The King of Albanian Clarinet Music Performs his Best
Erika Borsos | Gulf Coast of FL, USA | 04/14/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"My very favorite music has *always* been that of Northern Greece and Macedonina because of the unusual rhythms and melodies that have evolved in that region. I love the sound of the clarinet the best. It often reigns supreme in the music of the Balkans. The improvisational techniques and circular breathing developed by Laver Bariu while playing this rich and complex music of Albania has been imitated by soloists throughout the region, in fact it has crossed borders into neighboring countries. It has even jumped across the ocean and has become the standard "Balkan clarinet sound" which defines the music of the Balkans. It is an ancient sound that echoes from the past to the present. As the music is improvised, it conveys emotions about life, like no other instrument. The title, "Songs from the City of Roses" caught my attention however I couldn't believe my ears when I heard this music. It has been the CD I have always wanted to own. Laver Bariu is a musical genius, a treasure, hidden in the mountains of Albania and in the city of Permet, now his music has been released. The scent of the roses from Permet is traveling to the farthest reaches of the globe on the notes played by the King of the Albanian clarinet, Laver Bariu. All the tracks and selections on this CD are outstanding. There are wedding songs and dances, astonishing polyphonic singing, a terrific song about trying to get a bottle of raki (strong brandy) which includes an unbelievable halting rhythm [3+2+2+2+3/3+2+3/3+2+3]. Track #4 is familiar, I heard it played locally by a Greek band. In Albanian it is called, a "pogonishte" rhythm. I learned to dance a "pogonisios" (Greek dance) which is mesmerizing, hypnotic and could be done for hours and hours without getting tired. Another song, "Do Marr Ciften" is also familiar in melody and rhythm. Other traditional instruments which complete the sounds of Albania are, second clarinet, def (a type of drum, llaute (an Albanian lute), the accordion, and at times a bagpipe. The voices are instruments themselves when sung in the ancient polyphonic techniques which include a vocal drone, called an "iso". This musical system has been preserved wherever Albanian communities developed in Europe. The music of Albania is rich, varied, complex and powerful. It leaves the listener yearning to hear more and also to learn about the ancient past from which it originated. This CD has the most dynamic and vibrant Albanian music I have yet heard. Most highly recommended. Erika Borsos (erikab93)"
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1
