Markéta Irglová
Muna

"Muna" is the second solo work by the Czech singer-songwriter and pianist Markéta Irglová. It follows the promising Anar, the project The Swell Season with Glen Hansard, and especially the Oscar in 2008 for the best original song (Falling Slowly in the beautiful independent film "Once").

"Muna" is a record that despite being released only two years ago has earned its place in my personal ranking of the most important albums in my collection. It sits perfectly alongside other immortal gems such as "Blue" by Joni Mitchell, "Victorialand" by Cocteau Twins, "Tigerlily" by Natalie Merchant, "Judee Sill" by Judee Sill, in fact.

It is not by chance that it encompasses many of the characteristics of the works mentioned above. It is a concept of spiritual music or, if you will, Christian music that embraces different styles and variations of folk: from the most adherent and tribalistic (Fortune Teller), to the dreamlike and ecumenical (Point of Creation) up to the classic piano ballads in the form of a prayer ("the leading bird" but, especially, the vibrant and moving "Without a map").

Recorded mainly in Iceland with local musicians along with other Czech and Iranian collaborators, "Muna" is a warm and welcoming record like a mother's womb, capable of moving and making one reflect. A "soul" record that speaks to the soul without going through catechism. For believers and non-believers alike.

Ultimately, Muna is an absolute masterpiece that is difficult to replicate and a creative model to follow for us Italians who are incapable of approaching "matters of faith" without falling into genre clichés.