Buskaid Live! (double album)
Posted at 10:52 AM (PST) on Friday, December 2, 2005

Just in time for holiday giving --- Buskaid Live!, a compilation CD of extraordinary live international performances by the Soweto-based Buskaid Ensemble recorded between January 2001 and June 2005.

This double album features a breathtaking rendition of Grieg’s Holberg Suite, as well as the romantic slow movement of the Elgar Serenade, recorded in Southwark Cathedral in 2002 by the Ensemble under the baton of Sir John Eliot Gardiner, who has just won the prestigious Gramophone Award for 2005. In addition, the internationally acclaimed mezzo- soprano Bernarda Fink sings Handel arias and Spirituals in a performance recorded in London in 2001.

The CDs also feature talented soloists from within the Ensemble, including the charismatic vocalist Teboho, the wonderfully earthy singer Mathapelo, exciting lead violinists Samson and Kabelo, and the haunting sounds of cellist Innocentia.

As the Ensemble’s Director, Rosemary Nalden writes in the booklet ‘As an overview of our students’ grasp of music style these recordings could scarcely provide a more comprehensive range of examples.’ Composers highlighted include Biber, Farina, Mozart, Bartok, Massenet, Albinoni, Tchaikovsky, and Purcell, as well as composers from the lighter side, such as John Williams, Hoagy Carmichael, Timothy Kraemer, and of course quite a bit of that vibey Kwela…..!

All the tracks on this double album were recorded by top engineers and producers at Buskaid concerts, and combine the spontaneity and excitement of live performances with the musicality and attention to detail which have become Buskaid’s hallmark.

An added bonus is the beautiful packaging of this double album, designed by the London-based South African Aubrey Kurlansky. The 34-page booklet is full of beautifully reproduced photographs of the young musicians, and also contains imaginative - and sometimes witty - sleeve notes written by the Buskaid students.

As revenues from the sales of all Buskaid CDs help to sustain this amazing organization, your support is of direct benefit, and is greatly appreciated.

US residents may purchase the CD by emailing brenda@buskaid.org.za. The cost, including shipping, is $30. Orders will be processed via PayPal.

Those outside the US, may purchase the CD from the Buskaid web site.