The beauty of Tunisia is well known to travelers, but the richness of her culture may not be as universally recognized. To that point, Ez-Zouhour brings to light a veritable treasure trove of traditional songs and music. The traditional elements of oud, qanun, darbouka, tar, bendir, and duf blend seamlessly with violin and double bass to weave a bright, varied tapestry depicting life in Tunisia from yesterday to today.

Classical Music

Noel McLoughlin, acclaimed recording artist, talented multi instrumentalist, singer and interpreter of songs, ballads and Irish music returns to the ARC catalog with this long-awaited new album.

Classical Music

Classical Music

Indian classical music has certain modes and ragas dedicated to the seasons, which have been explored by many generations of musicians. In accordance with the Indian calendar, spring runs from mid-February to mid-April, and is known as Vasant (or Basant). The festival Holi celebrates spring’s arrival. In this album, Baluji captures the rapture of spring, expressing seasonal feelings of renewal and hope through the subtle nuances of the chosen ragas. He celebrates his mastery of the sitar with wonderful sensitivity and dexterity. There are also some thrilling moments enthused by the distinctive tabla playing of Sukhvinder Singh “Pinky”, with his vivacious renditions of 1relas and 2chakradas. Baluji cannot see the colors of flowers but he has heard their voices, and they sing out through this joyous album – Voice of Flowers.

Pipa master Lin Shicheng is often referred to as the Ravi Shankar of the pipa. Lin was the teacher to the majority of prominent pipa players in the world today, including Gao Hong. Gao Hong has received numerous awards and honors and has toured internationally. In 2017 she became the first Chinese musician to play national anthem at a Minnesota Timberwolves NBA basketball game in Minneapolis. A truly historic recording of unedited, live performances of classical traditional pipa repertoire, showcasing rarely seen virtuosity and command of Chinese musical tradition. The feature track is a never-before-heard rendition of the Chinese evergreen Moonlight over the Spring River.

Classical Music

The energetic rhythms and intricately woven melodies of traditional Iranian and Middle Eastern percussion get an exciting twist when paired with modern instrumentation. The complex traditional drumming wends through surprising elements like rock solos on electric guitar and permeates even remixes with Persian flavor.

Classical Music

Classical Music

Award-winning Taiwanese ensemble A Moving Sound (Sheng Don) present a whirlwind of musical expression that veers between the meditative and the exuberant with irrepressible spirit. This vibrant ensemble of lute, flute, gong, guitar, percussion and the transcendent vocals of singer Mia Hsieh creates an atmospheric and exciting album. “… one of the most original outfits working in the world music arena today.” (National Geographic) “Gorgeous music that hovers somewhere between folk-rock and Chinoiserie.” (The Financial Times) “Rediscovers the timeless, universal expression of life.” (Songlines)

Classical Music

The difference between Western and Far East music is mainly due to the way the music is listened to and shared. In the West, the same music is played in different countries for religious purposes or entertainment. Mozart, himself an Austrian, could be played in Russia, France, and Italy. Chopin's works appeal to the British as well as the Polish. In Far East music, because of the tonal characteristics of the languages, as well as it being destined for Imperial and Aristocratic circles, or again due to parts being sung for theater pieces in each country's mother tongue, is not shared between the people of different nations. Japan does not play Korean music; Vietnam does not sing Chinese pieces. Music in the Far East reflects one's identity, roots, origins, or culture. But it may be unknown elsewhere. Vietnamese music originated in the third century BC. During different dynasties, it was influenced by Chinese and Cham music, it's two closest neighbors. But it also developed his own identity. Tri Nguyen is a master of the Vietnamese zither, the dan-tranh. With ancient techniques and teachings from the different regions of the country, while occasionally incorporating other instruments from Vietnam and around the world, Tri shows us the beauty and versatility of the dan-tranh.

Classical Music