Pieces of Africa

In addition to the African composers, which this CD brings to our attention, it has also served as an introduction for many of us to the Kronos Quartet, a talented group of musicians, who perform a varied repertoire. They are quite good and never boring, as these performances amply demonstrate.


Pieces that fit together a continent   August 29, 2000
C. Packer (St. Paul, MN United States)
17 out of 17 found this review helpful

More than just a compilation of great music by noted African composers, the album is a repository for the emotional richness of Africa. Each piece is lively, intricate and accessible. There is much joy here; the tracks are full of happiness, heat and nightfall. Also sorrow, but that's Africa, too. A friend gave this to me when I happened to be writing a book about Africa, and it became my soundtrack. I have given dozens of CDs to friends who love Africa. From "Sunset" by Foday Musa Suso to "Waterwheel" by Hamza El Din, "Pieces of Africa" is one of the great musical adventures of the past decade.


Buy this CD!   March 2, 2000
Jon M Altbergs (Epping, NH)
40 out of 42 found this review helpful

I largely consider myself an alternative rock fan and to describe my knowledge of classical music as "limited" would be kind. I first got to know Kronos when they covered Led Zeppelin's "Kashmir" and had a video (which I saw once) on either VH1 or MTV. I was fascinated, so when they came to perform at my college (back in 1992) I went to see them. It was like nothing I had ever seen before. They didn't play, they didn't perform in the sense that most classical artists I've seen perform. It has one-half recital, one-half performance art.

So, I rushed out and bought a CD--fortunately it was "Pieces of Africa." I have since bought about half of Kronos's CDs, and all of their releases since, but this one ranks as my favorite. Why? It is joyful, uplifiting, and spiritual without being sentimental. It is a beautiful CD, rich in texture and melody. The quartet is often accompanied by vocalists, drummers, and other African musicians in a way that doesn't simply "feature" them, but integrates them. You can feel the collaboration among the artists.

Above all, this CD offers an accessible, non-threatening introduction to Kronos and their work. If you never explore beyond this CD, never buy Tan Dun or Night Prayers, your life will still be better for having heard this wonderful music.


inventive and lively   November 10, 1999
8 out of 8 found this review helpful

I especially like the quartet by Volans and waterwheel. But there are no bad pieces here and most are sprightly and inventive, with a few really beuatiful ones.