African Sanctus
Afro-Latin, tribal-choral masterpiece The Observer
Symbolic meeting of two worlds Philadelphia Inquirer
Legendary oratorio out of Africa Miami Times
AFRICAN SANCTUS is a highly original work in which very different cultures have been imaginatively and ingeniously fused...its message of peace, goodwill and understanding between nations is most relevant today. Sir David Willcocks
African Sanctus has received international acclaim. It is a celebratory and visionary work, expressing unity between people, their faiths and above all, their music. African Sanctus is an unorthodox setting of the Latin Mass harmonised with traditional African music recorded by the composer on his now legendary journeys up the River Nile (1969-73). The taped music from Egypt, Sudan, Uganda and Kenya is heard in counterpoint with the live chorus, soprano soloist and instrumental ensemble. The work is composed in 13 movements and reflects geographically the composer's cross-shaped pilgrimage, from the Mediterranean to Lake Victoria, whereby Kyrie represents Cairo and Sanctus Northern Uganda.
African Sanctus is a universal work whose impact is immediate, whose message is simple, the driving force is one of Praise and a firm believe in One Music - One God. It informs both listener and performer about African music and its relationship to Western polyphony and captures the eternal and spiritual soul of music. It is an event, a celebration of power and energy, both visual, aural and multi-cultural, now performed live all over the world. For David Fanshawe there are no musical barriers. Publishers: Warner Chappell/Music Ltd.
"The effect was spellbinding and won an ovation from a capacity audience" London Times
"A very engrossing, musically rewarding piece" Washington Post
"Fanshawe's Sanctus, electrifying, stirring" Pretoria News