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Binding: Audio CD EAN: 5013929313637 Format: Import, Soundtrack Label: El [Cherry Red] Manufacturer: El [Cherry Red] Number Of Discs: 1 Publisher: El [Cherry Red] Release Date: May 13, 2008 Sales Rank: 15965 Studio: El [Cherry Red]
Album Description: Hailed by Stanley Kubrick as "Absolutely, one of the great films", Lindsay Anderson's stylish, surrealistic, uncompromising and confrontational film IF... encapsulated the revolutionary atmosphere of the sixties; and four decades on has lost none of it's power to astonish and provoke. Malcolm McDowell (of whom IF... made a star), suggested the bewitching, other-worldly music of 'Sanctus' from the "Missa Luba", a version of the Latin Mass based on traditional Congolese songs, which establishes the film's very particular atmosphere. IF... captured the public's imagination beyond anyones expectation and the memorable 'Sanctus' subsequently became a chart hit ("I couldn¹t believe it" recalled McDowell). Les Troubadours du Roi Baudouin, a choir, with percussion section, consisting of about 45 boys from 9 to 14 years old, and 15 teachers were formed by Father Haazen. The "Missa Luba" is pure Congolese. It is completely void of any modern, western musical influences. None of it is written. Certain rhythms, harmonies and embellishments are spontaneous improvisations.
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - A Classic Revived
Ever since I saw "If" in the San Francisco of the late summer of 1968, the music has haunted. I still have the vinyl copy with the same cover shown on the CD. Had seen it sell for upwards of $70. Have checked frequently and even emailed Phillips about putting out a CD of this classic. Hallelujah, it is out. A beautiful record which has had "tribute bands" attempt to copy. The copies are pale. Maybe it is the memories it can still evoke 40 years later. The drums, the voices, the melodies. Revived. A very powerful record.
Rating: - ethereal
In the early 1960s, I was an undergraduate at Stanford. The Beat influence still existed in northern California and St Michael's Alley was Palo Alto's coffee house. I used to sit there with my friends, drink one dollar cups of coffee (when gasoline was twenty-five cents a gallon) and listen to the exotic music played over the sound system. That was where I first heard Missa Luba and I was stunned. What was this amazing music? Enough small talk. Find the manager. "What is this music? I have to have it." I bought the album as soon as I could find it and I have it still. For many years I have been looking for a reissue on CD. Two days ago I learned it had been reissued and today, thanks to Amazon's two-day shipping, I am listening to the CD. As another reviewer wrote, this is like nothing else you've ever heard: pure, clean, uplifting, ethereal - spiritual and rhythmic - hypnotizing. If heavy metal is your favorite music, stay away from this CD. But if your tastes are more subtle, give it a try.
Rating: - Missa Luba
Heard this gem when it first came out in the 60's. It is even more beautiful today; a timeless, one of a kind piece of work. This cd is a monument.
Rating: - "Missa Luba" Amen!
Until I played the CD I'd forgotten that the album is one half the Latin Mass. The other half is traditional Congolese folk songs also done by the choir. Added treat! The program notes are extensive for a insert. One third about the founding and development of the choir, one about the music's use with the (in)famous film "If", and a final third about developments in the Congo. Bit-0-trivia - those who know Miss Luba know about it's use in "If", but they may not know that the album also provided a few moments of background music for "The Singing Nun" with Debbie Reynolds. If you don't have this music, but like "third world" music (traditional or hybrid), or sacred music (in the most inclusive sense), or both, you probably need this album.
Rating: - finally!
I don't play vinyl anymore so it's been a long time since I've heard this music. Worth the wait. Play it loud, stand up, cry...the sacred comes to earth as Congolese boys perform Latin chants. Put another way it's the crossroads of medieval and world music, like nothing I've ever heard. This is polished stuff, not rough with coughs or false starts. Stretch out with headphones, pump it up while you make dinner. This has something rare. This has life.
