World Music

1 CD

Sospiro (whisper) is the title of the new production by the female vocal ensemble FARAUALLA. It is the third record by this group, founded in 1995 and which in this time has succeeded in attracting audience and critical appraisal thanks to a varied and structured repertoire and to its constant live presence with concerts, festivals and radio shows.

The name of the group derives from a deep hollow of karstic origin in the Murgia, the plateau of Puglia. It is a big cavity between wheat fields, pastures and farms, a peculiar  “island”, which has given birth to several folk tales. A place somehow mysteryous, which has inspired the voices-instruments of  Teresa Vallarella, Gabriella Schiavone, Loredana Perrini and Paola Arnesano. Every singer comes from a different background of studies and experiences, but playing together they eventually arrive to a wonderful  synthesis. Sospiro is a clear proof of this process, as it succedes in offering many sources of inspiration to the listener. The opener of the album Ci lu patiscisti reunites healing formulas of Salento and pleas of grace, themes which come back also in Ogni male fore. Along with the traditional roots, the album shows traces of rigorous and inventive experiments. It is the case of Rikitikitavi, La notte bianca, Quingui, Smilla and Pulsatilla, which create a pleasant web of polyphonies, a cappella singing, improvisations, weird harmonies, reminiscences of Ancient Music, noises and a strong emphasis of the phonic qualities of words. There are also some compositions with a strong ironic side, as Auanda la cuica (embellished by the special guest Caparezza and by a South American rhythm) or Il ciucciariello, which comes from the traditional repertoire.

The FARAUALLA here are joined by the excellent percussionists Cesare Pastanella and Pippo Ark D'Ambrosio. The rhythmic lines created by their various intruments, which come from different parts of the world, give depth, susatin and tone to the vocal inventions of the quartet, contributing in making Sospiro a record of interest for those who want an enjoyable twist and ability in surprising.

FARAUALLA from Felmay Shop

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Teresa Vallarella. voice
Gabriella Schiavone: voice
Paola Arnesano: voice
Loredana Perrini: voice
Pippo Ark D'ambrosio: percussions
Cesare Pastanella: percussions
Capareza: voice (7)

Cover
Review - Songlines 56 - 2008