Music of Central Asia Vol. 2: Invisible Face of the Beloved
Shashmaqam, the classical music of the Uzbeks and Tajiks, can best be described as a highly evolved relation of romantic lieder, in which the poem becomes the music and vice-versa. This Grammy-nominated second installment reveals still more of the passion and melodic genius inherent in traditions of Central Asia, as sinuous mixed voices keen and soar over plucked, strummed and bowed strings (thetanbur,dutar, andsato, respectively) and clopping, rattlingdoiraframe drums. If the scales feel unfamiliar and take some getting used to, and the vocals, with their minutely calibrated hair-spin curves and call-and-response patterns, seem a bit strange, a single thorough listen will not only acclimate the ear but reveal a myriad of unexpected delights. The universal preoccupations of love and sex are described amid images of flower-bedecked, blushing girls and sighing swains. But the music emanates from someplace more primal, from the very life-force capable of driving men and women mad with bliss and fruitless longing. Co-produced by The Aga Khan Trust for Culture and Smithsonian Folkways, this ongoing series is helping to de-mystify a proud, tender, magical and ineffably beautiful family of traditions. The exhaustive liner notes and an invaluable accompanying DVD showcase the present performers, their history, and repertoire. Fascinating geographical and cultural information and glossaries are also provided. --Christina Roden