Quote:
Originally Posted by squash54
A knowledge of the lyrics can be important in songs that tell a story or deliver a message such as a ballad and a lot of folk music. However, the human voice is also an instument capable of conveying great emotional force by sound alone. I have probably listened to more opera than any other musical genre and most of that in Italian, French and German (all I know is some basic school derived French). The lyrics of some of the greatest arias are quite silly when translated today (150 years ago they were what the audience expected and accepted).The aria 'Casta Diva' from Bellini's opera 'Norma' is a perfect example. An enduring piece of musical genius and you don't need to speak a word of Italian to appreciate that fact.
Simply put, I enjoy music to which I have a positive emotional response - often it is 'mood altering'. The Antonsen album had this effect in spades  (and I don't speak a word of Norwegian)  .
I will start putting together a list of the African inspired music I enjoy and post it here in the not too distant future.
Regards,
Squash
P.S. Marianne Antonsen's 'Soulful Xmas Songs' is going to get a workout at my place on December 25 - it is very, very cool   |
Squash,
I was aware of your great love for Opera, and the Native African recordings
will not be a far stretch for you to get into.I'm glad you wrote the above
for all to view because I hope when we post our African selections that
people will be inspired by that posting to listen to and be inspired by
foreign voices different than their own, and music of different origins.
After all we are a global community, and they say the world is getting
smaller through technology.I for one hold that believe...
and solaris thank you for that translation..