Čalgija | Music from the Balkans and Anatolia #1

Review of Music from the Balkans and Anatolia #1 in De Volkskrant

An example of how a meaningful selection can be made from a large repertoire [in contrast to another album discussed in the same section] is offered by the LP from the entirely Dutch ensemble Čalgija. The repertoire of this group, which has by now secured a firm place in the Dutch folk music scene, focuses on traditional music from the Balkans and Turkey. The densely printed gatefold sleeve of their debut album is packed with information about the pieces performed, the origins of the melodies, their historical background, their use, and an explanation of the additions made by the ensemble in the form of newly composed interludes and experimental instrumentation. Čalgija’s aim is to perform Turkish and Balkan folk music “in a manner characteristic of the authentic, living expression of this music by the professional musicians of the countries themselves”. Čalgija does not simply copy, but creates independently, within the boundaries of tradition, as is also done by the local alla turca ensembles from which Čalgija takes its name. Guided by the wide-ranging experience and expertise of founder Wouter Swets, Čalgija’s record first and foremost presents a portrait of the ensemble itself: a coherent set of dance melodies and songs, in which an effort has been made to present above all material that was not already available on other records. Such a selection is both representative and meaningful.

ČALGIJA: Music from the Balkans and Anatolia. Stoof (available from specialist folk music outlets).

Kunstredactie

© 1978 De Volkskrant