Georgia: The Resounding Polyphony Of The Caucausus CD

Part of a relatively well put together series, Music of the Earth, Multicultural Media put out one volume dealing with the Russian state of Georgia, with its resplendent polyphonies that fill every song. In all truth, much of the music sounds like a cross between Western Christian hymns and Muslim prayers. Georgians use three-part singing in almost every work (and occasionally four parts). By the listings of the songs on the well-done liner notes, there are roughly four types of song utilized in Georgia: drinking songs, working songs, lullabies, and Westernized Christian hymns. Roughly half of the songs on the album are drinking songs, though they still utilize the somber polyphony that all of the works have. There is definitely a state of melancholy in the music, mostly due to the tempo and the three-part singing combined. The performances are well executed in all cases, though they can get a bit dreary for any listener. While some may have an ear for this type of music, others will most likely become tired of it. Only those that know what they're getting into should dig up these recordings, for their own safety. ~ Adam Greenberg

the Russian province of Georgia is featured on this 24 track field-recorded compilation; the music is from 4 areas: the Artana Village, Tbilisi Conservatory, the towns of Chokhatauri & Telavi - healing songs, drinking songs, historical songs & other piec

Contains 24 tracks.

Audio Mixer: Yoshinobu Asao.

Liner Note Author: Minoru Morita.

Recording information: 06/27/1983-11/28/1987.

Director: Masaya Murakami.

Editor: Mark Greenberg.

Translator: Tokiko Nobusawa.