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| Album Review |
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| KITKA |
| The Rusalka Cycle: Songs Between the Worlds |
Kitka: The Rusalka Cycle, songs between the worlds
KITKA, a women’s vocal ensemble based in the San Francisco Bay Area, is known for their eclectic and powerful singing of traditional Eastern European music. Their recording, The Rusalka Cycle: songs between the worlds, takes us on a journey "between worlds" and through the soul.
The recording brings us the music of Rusalki. From Eastern European mythology, Rusalki are the spirits of women who have died unjust or untimely deaths. They are believed to live in streams, lakes, forests and fields, controlling fertility, the seasons and weather. In many Eastern European countries, music and rituals exist to appease these restless spirits. The Rusalka Cycle: Songs Between the Worlds brings Rusalki songs from these countries together into a transforming collection.
Haunting and beautiful, disturbing and powerful, this is music that bypasses the intellect and delves straight into the spirit. From the dreamlike lament of "River Rose" to the bone-chilling cries in "Sirens," KITKA carries us into another realm. The music, composed by Mariana Sadovska, provides KITKA with ample opportunity to transcend conventional vocal technique and push tonal boundaries, providing a credible transition "between the worlds."
The journey starts with "Awakening," eliciting visions of a communal gathering --- women calling on the powerful spirits of the Rusalki. "River Rose" provides contrast with its simple, haunting melody, soon layered with another, creating intriguing dissonances. In "Wave", the cello and percussion add to the urgent petitions of the voices. "Farewell" may be the most "singable" piece with its lack of dissonance and the only English text in the cycle. In "Transformation" we are treated to pure, unadulterated vocal bliss. Vocal drones combine with lush harmonies and alternate with soulful, melodic solos in hymn-like reverence. The powerful yips and cries in the opening of "Last Night" call upon ancestral spirits with this choral offering. In "Sirens," our souls become tested as voices enter with agonizing cries, dissonant and hypnotizing. The haunting beauty of "Lamentation" displays the smooth vocals of women lamenting in perfect unison, bringing solace to the soul. Finally, the gentle rhythmic pulse in "To the Lake" takes our journey to its peaceful culmination.
Experience this recording and you will hear the voices of another realm beckoning.
The CD is in Digipak-style packaging with beautiful artwork. The booklet insert helps to explain the Rusalka Cycle and KITKA’s journey to the Ukraine to gather source materials for the project. The album was recorded in November, 2005. Executive producers are Mariana Sadovska, Shira Cion and Juliana Graffagna. |
Link to Album site |
Copyright ©2008 In C Major
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The information on this site is not intended to be a substitute for the original concert information. Check with the official event web site prior to the performance to confirm information. Although we do our best, we are unable to guarantee the accuracy of concert program information presented on this site. All information is subject to change.
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