Canteloube - Chants d'Auvergne

Now something even more different the beautiful songs of the Auvergne. Many years ago I decided that I wanted to explore classical music. I joined the local library as they had a large music lending section and was going to experiment by bringing lots of examples of classical music. What I did find is that they had a great rock and blues section and so my classical education was neglected.

I have since returned to learning a bit about classical music. It is slightly easier now as I am married to a classical trained musician. Together we explore music that we each know or neither of us know. In one of these explorations I re-found (as I knew it from before)the wonderful songs of the Auvergne. I have added two this time Bailero and Pasteurelle. They are both very beautiful.

Lisa Gerrard

Something a bit different this time - Lisa Gerrard and Sanvean. This song is achingly beautiful and her voice just soars and captivates. This was played at our wedding for the entry of the bride. It made a wonderful occasion even better.

I first became aware of Lisa Gerrard in the 1980s. She was part of a cooperative who released an album called This Mortal Coil - It'll end in tears. At the time the standout track was the Liz Fraser's cover of the Tim Buckley Song to the Siren. However I became increasingly fond of Dead Can Dance and Lisa Gerrard. If you saw the film Gladiator you heard her music as she wrote the score with Hans Zimmer.

I just love this song. I love watching people's faces as they hear it for the first time. If you have never heard it listen now. Let me know what you think of it.