Inspired by the idea of the ancient Roman province of Pannonia, which now includes parts of Austria, Croatia, Slovenia, and Hungary, the CD is also a metaphor for the porousness of musical and cultural boundaries. And though these different pieces come from many different places, they're linked by 2 things, strong pulse and firm tonal centers. Despite an odd beginning section made from synth-produced samples, it's nevertheless affecting and expertly written for strings, the fruit of Riley's long and intensive work with the group over many years. All of the other pieces on Caravan work perfectly well. All of these seemingly disparate pieces make an engaging and coherent program.
Souls do indeed travel in caravans.