The Wild Field

A thrilling project, it has an interesting story behind it. Pokrovsky's group is referred to here as a "living laboratory" -- a hub of musicians and scientists who tested their theories about the dynamics of village life by touring outlying towns in the Russian countryside. A portion of the entrancing vocal polyphony they picked up is enthusiastically performed here, without a hint of academic reserve. Robust men's choirs are followed by equally gutsy female solos, interspersed with small vocal groups and extracts of crazily swirling flute ensembles. A raucous mixed chorus ends this all-too-brief treasure chest on a high note, with a total of ten unique village songs.