Colla Voche

Recorded in 1998 within the resonant confines of a Sardinian church, Colla Voche represents a landmark collaboration in the career of Dutch cellist Ernst Reijseger. By partnering with the vocal ensemble Tenore e Cuncordu de Orosei, Reijseger moved beyond the playful provocations of his earlier avant-jazz work into a realm of sacred minimalism and deep ethnomusicological exploration. The album is characterized by its use of 'cantu a tenore', a traditional Sardinian polyphonic singing style that is UNESCO-recognized for its unique guttural timbres. Reijseger does not merely accompany these voices; he integrates his cello into their harmonic structure, often using the instrument to mimic the 'bassu' (bass) and 'contra' (counter) vocal parts. Released on the prestigious Winter & Winter label, the album is noted for its high-fidelity capture of natural room acoustics, which serves as a third instrument in the mix. It remains a definitive example of how contemporary improvisation can respectfully and effectively dialogue with ancient traditions without falling into 'world music' clichés.