Often overlooked on the
world
market, aside from the occasional inclusion in a larger Italian compilation of some sort, Sardinia has a rich musical heritage. This collection attempts to spread itself across the traditional aspects of the island's music, without delving too far into the newer fusions and innovations that have taken root in recent years. As such, the works are generally relatively bare melodically, but make up for it in more complex harmonies. Songs are done more often in polyphony than in solo. Pipes have backups, or better yet drones and chanters accompanying the lead pipe. Tenors come in fours. Always there's a multitude of sounds following and playing with the lead line of a piece. The performers heard here are largely well known on the island, but heard little to none outside of Italy at the furthest. This album does them justice, keeping the works tender and rustic without overprocessing. Worth a listen for those interested in regional traditional musics from Europe. ~ Adam Greenberg