The Yiddish and Gypsy music of Eastern Europe, with its wild dances, sweet ballads and poignant life stories, is a blend of joy and heart-on-sleeve melancholy. With stunning, richly orchestrated arrangements, Sirba Octet’s incredible artistry and panache revive the greatest of this music. A whirlwind take on Russia’s famous Kalinka includes some dazzling balalaika playing, while Suite de Moldavie features a medley of shepherd songs. At the heart of this uplifting album lies Gayen Zay In Shvartze Reien, a Jewish ghetto song that emanates both sorrow and great strength.