Various Artists - Musicdagomba from Ghana / Various - COMPACT DISCS

Johannes Brahms was photographed frequently in his lifetime and took pleasure in candid photographs. In a professional portrait, the most notable feature is his powerful gaze. After 1876, Brahms received compliments for his eyes. One observer described them Inchfine brow with flashing blue eyes...Inch The Piano Trio No. 1 opens with the cello's radiant lyrical theme, establish B Major decisively without a hint that a somber B Minor mood would bring the work to a close. Violinist David Perry, cellist Uri Varid and pianist Paulina Zamora bring Brahms' gaze of these piano trios to life again. Album Tracks 1. I. Allegro 2. II. Andante Con Moto 3. III. Scherzo Presto 4. IV. Finale Allegro Giocoso 5. I. Allegro Energico 6. II. Presto Non Assai 7. III. Andante Grazioso 8. IV. Allegro Molto 9. I. Allegro Con Brio 10. II. Scherzo Allegro Molto 11. III. Adagio 12. IV. Allegro

Among the Ewe of southeast Ghana, drummers must also be proficient dancers, and dancers are often required to become musicians as well. As evidenced on this recording, Ewe instrumentation is largely percussion-based and includes talking drum, double or single gong, and gourd rattle played in complex, polyrhythmic patterns. Instrumentation varies depending on the nature of the occasion (festival, funeral, etc). Liner notes include further cultural commentary from Seth Ladzekpo, the former drum-and-dance instructor at the Ghana Institute for Art and Culture. Album Tracks 2. Iritingo - Bowl Lyre 3. Ekegogo - Spike Lute 4. Umwere - Closed Transverse Flute 5. Umwere - Closed Transverse Flute 6. Ikere - Open Transverse Flute 7. Ikibiswi - Closed Transverse Flute 8. Women's Wedding Song 9. Men's Beer Drinking Song 10. Men's Beer Drinking Song 11. Obokano - Bowl Lyre 12. Obokano - Bowl Lyre 13. Obokano - Bowl Lyre 14. Obokano - Bowl Lyre 15. Obokano - Bowl Lyre 16. Obokano - Bowl Lyre 17. Rirandi and Orogunchara - End-Blown Horn and Side-Blown Trumpet 18. Rirandi and Orogunchara - End-Blown Horn and Side-Blown Trumpet 19. Rirandi and Orogunchara - End-Blown Horn and Side-Blown Trumpet 20. Rirandi and Orogunchara - End-Blown Horn and Side-Blown Trumpet 21. Songs Sung During Women's Circumcision Ceremony 22. Songs Sung During Women's Circumcision Ceremony

Volume I of Music of the Ga People of Ghana, recorded in 1971 and released in 1978, features recordings of Ga funeral music, called Adowa, which is also played for rulers holding court and the annual harvest festival honoring ancestors. Music is sung by ensembles organized by age and gender, with the most prominent singers in their middle and later years of life. This structure reflects the Ga belief that death is not the end of life; rather, the deceased is transformed into a spiritual, immortal being-a cause for celebration. Liner notes include photographs of musicians and instruments as well as explanations of the music and cultural traditions. Album Tracks 1. Emo Cman Nkranfo 2. Cbarima Akape 3. Anfre Rehyew Oo! 4. Akcle Mo Oo! 5. Yenko Yenko Yeahu No Oo 6. Cbaakc Asem M'adi M'adi Fo 7. Asem a Cnnye No Na 8. Ekua Se M'abc Wo Din 9. Kwao Ee 10. Asafo Woye Nam 11. Ee Kctu Bra Oo 12. Yaanom Monsc Mu Oo 13. Eye Odikro Na M'aba Wo Flee 14. Ye Ara Yenam Oo 15. Nam Ewia 16. Mekcka Mabomu Oo 17. Me Baa Ha Akye Oo 18. Nam Nyaa 19. Eke Enadzi Ntslcshi Ee! 20. Owuo Nni Monna Ee