David Fanshawe (1942-2010) was a renowned British composer, ethnomusicologist, and explorer who dedicated much of his life to preserving the music of cultures from around the globe. Fanshawe was perhaps best known for his ambitious and ground-breaking work "African Sanctus," a fusion of African field recordings and Western choral traditions, reflecting his passion for uniting different cultures through music. This work exemplified his approach to composition, which was characterized by a deep respect for the source material and a desire to create a dialogue between traditional and contemporary musical forms.

Following his education at St. George's Choir School and Stowe School, Fanshawe attended the Royal College of Music. His adventurous spirit later led him on expeditions to record indigenous music – he travelled extensively in the Middle East, Africa, South Pacific, and Asia, capturing the musical traditions of communities in these regions. These expeditions formed the basis of much of his work, with releases like "Music from Thailand & Laos," "Heiva i Tahiti: Festival of Life," and "Spirit of Polynesia" providing listeners with an authentic auditory insight into the rich and diverse musical landscapes encountered on his journeys. Fanshawe's collections have not only contributed greatly to the documentation and appreciation of world music but also continue to influence contemporary composers and ethnomusicologists. His legacy is one of auditory preservation and cultural synthesis, inspiring a greater understanding of the world's musical heritage.

Genres

Ambient

Experimental

Folk

World

Classical

Contemporary Classical

New Age

Choral

Ethnomusicology

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Latest Release

Music from Thailand & Laos

David Fanshawe

Album - 21 Tracks - Released May 26, 2015