Search - Ernst Reijseger, Tenore E Cuncordu De Orosei, Patrizio Mura :: Colla Voche / Reijseger, Tenore E Cuncordu De Orosei

Intriguing.

Michael Stack | North Chelmsford, MA USA | 02/28/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

""Colla Voche" is a collaborative album between cello virtuoso Ernst Reijseger and Sardinian voice choir Tenore e Cuncordo de Orosei. Unlike Reijseger's other Winter & Winter collaboration with a vocalist ("Janna" with Senagalese vocalist Mola Sylla, this one sounds as if Reijseger is embracing their idiom rather than meeting them halfway. Mind you, that's not totally a bad thing, the music here is intriguing and powerful, but Reijseger for his part is more color then voice.



And truthfully, this is because by and large the choir is powerful and the music is completely in their idiom-- this is clearly notable from the onset with opener "Libera Me, Domine". The choirs call and response model (solo vocalist calling and response by choir, including some use of overtones in the vocal) is dominant and, mixed way below them, is Reijseger and percussionist Alan "Gunga" Purves. Having stated that, the piece is fantastic, emotional and moving.



The album pretty much continues along these vein-- Sardinian voice choirs are a unique thing with their use of overtones ("throat singing") you get quite a unique blend of sounds and this group manages well both moody meditations (like the opener) and ecstatic pieces ("Dillu"). For his part, Reijseger is largely in a support role, although he gets a fine opportunity to shine in his accompaniment on "Nanneddu Meu" (where he sounds to owe more to the Flamenco guitar tradition then the cello one), "Colla Voche" (a fine pizzicato performance) and "Su Puddhu" (frantic and energetic). But the highlight of the record for me is "A Una Rosa", a building, powerful and intense piece sprawling over ten minutes but feeling like it's over in 30 seconds, withe vocals constantly broadening and Reijseger utterly brilliant in counterpoint.



This isn't an album where Reijseger gets a particularly strong opportunity to shine, and I cam einto this truthfully as someone interested in him, but it is nonetheless a fine album and well worth a listen. Recommended.,"

Great Blend of Musical Voices

TJ McDonald | 03/14/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This recording can't be pigeon-holed. It's part jazz, world, and classical. This seems to be a 'meeting' album from a couple of different Winter & Winter folks. Often these types of recording get musicians to spare the same space, but not the same vision. Here they blend perfectly. The vocals are deep and rich. The cellist often plucks the cello like a bass except he can keep faster tempos than most bass players. It matches the voices wonderfully. A lot of the songs really swing. The percussion comes in under the cello and voices to give just the right amount of support. The ensemble plays as one. This is one of my favorites."