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cd cover Various Artists
Madagaskar 3: Valiha
$16.99

The historic Feuer und Eis recordings from Madagascar, recorded by Birger Gesthuisen, marked a major turnign point in the world's recognition of the brilliance of Malagasy folk and popular music.

This volume focuses on what is indisputably the national instrument, the valiha, a bamboo body with strings similar to a harp or zither. Musicians recorded for this set include Sylvstre Randafison, mama Sana, Zeze, Rossy and Tova. 23 tracks. Notes in German and English.

Listen:
Randrianarivo and Lahikoto
Sylvstre Randafison

Also in the Feuer und Eis series:
Read about each of the four titles or purchase separately:
Vol 1: Music in Antananarivo
Vol 2: Music in the South
Vol 4: Valiha
Madagaskar Set (all four CDs at a special price)
"The valiha is the tubular bamboo harp that is considered to be the national instrument of that remote island nation. These are the best and most beautiful recordings ever made of this wonderful instrument." - Henry Kaiser

"This is by far the best recording of traditional and contemporary valiha music..." - Madagascar Cultural Alliance

"Volume three is a collection of the harps of this island nation. The valiha is a small zither-like instrument usually made of a hollow bamboo log of varying dimensions, surrounded by strings on moveable bridges. The word itself gives you an idea of its importance; valiha is the word for 'musical instrument.' The music is quiet, but can be highly rhythmic. The album features solo performances, duets with voices, and ensemble pieces and include some of the better known folks like Rossy and Mama Sana. Moving from music-box delicacies to swirling, percussive torrents, the twenty three tracks here offer a simple view of a rich culture unfiltered by any technological tricks or contemporary cleverness. If you need convincing, listen the funeral song "Safa." With only valiha, voice and drum, it evokes a thousand moods and literally raises the spirits. This is living, breathing folk music, evolving, yet always the same." - RootsWorld

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