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Czech singer, violinist, composer, and actress, Iva Bittová reappeared in Berkeley tonight, at the Freight & Salvage coffee house.
I don't use the word mesmerizing much. But I could apply it here. It was mesmerizing!
Bittová, solo, she sang, spoke in tongues, acted out, as if she was in conversation with a cast of characters, and all the while playing the violin, or thumb piano, or kazoo (even).
For an hour and a half we were taken to a gypsy camp somewhere in Moravia, as Bittová sang her versions of Moravian folk tunes, gypsy songs, and even some Yiddish songs (including one by Osvaldo Golijov, she announced later).
The intimate setting of F&S was perfect for this, and at one point Iva stepped into the audience while singing an extremely lively gypsy song at top volume.
Her voice is amazing. She reminded me of a down-home version of Cathy Berberian, if only Cathy could play violin while singing.
Bittová's scope is extremely broad. Known for her (very serious) recordings of Janacek and Vladimir Godár, she also spans folk and jazz. (See discography).
I was surprised to see an almost-full house. I didn't expect that so many people here knew about Iva Bittová. And they all seemed quite familiar with her work. It's been almost ten years since she last appeared in Berkeley. Lets hope she comes more often in the future.
