Libana

Libana, now in their twentieth year, is New England's international touring world music ensemble specializing in the research and performance of songs, dances, and instrumental music from around the world, especially as handed down through women's traditions. The seven women who make up Libana present an exhilarating cross-cultural performance, and are expert in many vocal styles including a cappella Bulgarian music, exquisite Balkan harmonies, and the traditional singing of Berber women in Algeria. They also present, among others, music and ritual dancing of Egypt, Hawaii, Africa, and Latin America. In addition to their compelling a cappella singing, the women of Libana also play an array of instruments including double bass, clarinet, dumbek, accordion, oud, charango, hammered dulcimer, and conga.

Libana has sold over 50,000 recordings in the US, Canada, and the British Isles. Libana's music has wide appeal to world music, folk, women's, new age, children's and music educators audiences. Two of their most popular recordings, "Fire Within" and "A Circle is Cast", are collections of rounds and chants from around the world (companion songbooks are available).

Discography

Turning

I Arise Facing East - Deborah Langstaff Thugamar Fein an Samradh Linn - Ireland Hotaru Koi - Japan Con El Viento - Renaissance Spain Jubilate Gaia - Praetorius/ Paffrath Pele Hula - Hawai'i Planino Peren - Bulgaria Babe Thandaza/ Sin Djen - South Africa Afunga Alafia - Liberia Kalimba Invocation - Marytha Paffrath Spinning Song - Scotland Midnight Meditation - Susan Robbins Ma Navu - Israel Salaam Aleikhum Sim Shalom - Linda Hirschhorn Da Pacem - 16th Century Germany Out Beyond - Joanne Hammil

First formed in 1979, Libana, focuses on researching and performing songs, dances and instrumental music from around the world, particularly music written for, by and about women. "Turning" is the group's 7th excellent album, some of the 17 songs accompanied by its members playing their own instruments, including clarinet, djembe, djun djun, bells, frame drum, kalimba, shekere, soprano recorder, accordion, hammered dulcimer, ipu, piano and agogo bell. Some of our favorites are the a cappella tunes "I Arise Facing East" by Deborah Lanstaff, the Japanese Folk tune "Hotaru Koi," "Con el Viento," a lovely round from Renaissance Spain, the powerful Bulgarian Folk tune "Planino Peren," Linda Hischhorn's soaring "Sin Shalom" and Melchior Franck's 16th Century round "Da Pacem." We also particularly loved the percussion-accompanied South African tune "Babe Thandaza/Sin Djen," the live Hawai'ian song "E Pele E Pele/E Pele I Hawai'i" and the greeting and blessing for peace, "Salaam Aleikhum." Libana's music is always a treat to us, authentic and new to our ears; and performed beautifully with reverence and spirit!.

Listen to Jubilate Gaia in Real Audio

Out Of This World

Oh Mama Bakudala Gandagana Momice Hubavo Tendl Pal Oi Dai Alta, Alta Va la Luna Daroni Acaze Isfahan Eli, Eli Ya Jamil Dark of the Moon E Pele E Pele Utha, Utha, Didi Bahini Zar Ad Cethent Tulas

Now in their 20th year, the 7 women singers of Libana, New England's international touring world music ensemble specializing in researching and performing songs, dances and instrumental music from around the world, especially as handed down through women's traditions. The women are expert in many vocal styles including a cappella Bulgarian music, exquisite Balkan harmonies, and the traditional singing of Berber women in Algeria. They also present, among others, music and ritual dancing of Egypt, Hawaii, Africa and Latin America. In addition to their compelling a cappella singing, the women of Libana also play an array of instruments including double bass, clarinet, dumbek, accordion, oud, charango, hammered dulcimer and conga. Out of This World is their 7th CD.

9853 CD $14.98

Night Passage

Whatever Circles Comes from the Center Dark of the Moon Oh Mama Bakudala Summer Solstice I Have A Million Nightingales Bim Bam Learned of Angel V'asu Li Mikdash The Breeze at Dawn We All Come from the Goddess Yemaya Vem Kan Segla Er a la vo Night Goes Back Ise Oluwa Deep Peace

This recording is the third in a trilogy which began with "A Circle is Cast" and "Fire Within." For the selections music was sought which reflects the cyclical nature of existence and which would soothingly resonate with the totality of existence. Themes of life, death, renewal and the connection which is the underlying theme of existence, love, are presented here in sixteen songs from the far and near corners of the world. The common thread which ties all these together is the peaceful effect of the songs all of which seem to have a circular quality. Libana has been singing these songs in moments of passage and times of transition for people from coast to coast, sharing grace, peace, and beauty in those moments of significance in other's lives. All the while this sharing is their own exploration into the divine mysteries within which our existence is rooted. So come and share with them the words of Rumi set to music, along side of which you'll find music from South Africa (Xhosa), Jewish traditions, American Shakers, Sweden, Sicily, West Africa (Yoruba), and a bevy of individuals who are inspired to craft music of peace. Some of the songs have a touch of instrumentation to enhance the feel sought by the musicians. The theme for the recording which Susan Robbins chose to grace the notes comes from Rumi. "...Whatever circles comes from the center."

9752 CD $14.98

Accompanying Songbook

This book features all the arrangements of the songs from the recording above..

9753 SONGBOOK $12.98

A Circle is Cast

Ah, Comme C'est Chose Belle Sure As The Wind A River Of Birds Autumn Time Fly, Fly, Fly In May, That Lusty Season Lachen Full Moonlight Dance Kore Chant Ma Belle Sinkwanee Young Rider As I Mee Walked The Earth, The Air, The Fire, The Water A Circle Is Cast Mowtay The Earth Is Our Mother Ancient Mother Russian Lullaby Eyli Higher Round And Round Sisters, Now Our Meeting Is Over

Libana was formed by twenty-five women in 1979 to investigate and perform cross-cultural music written for, by, and about women. By the release of this album in 1986, there were a dozen performing members under the artistic direction of Susan Robbins. A Circle Is Cast exemplifies the joyous spirit of singing in a community. The material is drawn from African, Israeli, European Renaissance, Native American and contemporary folk sources to create a collection of twenty-two rounds, chants and songs. It is a beautiful recording which engenders a feeling of peace and a meditative internal quiet, reflective of the seasons and cycles. It shares a sense of ritual and continuance which are vital for dynamic community. Besides, "Sisters, Now Our Meeting Is Over" gives one a thrill of exquisite beauty.

2774 CD $14.98

Accompanying Songbook

The 22 songs on the CD by the same name are here as well. All of the songs are rounds or chants, with three of the chants including additional harmony lines. As with "Fire Within" the collection is appropriate for entry level groups as well as advanced women's ensembles looking to add some deceptively simple material to their repertoire. The songs are drawn from a diversity of cultures: Renaissance France ("Ah, Comme C'est Chose Belle"), Native American ("Mowtay," "The Earth is Our Mother," "Ancient Mother"), Israeli ("Eyli"), Eastern European ("Russian Lullaby"), as well as recent works and folk songs of unknown origins..

1224 SONGBOOK $12.98

Fire Within

Fire Within Hotaru Koi Treeplanter's Round Con El Viento Good Friend Kona Kai Opua I Ka Lai O Virgo Splendens Rise Up O Flame Neesa Lullaby Clear Horizon Ode To Contenement I Will Be Gentle With Myself Now I Walk In Beauty Be Like A Bird Lo Yisa Goy Kwaheri And She Will Rise

Fire Within is a collection of 18 songs, chants and rounds with origins which span seven centuries and come from many cultures. The unifying spirit of such a collection is the reverence and respect for Earth's elemental power and sensual beauty. It is truly no exaggeration to use the description of the vocal qualities of the eleven women as crystalline and hauntingly beautiful. If you open your heart to their music, we guarantee the literal phenomena of thrills moving up the spine. Your spiritual tour will begin with a new round by Marytha Paffrath, "Fire Within." "Hotaru Koi" is a traditional Japanese piece of music in which the voices float and dance as lightly as the firefly whom they address. Wonderful! We haven't time to do descriptive justice to equally wonderful songs from Renaissance Spain, Hawaiian traditions, Native American, 14th century Spain, Sweden, Shaker, Jewish, Kenya and all those written by the members of this excellent group. You will have to do that for yourself!

2775 CD $14.98

Accompanying Songbook

The 18 songs on the CD by the same name are all found within this songbook. Twelve of the songs are rounds or chants, with the others largely three part harmony settings. So this collection will be appropriate for womens' or girls' groups looking for straightforward harmony settings of women-oriented songs. While the songs are accessible to all levels of singers, we think even advanced ensembles will find material here that will round out their performances. The songs include Native American chants ("Neesa," "Now I Walk In Beauty"), two Renaissance Spanish pieces ("O Virgo Splendens," "Con El Viento"), a Swedish "Lullaby," and a Shaker hymn "Ode to Contentment."

1223 SONGBOOK $12.98

Borderland

Oi Dai (Karelia, Russia) Misecina Udrila U Urata (Dalmatia, Croatia) Aber mi Dojde (F.Y.R. of Macedonia) Fihel Asirem (Algeria (c) D. Abouda) Sh't'eshte Nxire Vetulla Tyne (Albania) Medley of Slav Wedding Songs (Hungary) Joc de Leagne (Transylvania, Romania) Andean Medley (Argentina) Nami, Nami (Lebanon (c) M. Khalife) Liwlaad Widdeeb (Lebanon (c) M. Khalife) Zar (Egypt)

This wonderful tapestry of instruments and voices brings together many cultures. From the Balkans to the Andes to Africa, Libana presents a feast of contemporary and traditional world folk music. There are songs of love, songs of struggle and songs of grief giving voice to women from around the world. Accompanied or a cappella, Libana defies geographic borders by easily shifting between the unique sounds that make this music unique.

9846 CD $14.98

Women's Choral > Home l Amasong | Anonymous 4 | Dzintars | Elektra Women's Choir | Le Mystere des Voix Bulgares
Libana | Malle Babbe Women's Choir | Mediaeval Baebes | Manitou Singers | Peninsula Women's Choir
Philomela Female Choir | Sofia Chamber Choir | Sound Circle | Tapestry | Women's Chorus of Dallas

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