Search - Ensemble Banza, Budasz :: Iberian and African-Brazilian Music of 17TH Ctry

Very energetic. Curious instruments.

Philoarmónico | Boston, MA | 02/28/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This CD was an interesting find and a timely recording. Brazil comprises more than one third of Latin America, but we hardly find any recording of its early music; compare that with dozens of recordings of Baroque music of Mexico, Peru, and Bolivia. The title of this CD sounds too boring, but the music is far from that (the CD is a little short though, only 48 minutes). Some of the pieces are renditions of very well-known tunes, like the canario and villano, others are improvisatory in style, and others I've never heard of... what is a caozino de sofala? or aromba? The booklet brings some info, but not enough, I think. The choice of instruments adds to the novelty, though I can't say anything about the authenticity of a duet with baroque guitar and talking drum in the 17th century... but the final result is catchy. The music is originally for solo guitar, but the performers don't play many solos. They are good players though, and I'm waiting for their next CD."