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CD
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ACMEM 136CD
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"Hailed by Stanley Kubrick as absolutely one of the great films, Lindsay Anderson's stylish, surrealistic, uncompromising and confrontational film If... encapsulated the revolutionary atmosphere of the '60s; and four decades on, has lost none of its power to astonish and provoke. Malcolm McDowell (of whom If... made a star), suggested the bewitching, otherworldly music of Sanctus from the Missa Luba, a version of the Latin Mass based on traditional Congolese songs, which establishes the film's very particular atmosphere. If... captured the public's imagination beyond anyone's expectation and the memorable Sanctus subsequently became a chart hit ("I couldn't believe it," recalled McDowell). Les Troubadours du Roi Baudouin, a choir, with percussion section, consisting of about 45 boys from 9 to 14 years old, and 15 teachers were formed by Father Haazen. The Missa Luba is pure Congolese. It is completely void of any modern, Western musical influences. None of it is written. Certain rhythms, harmonies and embellishments are spontaneous improvisations. This edition, comprising the mass and native songs of the Congo, is the first complete restoration of the original album first released in 1963."
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