp - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Missa Luba (Audio CD)

Ever since I saw "If" in the San Francisco of the late summer of 1968, the music has haunted. I still have the vinyl copy with the same cover shown on the CD. Had seen it sell for upwards of $70. Have checked frequently and even emailed Phillips about putting out a CD of this classic. Hallelujah, it is out. A beautiful record which has had "tribute bands" attempt to copy. The copies are pale. Maybe it is the memories it can still evoke 40 years later. The drums, the voices, the melodies. Revived. A very powerful record.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars ethereal, September 24, 2008

By 

Robert J. Robbins (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Missa Luba (Audio CD)

In the early 1960s, I was an undergraduate at Stanford. The Beat influence still existed in northern California and St Michael's Alley was Palo Alto's coffee house. I used to sit there with my friends, drink one dollar cups of coffee (when gasoline was twenty-five cents a gallon) and listen to the exotic music played over the sound system. That was where I first heard Missa Luba and I was stunned. What was this amazing music? Enough small talk. Find the manager. "What is this music? I have to have it." I bought the album as soon as I could find it and I have it still. For many years I have been looking for a reissue on CD. Two days ago I learned it had been reissued and today, thanks to Amazon's two-day shipping, I am listening to the CD. As another reviewer wrote, this is like nothing else you've ever heard: pure, clean, uplifting, ethereal - spiritual and rhythmic - hypnotizing. If heavy metal is your favorite music, stay away from this CD. But if your tastes are more subtle, give it a try.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars finally!, May 25, 2008

By 

Kenneth Miller (T Town) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Missa Luba (Audio CD)

I don't play vinyl anymore so it's been a long time since I've heard this music. Worth the wait. Play it loud, stand up, cry...the sacred comes to earth as Congolese boys perform Latin chants. Put another way it's the crossroads of medieval and world music, like nothing I've ever heard. This is polished stuff, not rough with coughs or false starts. Stretch out with headphones, pump it up while you make dinner. This has something rare. This has life.