COMPOSERS: Music of Chechnya and the North Caucasus
LABELS: Topic Records
ALBUM TITLE: Songs of Defiance
WORKS: Music of Chechnya and the North Caucasus
CATALOGUE NO: 934
The vexed history of the North Caucasus is vividly expressed in the powerfully extroverted songs and instrumental tunes – many of them composed and performed by women – that comprise Songs of Defiance. Michael Church did yeoman’s work in assembling a broad range of music that includes his own recordings as well as tracks produced and released locally by the artists. Despite the aura of tragedy that surrounds the history of Chechnya and its Caucasian neighbour republics, not all of the music is doleful. Sprightly dance tunes, lyrical love songs, and patriotic hymns project pride, dignity, faith, and strength.Theodore Levin
Music of Chechnya and the North Caucasus
The vexed history of the North Caucasus is vividly expressed in the powerfully extroverted songs and instrumental tunes – many of them composed and performed by women – that comprise Songs of Defiance. Michael Church did yeoman’s work in assembling a broad range of music that includes his own recordings as well as tracks produced and released locally by the artists. Despite the aura of tragedy that surrounds the history of Chechnya and its Caucasian neighbour republics, not all of the music is doleful.
Published: January 20, 2012 at 4:05 pm