Corsica is full of rocks!
Years ago, an Englishwoman living in Corsica remarked to me in aggravation like she was going mad, l"Everywhere you look there are rocks, rocks and MORE ROCKS!" I still don't understand why she thought that was a bad thing...
For me, rocks are one of Corsica's most charming features. From the high craggy mountains down to the sea, Corsica is solid rock — mainly granite throughout the island, yet there are spectacular areas of limestone in Bonifacio. Everywhere you look there's variations of sparkling rose or cream granite, speckled with bits of tan or silver. In the sunshine, rock cliffs glow like Terra cotta with the loveliest of jewels. Along the roads and cliffs, erosion has created fanciful shapes and carvings of rock, adding to the unique and mysterious countryside.
Corsican river rocks are completely different, with their own special beauty. Forged out of the earth in an surprising variety of colors unique from the countryside—jades, blues, maroons, creams and blacks—as cool and inviting as the streams themselves on a hot summer day.
There's something spiritual about these Corsican rocks with so much history on this beautiful island. For centuries they've been used to craft stone fortresses against invaders, provide shelter for shepherds in the hills, and create picturesque yet practical houses (see middle row-right side picture) and the long winding fences in between. (For more pictures of rocks, see La Mer and La Montagne).
It's noble and beautiful and heartfelt with haunting harmonies that reflect a people and culture that I love. I used to satisfy my cravings by buying Corsican CDs on infrequent trips to France. Saving up money for a trip was a 2-5 year wait-- not very satisfactory and pretty darn expensive. And no matter how many CDs I brought home, I immediately wanted more!
Lucikly, not only does the Internet give us free-streeming internet Radio, it also provides a number of options to purchase Corsican music. Once you find a group you like, it's great to start a collection of their music, and a lot of the albums on these websites have online song samples, allowing one to preview the songs before purchase.
Where to purchase Corsican Music CDs and DVDs, when you're off the island?
1. Corsican websites sites are a great places to window shop and bring a little Corsica into your home... all the while supporting local vendors!
* For a sampling of the top Corsican music, as well a wonderful array of Corsican products, at www.corseboutique.fr , offers a site is available in english, french or spanish translation.
* For an in-depth selection of Corsican music, and information about the various musical groups, be sure to visit www.corsicacd.com.
2. Amazon in France, www.amazon.fr, has a reasonably good selection, with shipping costs about the same as Corsica.
3. Amazon in the United States, www.amazon.com caries only the most 'mainstream' Corsican CDs, but with very reasonable shipping costs - the same as anything else ordered domestically.
Interested in learning more about Corsican musicians?
- To read about I Muvrini, see concert photos, or link to their website, click here.
- To read about L'Alba , see concert photos, or check out their website, click here.
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........... Les Roches et Rivières
