Buskaid Live!, a compilation of extraordinary live international performances by the
Buskaid Ensemble between 2001 and June 2005 was released in late 2005.

 

This double album features a breathtaking rendition of Grieg’s Holberg Suite,
as well as the romantic slow movement of the Elgar Serenade, recorded in
Southwark Cathedral in 2002 by the Ensemble under the baton of Sir John Eliot Gardiner,
who won the prestigious Gramophone Award for 2005. In addition,
the internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano Bernarda Fink sings Handel arias
and Spirituals in a performance recorded in London in 2001.

 

Also featured are talented soloists from within the Ensemble, including
the charismatic vocalist Teboho, the wonderfully earthy singer Mathapelo, exciting
lead violinists Samson and Kabelo, and the haunting sounds of cellist Innocentia.

 

The Ensemble’s Director, Rosemary Nalden writes in the booklet -
‘As an overview of our students’ grasp of music style these recordings could scarcely
provide a more comprehensive range of examples.’ Composers include
Biber, Farina, Mozart, Bartok, Massenet, Albinoni, Tchaikovsky, and Purcell,
as well as those from the lighter side, such as John Williams, Hoagy Carmichael,
Timothy Kraemer. And of course  there is also  quite a bit of that vibey Kwela!

 

All the tracks on this double album were recorded by top engineers and producers
at Buskaid concerts, and combine the spontaneity and excitement of live performances
with the musicality and attention to detail which have become Buskaid’s hallmark.

 

An added bonus is the beautiful packaging of this double album, designed
by the London-based South African Aubrey Kurlansky. The 34-page booklet is full
of beautifully reproduced photographs of the young musicians, and also contains
imaginative - and sometimes witty - sleeve notes written by the Buskaid students.

 

These high quality recordings encompass an amazing range of composers and musical styles (including Biber, Purcell, Handel, Mozart, Grieg, Tshaikovsky, Bartók, as well as some new  Kwela), whilst the album’s packaging, designed once again by Aubrey Kurlansky, is very striking indeed. Included is a 34-page booklet of photographs, information, and sleeve notes written by our students. The CD production and booklet design were funded by Siemens, with Supporting Grant Funding from Business and Arts South Africa.

this CD provides music that is in many different genres. it's brilliant especially as background music for your special dinner party.