The ever-eclectic Kronos Quartet delivers another program of music that spans the globe and defies easy categorization. If there is a unifying theme, the clue lies in the title: CARAVAN. The word evokes restlessness, a feeling of travel and crossing borders, and the folk music of the Gypsy/Rom people of Europe and the classical music that drew inspiration from the same. 'Ecstasy,' composed by Lebanese-born New York-based composer/improvisor Ali Jihad Racy, unselfconsciously joins European polyphony with sinuous Middle Eastern modal melodies--the result sounds both centuries old and mysteriously modern. Minimalist legend Terry Riley contributes the surreal, electronically-accented funeral march 'Cortejo fúnebre en el Monte Diablo.' On the madly-swirling Balkan dance turn 'Turceasca,' the quartet is joined by the Romanian folk ensemble Taraf de Haidouks, and the Armenian and Middle Eastern roots of surf music are explored in a rousing, cinematic version of the tune most associated with Dick Dale, 'Misirlou.' Twentieth century music inspired by the traditions of Portugal, India and Mexico are also represented in this remarkable musical travelogue.
Disc 1: Pannonia Boundless Cancao Verdes Anos Aaj Ki Raat La Muerte Chiquita Turceasca Gloomy Sunday Cortejo Fúnebre En El Monte Diablo Responso Romance No 1 Gallop Of A Thousand Horses Ecstasy Misirlou Twist