Page 14 - Final_Media Coverage Book, nonclassical Songbooks Vol. 1

14 October 2020

Songbooks | REVIEW | The Ligeti Quartet’s latest album is based on Tuvan and
Sardinian throat singing

The Ligeti Quartet, formed in 2010, are champions of all things contemporary. They have
commissioned multiple new works and supported a number of up-and-coming composers.
Their most recent album Songbooks Vol.1, features two sets of songbooks by British
composer Christian Mason, and a final track by Tanya Tagaq. The songs, which Mason has
reinvented for string quartet, are based on Tuvan and Sardinian throat singing.

The Tuvan Songbook is made up of four movements and based on the indigenous tradition
of Khöömii. Like other forms of throat singing Khöömii involves the bending of pitch, held
drones and rich resonances. However, what makes these songs unique are the folktales of
Mongolian horses that influence them. In Eki Attar, or ‘The Best Steeds’, Mason creates a
foot-stamping celebration through his use of dancing jig-like melodies and slapping pizzicato.
The fourth movement, Ezir-Kara, translates to ‘Black Eagle’. According to Tuvan
legend, Ezir-Kara was a horse with exceptional strength and speed, and Mason brings this
tale to life through rich textures and galloping folk-like rhythms.

The infectious energy and extended techniques continue into the second songbook.
However from its first note the Sardinian Songbook presents a new-found warmth. Inspired
by the ancient Italian tradition of Cantu a tenore, resonance is at the heart of the next four
songs. Tenores traditionally stand as close as possible to one another when performing.