Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, in collaboration with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, is producing a 10-CD set documenting the musics of Central Asia.
Smithsonian Folkways Recordings will release ten volumes of its new Music of Central Asia series from 2006-2009. This ground-breaking, newly recorded series presents authentic musical traditions of Central Asia as they are performed today, featuring some of the region's most outstanding artists. From the nomadic and bardic cultures of the steppes to the classical court traditions of the cities, this series celebrates musicians who display a mastery of older traditions and also embody a contemporary spirit of innovation. Produced in conjunction with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, each release includes an extensive color booklet and comes with a vivid bonus DVD containing a series introduction, 24-minute film, interactive glossary and map.
Music of Central Asia vol. 6: Alim and Fargana Qasimov: Spiritual Music of Azerbaijan
Alim and Fargana Qasimov
SFW CD 40525 (2007)
"To be a musician, there has to be a fire burning in you," read more...
Music of Central Asia vol. 5: The Badakhshan Ensemble: Song and Dance from the Pamir Mountains
The Badakhshan Ensemble
SFW CD 40524 (2007)
In the majestic Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan, poetically called the "Roof of the World", read more...
Music of Central Asia vol. 4: Bardic Divas: Women's Voices in Central Asia
SFW CD 40523 (2007)
Sublime bel canto lyrical songs, the guttural recitative of nomadic oral poetry, lively humoresques, and poignant laments of unrequited love comprise this panoramic survey of contemporary women's music from Central Asia performed by some of the region's leading read more...
Music of Central Asia Vol. 3: Homayun Sakhi: The Art of the Afghan Rubâb
Homayun Saki
SFW CD 40522 (2006)
From Kabul to California, Homayun Sakhi is admired as the outstanding Afghan rubâb player of his generation, a charismatic virtuoso who has pushed the limits of his instrument. read more...
Music of Central Asia Vol. 2: Invisible Face of the Beloved: Classical Music of the Tajiks and Uzbeks
Academy of Maqam
SFW CD 40521 (2006)
Amid the mosques and minarets of Samarkand and Bukhara, generations of vocalists read more...
Music of Central Asia Vol. 1: Tengir-Too: Mountain Music from Kyrgyzstan
SFW CD 40520 (2006)
From the mountainous Kyrgyzstan, Jew's harps, fiddles, plucked stringed instruments, and powerful voices transmit the vibrant rhythms of nomadism and the serene atmosphere of the Kygyz mountains in a musical language as contemporary as it is ancient. read more...