Paolo Angeli & Tenore Murales de Orgosolo – Vinti ‘E Maju (ANMA / RER Megacorp, 2026)
Paolo Angeli and Tenore Murales de Orgosolo build bridges between two distinct expressions of Sardinian music on Vinti ‘E Maju. Tenore Murales de Orgosolo represents the island’s traditional a cappella vocal heritage, while Angeli contributes his contemporary perspective gronded in Gallurese singing and his groundbreaking exploration of the prepared Sardinian guitar.
The album presents a fascinating relationship between accessible tradition and experimentation. On one side, Angeli plays a modified Sardinian guitar, an instrument that has attracted international attention for its unconventional design and unexpected performance possibilities. In contrast, Tenore Murales presents the guttural, captivating a cappella vocal style of Sardinian tenore singing, one of the Mediterranean’s oldest polyphonic traditions. It is often compared to vocal practices found in Tuva and Mongolia.
Throughout Vinti ‘E Maju, the cultural exchange develops in multiple musical layers. Angeli engages with the formal structures and vocal language of the tenore tradition, while the ensemble incorporates elements extracted from guitar practices and repertoires associated with the Gallura and Logudoro regions.
The title Vinti ‘E Maju refers to the spring return of shepherds to communal grazing lands. For sure, it recalls a significant moment in Orgosolo’s history. In May 1969, that seasonal event coincided with the social and political upheaval that followed the protest movements of 1968.
Musicians:
Paolo Angeli on prepared Sardinian guitar, vocals, electronics.
Tenore Murales de Orgosolo:
Franco Corrias on voche; Salvatore Musina and Cosimo Mureddu on mesuvohes; Maurizio Bassu on hontra; Antonio Musina on bassu.
Buy Vinti ‘E Maju.
Author: Iliana Cabrera
