Corou de berra - Maschi Femmine And Cantanti

The traditional vocal ensemble from France tackles more modern material by Italian poet/songwriter Fabrizio de André, delivered in a combination roots/art-music style.

Courou de Berra are a mixed choral group who have a number of albums to their name. They normally perform a repertoire that originates or is inspired by the area of the southern Alps, but Maschi, Femmine Cantanti is a bit of a departure as most of the material is from the pen of Fabrizio de André, the celebrated singer-songwriter. De André, who died in 1999, wrote songs that were inspired by a wide range of influences that included Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, Jacques Brèl and Genoese folk song. The choral versions are very different to the style that De André conceived, but the material works well in this setting. Courou de Berra sing with great precision and their dense harmonies approach a cappella, with the largely string-based accompaniment being little more than decoration. The vocals dominate the recording and are relieved only by the shortest of instrumental passages, which at times can be overpowering, but their voices make a glorious sound. - fRoots

About the ensemble:
In the southern Alps there is an ancient civilisation where strong cultures have formed a melting-pot of high art which strong roots have sustained and brought to the present day.

Polyphonic singing is just one example of the eternal culture that these mountains have formed and which are part of our proud heritage. Corou de Berra has for nineteen years been seeking to continue this tradition and now, after hundreds of concerts, five CDs and several other creations, we are established as the definitive reference for polyphonic singing in the region. Corou de Berra believes in a continuing evolvement of the music we sing. There is no petrifaction but a gradual evolution of content and style to add to the living tradition with all of the vividness we can bring. This richly talented mixture of six voices, aware of their culture and background, invite you to a guided tour.

"Mountains divide water but bring men together". This old proverb from the Southern Alps totally illustrates our position. For centuries, continuous exchange between the peoples of Provence, Piedmont, Liguria and the County of Nice has created in this mountainous region a remarkable identity, rich in its many characteristics. One of these is choral singing which, in this region, has developed into an original traditional vocal polyphony. Corou de Berra's artistic direction has been in the hands of Michel Bianco since the beginning. As a result of extensive research, both historical and in the field, recording sessions, composition and frequent concerts, Corou de Berra's six singers have added a modern dynamic element to this regional form of expression. Corou de Berra is a professional choir.

"With a mixture of six voices performing in harmony together, the polyphonic group, Corou de Berra, has over the past fourteen years attached great importance in enriching these traditional southern Alpine chants. By new composition, the repertoire of these continually evolving, light and universal songs has been extended. This is a walk 'a cappella' through Piedmont, Provence and the County of Nice in the company of a group of singers in full possession of their culture and talent". (Midem 1999)

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