| The eighth volume of a quite unique anthology takes us to the vast territory of the Evenk, also known as Tunguse. They live of hunting, fishing and gathering. They also have small herds of reindeer. All their songs and dances are ritual, with the shamans keeping the monopoly of the melodies and their complex lyrics. During their trips between the worlds, the drum can be a reindeer or a boat. The part of the Evenk musical culture that has remained most alive is a cappella singing and improvised responsorial songs for round dances. These recordings were gathered by Henri Lecomte, who directs the series, and Alexandra Lavrillier, a young ethnomusicologist who speaks Evenk. The richly illustrated booklet, in French and English, also features the translation of the songs. |
