Jerusalem
Mississippi Records (35 mins)
Tsege-Mariam Gebru is an emahoy (sister) of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, living a hermetic life in Jerusalem at 99 years old. She is also the originator of a singular style of piano music. This collection – a set of home tapes and tracks from a long-lost 1972 LP – is the first release of her recordings since Éthiopiques 21 in 2006.
The headliner of the album is the song ’Quand La Mer Furieuse’, which marks the first time that Tsege-Mariam’s singing has been heard on record. While this is a fascinating novelty, it is her solo piano compositions that remain the real showcase of her genius. The impressionisms of Debussy and Satie are obvious parallels; there are connections to Gurdjieffian spiritual pianism, Viennese waltzes and even ragtime. But all comparisons fall short – this music is simply incomparable. The best description is in broad strokes: emotional, simple with deep complexities, gentle with great power like lapping waves and tides. Her compositions cascade and flow through European classical, Orthodox church music and Ethiopian folk, while remaining apart from them all. They are captivating, breathtaking and often tear-inspiring – nowhere moreso than in the newly-recovered pieces ‘Jerusalem’ and ‘The Home of Beethoven’.
Emahoy Tsege-Mariam is a living musical treasure, and these recordings are more precious artefacts in her unique trove.