.com At their best, field recordings document rare and unheard music from obscure corners of the globe where people have maintained centuries-old traditions. This is the case with Rapa Iti. Here we get the multi-layered quarter-tone singing of the Tahitian Choir, which, at 126 members, counted one-third of the island of Rapa as members. Now reissued with one new song, these traditionals, which were recorded in 1991, are so old that they can't even be translated because the island's ancient language is largely forgotten. Themes include the creation of the island, the afterlife, and the sun. To the untrained ear, the choir has the same otherworldly sound as Bulgarian and African choirs. Yet this stands out--there are strange shifts of the singers' pitch on some songs that give the impression that the CD has slowed down and then sped up, which is not the case. Wholly unique, Rapa Iti is a fascinating listen that is as exotic as the locale it was recorded in. --Tad Hendrickson
L**N
Angelic islanders
Heard about it on NPR with interview of person who did original recording. Great representative of South Pacific choral music with unusual twist (you might think its a bad place in the CD) which is derived from the tribal religion.
S**H
Uniquely authentic Polynesian music
I love this CD. It's a fine example of Polynesian singing, with all its rich polyphony and more. What distinguishes this music is that Rapa Iti is extremely isolated. Consequently, the music has largely escaped much of the influence of the 20th century. The CD includes some hymns that are obviously influenced by missionary tradition, as well as older forms of music.Rather than try to describe it, I can direct you to some other sources.1. There's an interview with the producer here: [..], and you can hear some sound clips.2. I rather like this review, brief as it is: [..]3. Wikipedia has articles on Rapa Iti and the Tahitian Choir here: [..][EDIT: Amazon long ago deleted the links. Sorry.]
J**E
The most incredible choir I have ever heard very beautiful music unlike anything you've ever heard
The most hypnotic choir music anyone has ever heard guaranteed to put you to sleep and you can taste Polynesia. The most incredible choir I have ever heard and everyone a no love fall asleep this record very very beautiful music unlike anything you've ever heard.
E**S
Unique and excellent
I heard this years ago, and was simply awestruck by it. The music is very difficult to describe. But it's very moving.Well worth picking up.
M**H
Traces of missionaries: Blessed Assurance
Track 4, "Himene Tatou," is clearly a melody composed in 1873 by Phoebe Knapp, which in the same year was given lyrics by Fanny Crosby. The hymn with Crosby's words is now called Blessed Assurance.
M**N
Interesting
The choir has the ability to sing between the notes on the western scale. It sounds as though they are singing flat, but it's a skill we don't have. Fascinating to listen out for the examples
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