Traditional Music From Portugal

The Folkloric Group of Coimbra is really known for its fado (it's one of the two major centers of the genre). Despite that, this album focuses on older folk styles of song. The Folkloric Group of Coimbra attempts to save and/or re-create various folk songs from Coimbra (Portugal), and the surrounding areas. As such, the solo, sultry songstress of fado is replaced by a particularly large choral ensemble, with around 40 or 50 members and a few instrumentalists, for more upbeat, bouncing songs that are perpetually at least somewhat off-key. Traditional Music From Portugal is certainly a happier affair, though the sheer size of the ensemble makes the sound a little dull from time to time, as though it were manufactured for a tourist-trap performance. Nonetheless, there aren't many looks into the city, aside from its old university, and the fado that's made it more famous in recent decades. This is a rarity of sorts, and worth hearing for fans of Portuguese music with a curious ear. ~ Adam Greenberg