Rating: - Excellent historical, musical, cultural document
Rain Dropping from the Banana Tree is a collection of 24 short songs recorded in China and America by Westerner Fred Gaisberg. In essence, these songs are historical documents showing traditional Chinese folk music in its un-Westernized form, which makes for great and interesting listening. Most "traditional" Chinese music you can find these days can hardly be described so, since it's often played with traditionally Western instruments and orchestras, though it generally contains traditional Chinese ... Read More

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Rating: - The real thing
This is a cd that contains music that was recorded from 1902 to 1930. It's Chinese music untouched by western influences. A wonderful album for those of us who truly love Chinese music. If you're not used to this type of music, first buy and listen to The Chinese Music Ensemble of New York's cd 'Beloved Chinese Songs'. That one is more similiar to Western type music. This one is very different. Play it a few times and you'll love it. Both cds are well worth owning.