Chants from the Kingdom of Tonga

SPECIAL EDITION

A musical journey through the islands of Tonga with recordings of authentic ceremonial chants such as tau'a'alo, 'ani lai 'a e, and lakalaka.

Instruments include the nafa (40-gallon oil drum), conch shells, lali (split log drum), 'utete mouth harp and the fangu-fangu nose-flute, played by The Honorable Ve'ehala, (custodian of culture and Keeper of the Royal Archives at the time of recording).

The album also includes the premiere recording of Fanshawe's choral piece, Pacific Song, a work that weaves ethnic recordings with traditional and western instrumentation and SATB chorus. The work is a salutation to the past, respects the preservation of culture and is a plea for peace, the Tongan way.

Recorded 1978-88 by David Fanshawe. (ARC Music - EUCD 2159)