Music of Eastern Europe

On this CD:

1. Suite for Woodwind Quintet
Composed by Leonid Leonidovich Sabaneyev

2. Suite on Estonian Themes
Composed by Johann Zeiger

3. Trio for woodwinds
Composed by Tomas Svoboda

4. Moravian Dances (3), for piano (combines JW 8/18 and JW 8/12)
Composed by Leos Janacek

5. Wind Quintet No 3
Composed by Frigyes Hidas

Music of Eastern Europe, Music, Frigyes Hidas, Leos Janacek, Leonid Leonidovich Sabaneyev, Tomas Svoboda, Johann Zeiger, Chamber, Chamber Music & Recitals, Classical, Folk Dance for Keyboard, Keyboard, Miscellaneous, Miscellaneous Music, Quintet for Five Woodwind Instruments, Trio for Three Woodwind Instruments

Teknochek Collision
Average customer rating:

Fun Music

Teknochek Collision
Slavic Soul Party!
Manufacturer: Barbes
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Bigger

Nu Med

Balkan Beat Box

In Makedonija

Bahamut

ASIN: B000NIIUU6
Release Date: 2007-04-03

Tracks:

Ladies (And Gentlemen)
Teknochek Collision
Sisko's Blues
Opa Cupa
Occapella (Have A Beer)
Rumenka Takes A Drive
Iruchenista!
Djelem, Djelem
Vranje
P At The River
Never Gonna Let You Go
Bonus Track 1

Amazon.com

Slavic Soul Party bills itself as the "No. 1 brass band for Balkan-soul-gypsy-funk." While the competition may be a bit thin in this niche genre, there is no argument about the validity of the tag. The band, made up of members of varying backgrounds from the U.S. and Japan, introduces the brash-but-intricate horn lines of the Balkans and adds some New Orleans grit and groove to the stew. On the Brooklyn-based group's third album, one can't help but marvel at the ensemble playing of knotty horn lines on tunes by leader Matt Moran (the percolating "Ruchenista!" stands out) or Slavic traditionals like the sadly romantic "Djelem Djelem," which features guest vocalist Eva Salina Primack. Those ready to party need look no further than the uproarious "Vrainje" or the title track. No matter which direction the nine-piece band goes, it easily takes the listener along for the ride. --Tad Hendrickson

Customer Reviews:

Fun Music.......2007-07-07

When I first heard about this on NPR, I immediately got a big grin. This is a fun, funky collection of tunes. I'm also a big fan of The Art of Noise, so take that into account. This isn't full of sound effects, just cool tunes with a fun beat.

Average customer rating:

Hypnotized by clock radio
Purity
Outstanding quality
My favorite album of all time
Lovely dissonance and, in spite of its modernism, a bearer of endangered heritage

Le Mystère des Voix Bulgares
Bulgarian State Radio & Television Female Vocal Choir
Manufacturer: Nonesuch
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Le Mystère des Voix Bulgares, Vol. 2
Voices of Life
Music of Bulgaria
Ritual
Spirituals

ASIN: B000005IYL
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Pilentze Pee (Pilentze Sings)
Svatba (The Wedding)
Kalimankou Denkou (The Evening Gathering)
Strati Na Angelaki Doumasche (Haiduk Song)
Polegnala E Pschenitza (Harvest Song From Thrace)
Messetschinko Lio Greilivko (Love Song From The Mountains)
Brei Yvane (Dancing Song)
Erghen Diado (Song Of Schopsko)
Sableyalo Mi Agontze (The Bleating Lamb)
Pritouritze Planinata (Song From The Thracian Plain)
Mir Stanke Le (Harvest Song From Thrace)
Schopska Pesen (Diaphonic Chant)
Polegnala E Todora (Love Song)

Customer Reviews:

Hypnotized by clock radio.......2006-12-25

I heard Pilentze Pee on my clock radio in the late 80's and went down and bought the album immediately, and it is still a favorite.

Purity.......2006-12-16

This album, and the music of the choir is magnificent - in richness of sound, vocal artistry and spiritual depth. The blending of rural folk music -- in itself highly sophisticated harmonically and rhythmically -- with modern composition results in an almost otherworldly mood. Their earthy, unadorned vocal style seems all at once ecstatic, elegaic, and humble. Their performance style, no vibrato, clear, sharp, high toned calls, seems to plumb the root of the human condition, and...beyond. I do not believe there is a universal musical language. However, this is as close as it gets.

Outstanding quality.......2006-07-05

Both the choir and the compositions / arrangements are of an unchallenged quality. The music is unique in itself, and the performance is fantastic.

My favorite album of all time.......2006-06-11

I discovered this album about 10 years ago and I have remained transfixed with these ladies ever since. The first song I heard was "Kalimankou Denkou," and immediately, my whole idea of what music is changed forever. The dissonant harmonies and power behind these voices more than make up for the fact that I cannot understand a word of Bulgarian-- which doesn't matter-- their incredible talent comes shining through.

My other favorite on this CD is "Sableyalo mi Agontze" for the absolutely ethereal harmonizing.

If you haven't bought this CD yet but are curious, buy it because I can practically guarantee you've never heard anything like this before. This is the best CD in my library.

Lovely dissonance and, in spite of its modernism, a bearer of endangered heritage.......2005-11-25

Released in 1988 after Marcel Cellier brought never-before-heard recordings to the West, LE MYSTERE DES VOIX BULGARES was an explosive suprise for music lovers. Thirteen songs performed by the Bulgarian State Television Female vocal choir, the disc displayed a highly exotic method of singing where each singer has limited vocal range but piercing projection and resonance, and polyphony using intervals never heard in traditional Western art music.

One thing should be said from the start: this is not authentic Bulgarian folk music, but rather sophisticated arrangements made by composers during the Communist era. Many of the lyrics here are from old folk songs, and the method of singing each singer displays is truly old, but you're crazy if you think any folk music has four-part counterpoint. Still, folk cultures are dying across Europe, and these arrangements are becoming all we have left of a precious tradition snuffed out by Western decadence.

The disc opens with the droning "Pilentze Pee" which immediately gives the listener a full blast of this exotic tradition. With parallel seconds in the harmonic writing, pitches fluctuate strikingly yet under perfect control. Ditto for the eerie diaphonic chant of "Schopska Pesen". The mournful "Kalimankou Denkou" and "Pritouritze Planinata" are simplest in their harmony, and most nearly approach village singing. "Erghen Diado", where the choir is accompanied by drum, shows the humour stereotypically attributed to the people of the Shopsko region.

While the music is phenomenal, I'm unhappy with Nonesuch's packaging. No lyrics or translations are provided for the songs--although since most are about death and unrequited love, this may be to spare some sense of magic for the listener who doesn't speak Bulgarian. The transliteration used is meant for speakers of French, and is filled with typos to boot, which makes it hard for one to reconstruct the original Cyrillic title of each song. Still, this is the best introduction to a fascinating choral tradition, and heavily recommended for open-minded music fans, lovers of Bulgarian culture, and students of the Bulgarian language. The four-star rating is given only because there's some dead wood, and to get thirteen songs that truly represent the best of this choral writing, you'd have to buy several CDs.

Average customer rating:

Gipsy Music
Fantastic
The reality of Romany--thanks, Johnny Depp
Magical Music
I thought I'd heard it all

Taraf de Haïdouks
Taraf de Haïdouks
Manufacturer: Nonesuch
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Continuing Adventure of Taraf De Haidouks (W/Dvd)

ASIN: B00000I6FD
Release Date: 1999-03-09

Tracks:

Tell Me, Tell Me, Old Man - Ion Manole/Marin 'Marius' Manole/Marin A Lu Mincoi/Viorel A Lu Murgoi
Rustem - Anghel 'Caliu' Georghe/Constantine 'Costica' Lautaru/Marin 'Marius' Manole/Ionel 'Ionita' Manole...
Ballad Of The Dictator - Nicolae Neacsu/Ionica 'Tsagoi' Sandu/Ionica Tanase/Marinel Sandu
Love In Clejani - Ion Manole/Dumitru 'Cacurica' Baicu/Marin 'Marius' Manole
The Peasant's Belt - Ion Falcaaru/Constantin 'Costica' Lautaru/Ionel 'Ionita' Manole/Marinel Sandu/Viorel A Lu Murgoi
The Bear-Leaders' Circle Dance - Napoleon/Nadia/Mioara/Dauta/Fratuianu
The Shepherd's Circle Dance - Nicolae Neacsu/Marin 'Tsagoi' Sandu/Dinu/Viorel A Lu Murgoi
Dumbala Dumba - Viorica Rudareasa/Marin A Lu Mincoi/Marin A Lu Petre/Ion Falcaru
Sabarelu - Dumitru 'Cacurica' Baicu/Ilie Iorga/Paul 'Pasalan' Giuclea/Ion Manole/Anghel 'Caliu' Georghe...
Cacurica's Serb Dance - Dimitru 'Cacurica' Baicu
Indian Song - Ion Falcaru/Marin 'Marius' Manole/Ionica Tanase/Anghel 'Caliu' Georghe/Marinel Sandu
Turkish Song - Ionel 'Ionita' Manole/Marin 'Marius' Manole/Anghel 'Caliu' Georghe/Constantin 'Costica' Lautaru...

Amazon.com

They are the consummate show band, highly skilled musicians with a flair for the theatric and a circuslike sense of timing. Romania's Taraf de Haïdouks have been one of the few Gypsy ensembles to represent their culture's folk music on the world stage, and with three albums to their credit, they have made a remarkable showing. This is a compilation of the three recordings they made in the '90s for the German Crammed Disc label. They are now on Nonesuch due to the personal fascination with the music shown by Kronos Quartet member David Harrington, who chose the songs for this self-titled release. Taraf de Haïdouks are a wondrous band, with a crew of brilliant violinists, singers, and cimbalom, flute, and accordion players who could break your heart one moment and leave you in laughter the next. The songs run the gamut: sweet love songs and paeans to broken hearts, subtle politics and social comments, and plenty of warp-speed dance tunes played with a ferocity that leaves their live audiences breathless. This is a great introduction to a band any fan of great musicianship on acoustic instruments should know. --Louis Gibson

Customer Reviews:

Gipsy Music.......2007-07-17

You can say this is a great example of gipsy customs, pure gipsy music (This is not gipsy jazz).

Fantastic.......2007-01-07

I was skeptical at first but took the chance, and I'm glad I did. What a CD! Hora Ca La Ursari is agreeably best song on the CD. Not only am I going to buy the rest of Taraf De Haidouks' CDs but my friends are too! With a sound you can actually call music this CD is inspiring and fun. It makes you want to learn to play the fiddle, if you only had the time...

Buy it, don't think twice, there is no need. You won't regret it.

The reality of Romany--thanks, Johnny Depp.......2006-11-30

No wonder Johnny Depp had these guys playing at The Viper Room--what a sound!

We were in Europe last summer and we encountered a band of gypsies in the French Metro. They sounded JUST LIKE THIS. The sound is authentic and can fit a variety of musical tastes.

Magical Music.......2005-10-11

I bought this CD after listening to the sample tracks. The musicianship is incredible, and the rhythm unstoppable!!! I am always on the lookout for new music like this. I belly dance, and I prefer the Gypsy rhythms that CD's like this one offer. I also like to pop this one into my car CD player and listen while I drive!

I thought I'd heard it all.......2004-07-15

Amazing music! Not what I expected + not like anything else I've ever heard. These guys are up to something strange and powerful, and it's a treat to try to figure out what the hell it is.

Maramaros: The Lost Jewish Music of Transylvania

Average customer rating:

Who can improve upon perfection?
a pleasant surprise
One of my favorites!
A comment
Maramaros IS Hungarian

Maramaros: The Lost Jewish Music of Transylvania
Muzsikás
Manufacturer: Hannibal
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Jewish & Yiddish Music | Folk | Styles | Music

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Morning Star
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May I Kiss Your Hand: Hungarian & Gypsy Fiddle Music & Songs

ASIN: B000000625
Release Date: 1993-05-04

Tracks:

Khosid Wedding Dances
The Rooster Is Crowing
Dance From Maramaros
Lamenting Song
Ane Maamin
I Have Just Come From Gyula
Farewell To Shabbat
Jewish Dance From Szaszregen
Hat A Jid A Wejbele
Jewish Csardas Series From Szek
Khosid Dance
The Greeting Of The Bride
Haneros Halelu
Farewell To The Guests

Customer Reviews:

Who can improve upon perfection?.......2007-04-14

I refer mainly to the technique and musicality of the players. The atonality, the nuances, the striking of the bows stay with me.I feel a sense of place and close to the music through this impeccable recording. I look forward to sending this CD to some of my friends . One small change I would have made though, I would have concluded it on a livelier note. Actually not... I agree, bitter sweet.

a pleasant surprise.......2006-02-04

Little I can add the the excellent reviews already offered here below. One thing, There are two vocal performances. I have the lyrics to Rooster Is Crowing, but the other I do not. Although it is apparently in Hebrew, the pronunciation is so idiosyncratic I can't make out the words, nor can any of my Jewish friends, including one who is Israeli. The problem could be Ms. Sebestye'n but I doubt it. Her teacher is perhaps not Jewish, or else this is correctly pronounced but in a very distinctive and strong Transylvanian accent. In any case I need help. If the text is taken from a prayer, you could simply refer me as I read Hebrew just fine. Otherwise I would appreciate any help. The performance is so wonderful I really would like to know what she is singing. By the way I can certainly show my appreciation in like fashion. I have lyrics to all Muzsikas recordings in Hungarian and to most in English as well and would be glad to share.

One of my favorites!.......2006-02-02

This is one of my favorite Jewish music albums! I'd absolutely recommend it, I think the price I paid for it at Amazon was great too!

As far as some of the reviews concerned ("Red granite", "Tziganul") about whether this music has some Hungarian or Romanian influence I have something to say from my personal experience. I've lived with a Jewish family for 2 years (I was a Nanny) in England and got to like Jewish music a lot, that's why I bought this album and it brings back good memories too.

The Family (from the Mothers side) came from Transylvania and speak Hungarian. I also have relatives living in M?ramaros who are Hungarians. Also, Transylvania belonged to Hungarians (Magyarok) from 895. ...and even before, from 380(Huns). So I just cannot imagine not to have any Hungarian influence on this music.

On the other hand, along the years many people of different nationalites settled down in Hungary (therefore to Transylvania too). Of course, before Hungarians and the Huns settled in todays Hungary, territories were rarely populated (and back then weren't countries only tribes and tribes did move around). Again, Slavic people say that it is not true because Slavic people largely populated that territory. Then, Romanians say that they were living at that territory as the descendants of the Romans. We, Hungarians say that they didn't, Romanians used to live elswhere.

As far as who Transylvania belonged to on the first place and who the minority and majority (Hungarians vs. Romanians) when after WWII Transylvania has been taken from Hungary and was given to Romania are hard telling now. We, Hungarians say Romanians were the minority and Hungarians the majority and we have evidence of it. Of course Romanians say it the other way around.. But who knows the truth? We cannot go back in time and detect the truth, unfortutely...but this is another subject already which seams like a never ending controversy.
In my humble opinion, the best solution would be if Transylvania wouldn't belong to anybody. It'd have autonomy.

So that's said, We all know there are so many nationalites that have lived (many of them assimilated already or fluorished) or still living in Transylvania; cultures being so close to one another are going to have an impact on each other in music and in many other ways too.

A comment.......2005-05-08

Both of the previous reviewers have said some true and some false statements.

Regarding what Cinkapanna said: Yes, the word "Maramaros" is Hungarian, but not the region which it designates, which is, and was inhabited by Romanians. Although under Hungarian military and political rule until WW1, Maramures (NW part of Transylvania), was inhabited by Romanians for the most part. Nowadays there are some 72% Romanians and 20% Hungarians in Maramures. The figures were largely similar immediately after WW1, according to censuses of that time.
Being said that, it is no wonder that there _are_ undeniable Romanian music influences here.
And no, the music does not have Hungarian roots, it has of course Jewish roots, and Romanian influences. I can't tell, however, if it also contains some Hungarian elements.

Maramaros IS Hungarian.......2005-04-02

I hope any semi-informed individual will disregard the comment made by "tziganul" stating that the music on this CD does not have Hungarian roots. Maramaros WAS Hungarian until WWI with about 53,000 Hungarian speakers. Please, do some research before misguiding people.
The CD is great and has wonderfully haunting melodies!

Average customer rating:

Great Hungarian Music
Music from Hungary
Music from Hungary
A giant musician!
Nice, but...

Music from Hungary
Sándor Deki Lakatos and His Orchestra
Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Gypsy Virtuoso
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The Art of the Gipsy Cimbalom

ASIN: B000001VM7
Release Date: 1990-01-23

Tracks:

Gipsy Song
The Lark
Valse Triste
a)Hungarian Dance No. 1/b)Hungarian Dance No. 2/c)Hungarian Dance No. 6
Wonderful Violin
Romance
Csardas
Hora
Staccato capricci
Whistle-Hora
March- Hora
Serenade
Enchanted Violin
The Mail
Hora Dance
Zigeunerweisen

Customer Reviews:

Great Hungarian Music.......2007-05-20

I think there is some room for confusion the way this album is marketed. I have a hunch some people are buying this album thinking it is Sandor Lakatos. There is a difference between Sandor Lakatos and Sandor Deki Lakatos. They are two different people. In fact, Deki Lakatos is Sandor's son. There is also Sandor Deki Lakatos Jr. The Lakatos dynasty (which is exactly what it is) carries on a long tradition of playing excellent Hungarian music. For me though, no one comes close to the father, except maybe Boross Lajos.

"Music from Hungary" is a good CD to buy for those familiar and not familiar with Hungarian music. As I said the Lakatos family is well known in Hungary for their amazing skill, so musicians and Hungarian music lovers will instantly take note of Lakatos' great skill while the unfamiliar listener will sit back and enjoy something they have probably never heard before.

I admit I'm a little bias when it comes to this kind of music as I am Hungarian and a musician (as well as the son of a son of a musician) who plays this kind of music. It is something I have heard everyday of my life. It is music which gives me the most joy to listen to. So if I gush at this music, keep in mind, I simply can't help myself. At the same time I want to remain objective and keep in mind how other people might react. Those who do not like or know very little about this kind of music.

Most of the songs on the CD actually are not really Hungarian. Over half of the songs are Romanian. Kind of makes you wonder whats on the "Music from Romania" CD! Half of the songs were written by the great Romanian composer Grigoras Dinicu. There is "The Lark", "March Hora", "The Mail" and a "Hora Dance"

My favorite tracks on the album are "The Lark" (great cimbalom solo. Sadly, as usual, no mention of who it is. It would be nice to know whose playing I'm copying) for something a little different, more slower "Valse Triste" is just beautiful. A duet between cimbalom and violin. I also like the medley of Hungarian dances (No. 1, 5 and 6). The old standby's are here and played quite well, "Monti's Csardas" and "Whistle Hora".

For the price of the CD honestly it is well worth it. I'm glad I bought the CD. I wish amazon had more Hungarian CDs at such resonable prices. For that matter, I wish amazon had more Hungarian CDs at ANY price from artists as talented as Lakatos.

Bottom-line: Great sample of what the Lakatos dynasty is all about. Good, fast arrangements of old standard Hungarian and Romanian songs that lovers of this type of music should enjoy!

Music from Hungary.......2007-02-16

It should be listed under classical music! Maestro Lakatos is a true Virtuoso!

Music from Hungary.......2006-03-10

I just loved the Hungarian music on this CD. The delivery and the condition were excellent.

A giant musician!.......2005-08-26

Lakatos bas become a reference by himself at the moment to measure the grade of performance of any particular ensemble evolved with this musical field.
Lakatos impregnates the whole Band of inspired mood and vigorous pronouncement. His results can not be better expressed: an immediate rapport will be established between you and Lakatos since you listen the first bars of any of his themes.
The Magyar spirit, the Csárdás or the ancient gypsy songs find in Sandor a robust expressiveness and assertiveness interpretative.
Go for this extraordinary compilation that resumes, takes back and preserves the vitality and charm of this fabulous and untamed millenary musical genre.

Nice, but..........2005-05-06

...almost one third of the tracks on this disc are not Hungarian, but Romanian music played by Hungarians, though it doesn't explicitly say so (I'm speaking of tracks 2, 8, 10, 11 and 15).
Firstly, the Lark ("Ciocârlia") is a famous traditional song composed by Romanian Gypsy musician Anghelus Dinicu in 1889, based on a Romanian folk tune. The song was later made popular by his grandson, virtuoso violinist Grigoras Dinicu and by violinist/composer George Enescu.
As for the "horas": The 'hora' is a Romanian folk dance music found in all parts of the country. And, actually, the track "March Hora" contains themes from the piece "Hora staccato" by Grigoras Dinicu.
The horas on this CD are definitely Romanian dances, especially in their lively parts, with some slow parts thrown in, consisting of a waltzy-restaurant-style music.

Average customer rating:

Wonderful Music- Buy it today!
A good sampler.
dance like no one is watching
dance like no one is watching
Pleasant but lacks bite, the Manteca compilation is better

Gypsy Caravan
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Putumayo World Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000056KXN
Release Date: 2001-02-13

Tracks:

Diri, Diri, So Kerdjan? - Romanyi Rota
Mori Shej, Sabina - Kalyi Jag
Pena - Saban Bajramovic
Gipsy Song - Vlatko Stefanovski
Les Yeux Noirs - Coco Brianval
L'Amour S'Envole - Thierry Robin
Al Likindoy - Miguel Angel Cortes
Korkore Zav Ande Kalyi Ratyi - Romanyi Rota
Kutka Avel E Sej Bari - Amaro Suno
Codru - Djelem
Sza Tele Zsav - Ando Drom

Amazon.com

Call this the melodic side of the Romany diaspora, an easier companion than the Rough Guide: Music of the Gypsies, which covered not only Central Europe but also the Indian roots and even British tradition of the "traveling people," as they're known. Gypsy Caravan concentrates its energy on the song element, which can range from the klezmer style of Romanyi Rota to the more folkish quality of Ando Drom. The influence of the Rom on Spanish music is explored in the flamenco of both Thierry Robin and Miguel Angel Cortés, connecting the dots between cultures and emphasizing the influence of the this oft-persecuted people. Frequently life-affirming in its joy, but also capable of aching, lamenting sorrow, Gypsy Caravan shines a warm light on one facet of an ancient and complex culture, making for a strong introduction to some intoxicating music. --Chris Nickson

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Music- Buy it today!.......2005-09-08

My husband and I LOVE this cd, the songs are well crafted and catchy, the artists are highly talented, and you will be tapping your foot without knowing you did it!- I dance and sing along to this cd, and you will also. Whereas it may not cover all the areas that the Rom have traveled, I highly recommend this compilation as a great starter or addition to any collection. If you are a Dancer- this CD is a must have. We love to listen to it on road trips as the miles slip by hardly noticed through the joy of the music.

A good sampler........2004-02-02

The music in this compilation is as varied and the musicians as spread out as the gypsies themselves. The four tracks from the Hungarian groups stands out the most because they have a haunting sadness to them interceded with hallow drums and passionate guitars. Track 5 from France is playful while Coco Brival's "Le Yeux Noirs" reminds one of the style the Gypsy Kings have made familiar throuthout the world. For me the song that stays with me the most is "Codru." It is full of sorrow in a romantic sort of way. It is the way I typically romanticize the lives of Gypsies,that's why it is my favorite. Over all, this is a good compilation for people trying to investigate the flavor of European gypsy music. All the songs are wonderful to listen to. Some reviewers are already recommending other compilations and musicians to try. This is the great thing about Putumayo World Music, it serves as a window into other worlds that we can visit thru beautiful music.

dance like no one is watching.......2003-09-04

I don't often dance to music, preferring it to stay in the background as a pleasant voice as I get on with my daily chores or engage in my other hobbies. But with this CD I found myself dancing, swaying, and shaking as I worked in the garage or cooked in the kitchen, I even put a speaker in the backyard so I could dance as I picked veggies from the garden. This music filled me with joy and accented and at times overwhelmed my other hobbies. While the CD did lack a selection from the Romany indian roots, it did provide a wide range of Romany styles from the Hungarian to French to Spanish to the obscure Russo/Slavic Romany. I was also intrigued by this CD by its modern sound as tradtional Romany melodies were merged with progressive airs to show that this music is alive and growing and not a just an anthropological genre of folk songs. So if you want a sample of the roots of Gypsy Music and discover where it has been, Latcho Drom , or other fine CDs can help you, but if you want to Dance to the rythmns of where it is going then this CD is for you.

dance like no one is watching.......2003-09-04

I don't often dance to music, preferring it to stay in the background as a pleasant voice as I get on with my daily chores or engage in my other hobbies. But with this CD I found myself dancing, swaying, and shaking as I worked in the garage or cooked in the kitchen, I even put a speaker in the backyard so I could dance as I picked veggies from the garden. This music filled me with joy and accented and at times overwhelmed my other hobbies. While the CD did lack a selection from the Romany indian roots, it did provide a wide range of Romany styles from the Hungarian to French to Spanish to the obscure Russo/Slavic Romany. I was also intrigued by this CD by its modern sound as tradtional Romany melodies were merged with progressive airs to show that this music is alive and growing and not a just an anthropological genre of folk songs. So if you want a sample of the roots of Gypsy Music and discover where it has been, Latcho domo, or other fine CDs can help you, but if you want to Dance to the rythmns of where it is going then this CD is for you.

Pleasant but lacks bite, the Manteca compilation is better.......2003-07-26

Putumayo's compilation of gypsy music follows their usual vein of output: palatable introduction for neophytes, but not always the most inspiring or brilliant material. Nevertheless there are some gems on this CD that truly have the gypsy fire (Diri Diri So Kerdjan, Pena) but others are rather maudlin. I've travelled extensively through Eastern Europe and seen the gypsies in their natural habitat (brass bands in the Balkans, Budapest violin ensembles, Romanian tarafs) and I can assure you they sound spunkier and more soulful than some of these artists (who are a bit too polished). So buy the CD and get acquainted with the music, but remember this is a rather glossy take on the Rom culture. A much better compilation is Manteca's "From an early age: the incredible music of the gypsies" featuring giants such as Vera Bila, Esma Redzepova, Taraf de Haidouks, Muzsikas, Roomal, Fanfare Ciocarlia and a host of other luminaries. Also highly recommended is Saban Bajramovic's new album "Gypsy Legend" which is truly brilliant (he contributes probably the best track on this compilation, Pena).

Tracks:

Kan Marau La
Que Dolar
Sandala
Pana Cand Nu Te Iubeam
Cuando To Volveras
Duj Duj
Ibrahim
Ma Maren Ma
Mukav Tu
Nakelavishe
Ma Rov
Mig Mig
Farewell March
Born To Be Wild

Customer Reviews:

A stellar and festive tribute, highly recommended........2007-06-10

Romany brass orchestra Fanfare Ciocarlia presents their latest music CD album, Queens and Kings, a celebration of Gypsy culture and song that transcends national borders. Drawing upon inspiration and Romany contributors from Serbia, Macedonia, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, and France, Queens and Kings embodies the vivacious splendor of live traditional music. The tracks are Kan Marau La (4:31), Que Dolor (3:55), Sandala (2:49), Pana Cand Nu Te Iubeam (4:06), Cuando Tu Volveras (4:30), Duj Duj (3:56), Ibrahim (3:05), Ma Maren Ma (3:50), Mukav Tu (2:09), Nakelavishe (2:58), Ma Rov (4:38), Mig Mig (3:19), Farewell March (1:36), and Born to be Wild (3:11). A stellar and festive tribute, highly recommended.

Average customer rating:

total fun - multiple listens..
a lot of fun

Electric Gypsyland 2
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Crammed Disc Us
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Electric Gypsyland
Bucovina Club, Vol. 2
Balkan Beat Box
Urban Gypsy
Nu Med

ASIN: B000IHZJ1U
Release Date: 2006-11-07

Tracks:

Homecoming - Taraf De Haidouks
Alone At My Wedding - Buscemi
Oi Bori Sujie - Kocani Orkestar
Red Bula - Mahala Rai Banda
Romano Dance - Mahala Rai Banda
Mi Bori San Korani - Kocani Orkestar
Duba Duba Si Hora - Taraf De Haidouks
A Rom And A Home - Taraf De Haidouks
Maxutu - Cibelle
The Man Who Drinks - Mahala Rai Banda
Morceau D'Amour - Mahala Rai Banda
Neacsu In Africa - Taraf De Haidouks
Immigrant Radio/Soldier Tufaiev Abroad - Yuriy Gurzhy, Russendisko & Friends
Go East - Taraf De Haidouks
Ismail Oro - Kocani Orkestar
Spoitoresa Revisited (Got The Parts Mix) - Mahala Rai Banda

Tracks:

Cudna Zena - Kocani Orkestar
Siki, Siki Baba - Kocani Orkestar
L'Orient Est Rouge - Kocani Orkestar
Duba, Duba Si Hora - Taraf De Haidouks
Terno Chelipe - Taraf De Haidouks
Cind Eram La '48 - Taraf De Haidouks
A La Turk - Taraf De Haidouks
Spoitoresa - Mahala Rai Banda
Lest Sexy - Mahala Rai Banda
Romano Dance - Mahala Rai Banda
The Fiancee's Dream - Zelwer
Soldier Tufaiev Gets Married - Zelwer

Customer Reviews:

total fun - multiple listens.........2007-03-12

constant fun and creative mixing make this one of the most continuous listens I've had in long time. Surprising, complex, and fun.

Great in the house or car...and it's one that my son (12) and I both enjoy. Personally like this better than Electric Gypsyland one...

a lot of fun.......2007-01-23

This was #5 on John Schaefer's 2006 New Sounds Top 10 [...], and what a great choice it is, though I liked the first CD better than the bonus CD. At some point the distinction between this and big band klezmer gets blurred, but it's still very entertaining. I may have to get volume one.

Songs and Dances from Croatia (Across the Drava River)

Average customer rating:

The Best of , that is for certain!
An Excelent Record by the Zagreb Ensemble
Colorful Traditional Folk Music and Dances

Songs and Dances from Croatia (Across the Drava River)
Zagreb Folk Dance Ensemble
Manufacturer: Arc Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Folk Music from Croatia
Songs Of Croatia: Klapa Singing from the Dalmatian Coast
Croatia: Music of Long Ago
The Best of Croatian Cooking

ASIN: B00003TFLK
Release Date: 2000-01-25

Tracks:

Tamo Preko Drave
Prigorski Drmes
Oj Dobricu Vodo Ladna
Glazbeni Motivi Iz Medimurja
Vijalo Se Pero Paunovo
Swing Polka
Kalendar I Zita
Oj Soncece, Soncece
Na Veliko Prelo
Ladarke
Vrbnice Nad Morem
Gajdasko I Veliko Kolo
Diva Marica
Sup-Sim, Sup-Tam Polka
Starinski Balun
Dober Vam Vecer Gospodar
Repa
Ide Snasa Sa Salasa
Zbogom, Zbogom Medimurje

Customer Reviews:

The Best of , that is for certain!.......2007-01-04

This cd is fabulous.Every song beautifully executed by a terrific ansamble of Croat Musicians and singers.
The best cd ever of Croatian music.

An Excelent Record by the Zagreb Ensemble.......2005-08-12

Althoug the ZFDE is a dance group, the singing and playing here is also incredible.Top versions for LADARKE, TAMO PREKO DRAVE and REPA.
With LADO this group is the best in Croatia.
CD comes with inserts in English, German and Spanish, with pictures and info about the group.

Colorful Traditional Folk Music and Dances.......2004-01-31

Arc Music has distinguished itself once again by creating a CD filled with beautiful vocals and extraordinairy music. The music of Croatia is rich and diverse. The Zagreb Folk Dance Ensemble provides the colorful harmonics, chord progressions and unusual rhythmic structure of the melodies for which this region is known. Each stringed instrument: brac, bugarija, bisnerica and berde, adds its own unique ornamentation to this wonderful regional folk music. The musical vibrations and waves make me want to dance and improvise a kolo across the dance floor. There is a slight Turkish influence due to the 150 or so years when the Ottoman empire ruled. One can taste the Slivotiz brandy by just listening ...! Erika Borsos (erikab93)

Average customer rating:

Nagyszeru!! (Excellent!)
The Real Deal
Re-living the past

Bartók Album

Manufacturer: Hannibal
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Maramaros: The Lost Jewish Music of Transylvania
Morning Star
Csardas Hungarian Gypsy Music
Music from Hungary
The Best of Marta Sebestyen: Voice of "The English Patient"

ASIN: B00000JZ15
Release Date: 1999-09-21

Tracks:

Dunantuli Friss Csardasok
Jocul Barbatesc
Violin Duo No.32, 'Dance Of Maramaros'
Maramaros Dances
On The River Bank
Swineherds' Dance
Dunantuli Ugrosok
Shepherd's Flute Song
Forgacskuit Lads' Dance
My Horse's Shoe
Violin Duo No.28, 'Sorrow'
Bonchida: Slow Lads' Dance
Magyarbecei Oreges Csardasok
Pe Loc
Bota Dance
Torontal Dances
Ardeleana
Vioiln Duo No.44, 'Transylvanian Dance'
Fuzes: Lads' Dance
The Churchyard Gate
Kalotaszeg Dances
I Left My Homeland

Amazon.com

Hungarian composers were among the world's most diligent in using folk resources to inform their classical compositions, and no composer was more involved in his nation's folk music than Bela Bartók. His recording expeditions into the Hungarian countryside in the early years of the 20th century preserved a musical heritage that might have otherwise been lost. While his main interest was finding inspiration for radical new music, his recordings lived on to inspire generations of modern folk revivalists. This album is a tribute to Bartók's work. The songs he recorded are born anew in the strings of Muzsikás and singer Márta Sebestyén. They play and sing these old songs in a traditional style but never fail to stamp a strong personal mark on the material. In addition to Muzsikás's own renditions, the CD includes a few special tracks of the original Bartók recordings that let you hear the old style of playing and singing in the purest form. There are also a few Bartók compositions, performed by Muzsikás fiddler Mihaly Sipos and Romanian classical violinist Alexander Balanescu. The old recordings and the Bartók works add a unique perspective to the folk songs, offering us a timeline from the oldest sources to the most modern interpretations. --Louis Gibson

Customer Reviews:

Nagyszeru!! (Excellent!).......2003-04-05

An absolutely stellar recording! It simply doesn't get any better than this in terms of musicianship, vocals, performance quality or ethnomusicological value.

A sort of concept album, Muzsikas and Marta Sebestyen perform some serious musical detective work in The Bartok Album, juxtaposing original phonograph field recordings from a century ago by Bartok himself alongside excerpts from his works which clearly reflect these folkloric influences. Finally, we are treated with Muzsikas' own renditions of these classic folk pieces, executed with the perfect mix of flawless technique and earthy exuberance, not to mention the magnificent haunting vocals of Sebestyen.

Particularly intriguing are the swineherd and shepherd songs, among the most ancient styles in the Carpathian Basin. The long flute on the Shepherd's Flute Song, beautifully played by Zoltan Juhasz, has an ethereal otherworldly quality and contrasts most favourably with the spirited ugros dances that precede it. The carefully chosen clips from Bartok's musical archives clearly show the link between his field recordings and subsequent compositions, such that the listener gets an idea of just how influential folkloric elements were in Bartok's work. Fascinating for anyone with even a casual interest in Bartok, ethnomusicology, or the unique musical styles found in Transdanubia and Transylvania, or just for anyone who needs a frenetic folk-dancing workout.

All in all, an absolutely top-notch album in every sense of the word, and highly recommended to any fan of great music!

The Real Deal.......2002-06-28

One day, in adventurous mood and tired of RAWK, I decided it was time to investigate Gypsy fiddle music and stumbled onto this CD (who says you can't judge a CD by the cover art?). It became my happiest discovery in years. There's nothing hokey about the performance of these re-worked folk tunes; the album is passionate and exhuberant and visceral, and the violin work often soars into the stratosphere.

I've seen other reviewers express disappointment that the ensemble didn't perform/arrange the work in the fashion Bartok himself would have, ie, classical mode, but that would have diluted the whole point: the people who performed the songs for the Bartok's microphone (clips of the original field recordings Bartok made are presented inbetween the modern renditions) didn't make music for upper-crust performance halls and Sony Classical, they played it in the intimacy of their everyday lives and communities. By presenting the songs in this context, the album reminds us of a time and place when popular music had real communal value not measured in units sold.

Re-living the past.......2000-06-20

This newest Muzsikas album includes 4 excelent elements:

- Bela Bartok's genius for documenting folk melodies

- Muzsikas orchestra whish reproduces traditional music with passion

- guest star Marta Sebastian, passionate voice to reveale sadness from Transilvania

- and last but not least - Alexander Balanescu, precious performer and great experimentator.

I was lucky enough to see the concert in Budapest. May 2000, where many songs from "The Bartok Album" were introduced. On the recording it is possible to hear only the echo of the stomping dance that gives the rythm to the music, and you can only imagine antiend and rude instruments that, played together with virtuose violine, compose timeless tunes that Bartok saved from extintion.

Still, the advantage that CD has over the live performance are recordings from the museum archives, valuable historical docuemntation of traditional music from Hungary and Romania, as well as very well equiped booklet with descritions and translations of many songs.

Highly recomended album, that offers diverse types of joy - to listen, to read and to dance along :-)

Music Review: