African Sanctus is an unorthodox setting of
the Latin Mass harmonised with traditional African music
recorded by composer David Fanshawe (1942-2010) on his journeys
up the River Nile. The taped music from Egypt, Sudan, Uganda
and Kenya is heard in counterpoint with the live chorus, soprano
soloist and instrumental ensemble. The work is composed in 13
movements and reflects geographically the composer’s
cross-shaped pilgrimage, from the Mediterranean to Lake
Victoria, whereby Kyrie represents Cairo and Sanctus Northern
Uganda.
[Read more about African Sanctus here.]
Composer Alexander L’Estrange writes, “‘Zimbe’
is the anglicized version of the Swahili word for ‘Sing them’.
Just as others have shared these wonderful songs with me, so I
am passing them on. Scored for SATB choir, unison children’s
choir and jazz quintet, the settings reflect my own diverse
musical make-up. The songs I have chosen are all imbued with the
spirit, energy and simplicity that is so typical of the African
tradition. They are fun, moving and infectiously tuneful, easy
to learn and impossible to forget.”