Be aware of what you are getting -- not your traditional "La
A. Siegel | 09/11/2006
(3 out of 5 stars)
"This CD seems to be a re-release. The original release is reviewed elsewhere on Amazon; make sure to read those reviews as well. I didn't, and was surprised at what I heard when I listened to it. It is "La Folia" done tongue-in-cheek; odd instruments and sound effects, people making noises or talking, gunshots, cars, etc. Not a clue to its true nature can be found wihtout listening to it. One reviewer likened it to PDQ Bach. PDQ Bach is entertaining; this CD is not... well, maybe if you also like Andy Kaufman. I gave this 3 stars only because of the ensemble's virtuosity, and also remembering how great their CD "La Spagna" was.
If you're looking for good "La Folia" interpretations, I would recommend "Teatro Lirico" by Stephen Stubbs, or "La Folia 1490-1701" by Jordi Savall et al."
Totally wacky
L. Smith | PHILADELPHIA, PA United States | 01/17/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is a classic takeoff on one of the classic Baroque favorites of the same name, "La Folia" (literally, follies). It is so off the wall in so many places I have worn out my original LP and had to buy the CD to keep being able to hear this stuff. It cheers me up. Of course, I have an almost unquenchable capacity for silliness, so this might not be everyone's cup of tea. But if you know anything at all about Baroque music, and anything at all about musical humor, this one's a sneaky but sure hit. And I live for the very end of it every time!"