Music of the Maya-Quiches of Guatemala: The Rabinal Achi and Baile de las Canastas

by Henrietta Yurchenko

Overview

In 1945 the researcher Henrietta Yurchenko traveled to Central America in order to record the indigenous music of Guatemala. The 23 diversely fascinating cuts on this Folkways release reflect the success of Yurchenko's trip and -- more importantly -- the bounteous cultural legacies that make Guatemala what it is. Free jazzish trumpet and idiophone trios shuffling it out, torrential 6/8 percussionists interacting with squealing chirimia players, and intriguingly dissonant marimba ensembles that are redolent of Harry Partch's maniacal music can all be heard here. The particular foci of this recording, as can be discerned from the album's title, are the sounds associated with two dramatic performances that delve into such issues as Spanish domination and Mayan spirituality. Liner notes, written by Yurchenko, describe both performances in detail. All in all, this is a terrific album that captures both provocative sonic passages and complex ritualistic displays. ~ John Vallier

Product Details

Release Date:	05/30/2012
Label:	Smithsonian Records
UPC:	0093070422629
Rank:	126904

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Henrietta Yurchenko   Primary Artist

Technical Credits

M. Aj   Performer
L. Ajanel   Performer
E. Xolop   Performer
M.C.U.C.   Performer
J. Ajanel   Performer
B. Ziz   Performer