Passion 1994

Various Artists - Duende: The Passion & Dazzling Virtuosity of Flamenco (1994) {3CD Set Ellipsis Arts CD3354}
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© 1994 Ellipsis Arts | ELLI CD3354
World / Flamenco / Jazz / Latin / Western European Traditions / World Fusion

This three-disc set comes nicely packaged with a 48-page booklet. It provides an interesting introduction to the art, although it is heavily weighted toward the ultra-modern style. Indeed, some of the material isn't considered flamenco at all by its performers. The first CD focuses on individual singers, and includes a great soleá by La Niña de los Pelnes, a blazing bulerías by Terremoto, and tangos by Jose Menese and El Indio Gitano. But beyond that nod to tradition, the emphasis is on New Flamenco. There's a soleá by Camarón and a fandango by Duquende, who follows Camarón's approach. The remaining eight cuts – by Lole y Manuel, Susi, Diego Carrasco, and others – are hot off the press, figuratively or literally.

Classically trained, and with a reputation as one of the world's best selling flutists, Nicholas Gunn is in the upper echelon of contemporary instrumentalists. Having released over thirteen solo projects and selling over two million copies he is a double platinum artist. His music can best be described as a fusion of Native American and ambient/world music. He masterfully employs the guitar, piano, and percussion and infuses his beloved flute and other wind instruments extensively in most of his songs. Beautifully rhythmic, it deeply touches the heart, mind, and soul. Longing, nostalgia, and sentimentality are triggered by Gunn’s passion and respect for Native Americans and a purer and simpler way of life.

This performance of Bach's St. Matthew Passion is sung in English and played on modern instrument. If that bothers you, don't bother checking out this recording. If it doesn't bother you, and you like the idea of a heartrending, awe-inspiring, and profoundly moving performance of Bach's sacred dramatic masterpiece, by all means, try this recording. David Willcocks, the dean of English choral conductors, leads the combined forces of the Bach Choir, the Boys' Choir of St. Paul's Cathedral, and the Thames Chamber Orchestra along with six A-list British soloists in a deeply human, intensely spiritual, and amazingly dramatic performance of the work. But if you worry that modern flutes and updated English horns, or a round-toned chorus and warm-toned chorus, or a language you can readily comprehend might diminish your edification and enjoyment, don't bother with this recording..

Born as an hommage to Albert Schweitzer, the project “Lambarena, Bach to Africa” was the idea of Mariella Berthéas and the foundation “L’espace Afrique”, organized to make this recording possible. Uniting the two integral elements which formed Schweitzer’s “sound world” - the music of Bach and the native melodies and rhythms of his adopted homeland Gabon - Lambarena is the work of two uniquely talented musicians: Hughes de Courson, French composer and producer, who pieced together the classical structure of Lambarena, and Pierre Akendengué, author, philosopher and guitarist from Gabon with more than 12 recordings to his credit.