This isn't the typical "world music" collection. It is a selction of recordings by ethnomusicologist (did you know there WAS such a job?) Alan Lomax from 1954-55, documenting the music of small Italian villages, musical forms that have vanished forever.The performances lack polish and finesse, naturally. Much of the cd is more like an auditory documentary than anything else. For example, the opening track "Swordfishermen's Calls," are exactly that - two male voices, shouting melodically over a long distance. This isn't the happy accordian music you hear at the Olive Garden, to say the least.The variety of the music is striking, containg a capella, tarantela, lullabies, accordians, bagpipes and melodies of surprising complexity.The vocals are a bit rough, sometimes - the Italians like to sing loud, apparently, and some of the singers go flat when they do.
The liner notes are extensive and contain English translations. Highly recommended, if you're looking for something truly authentic, a historical document rather than professional renditions of old folk songs.
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