Czechoslovakian musician Iva Bittova has stitched together a musical voice to call her own, using rudimentary elements in inventive combinations. Playing violin along with her singing-traditionally and with extended techniques-Bittova makes a unique music, at once experimental and earthy, pushing the envelope of established musical order while coaxing up raw Gypsy spirit. Her domestic debut (Nonesuch 8406: 54:47) is actually a compilation of pieces from previous recordings done in Europe in 1991 and 1994, but its comes off as a fresh, humble revelation. A gypsy fiddler’s daughter, who went on to study classical dance and music, Bittova shows her roots, but takes them somewhere else. She has developed a compelling style which manages to juggle introspection and gutsy expression, with no wires or accomplices required.
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