Today’s music is a rejoicing music by solo singer, chorus and ensemble of Lobi people, Burkina Faso.
The lightly bouncing rhythms and the ensemble’s sense of color are wonderful, we think.
The uninterrupted improvisation by the balafon (xylophone with resonator) player is particularly impressive. The singer’s long vibrato is also interesting.
YouTube
Music of the Day: Rued Langgaard – String Quartet No.1
Today’s music is String Quartet No.1 by Rued Langgaard (1893-1952) who is Danish composer.
Many people might think that Langgaard’s chamber music is better in his early works. This “String Quartet No.1” is one from when he was 21-22 years old, so it is still not avant-garde. This music is in a fresh style, and it is easy to listen to because it sounds gentle to anyone’s ears.
There are many wonderful points in this performance, for me, the harmonies of the parts played with non-vibrato (such as major chord before the small pause) are unusually beautiful. It was a bit of a surprise as I had never heard this kind of performance/recording before. One reason may be that the recording is extremely good.
Denmark may be a small country, but it has been producing extremely unique artists, especially in art and music, since the 19th century.
Nightingale String Quartet
Music of the Day: Dogon – Bullroarer and Barking Dogs
Today’s music is “Bullroarer” sounds from Dogon people, Mali.
“Bullroarer” is made of a piece of wood attached a long thong. Swinging this around in the air, it sounds an eerie roar. It is often used by indigenous people in Africa and Australia, and is more of communication or ritualistic tool than musical instrument.
Bullroarer: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bullroarer
Well, this recording captures dogs barking furiously in response to “Bullroarer” sounds. This is somehow a smiley soundscape.