Derived mostly from pansori singing and originally largely improvised, sanjo became (especially in the stylistic school of Master Choi Ok-sam) a structured instrumental suite: On the 12 silk strings of the gayageum zither, Kim Hae-sook paints with virtuosic serenity, a musical landscape of exaltation and restrained emotion. In the 14th and 15th centuries, most genres of the royal court music of the Joseon dynasty (ancestral rituals, banquets, military ceremonies etc.) were performed to realise the ideals of Confucianism. Emphasis was placed more on ideologies than on acoustic aesthetics. Consequently, rather than appreciating free expression, it was a common practice to moderate melodic progress, tempi and ranges. But a change in the musical climate encouraged emotional expression, calling for virtuosic professional performers. This led to the rise of the vocal genre of pansori as the kind of music that made the audience laugh and cry, which eventually resulted in the emergence of sanjo as solo instrumental music. This new genre overtly adopted the musical language of pansori, so much so that it has often been dubbed “pansori without voice”. The sanjo was originally created on the gayageum zither, the most representative of Korean string instruments. Initially an improvised musical form, the sanjo was diversified as various schools were formed according to teachers’ traditions and performing styles, exploiting the full technical potential of the instrument.

A self-taught master of the dutar and tanbur lutes, Turgun Alimatov stands out on the delicate and rare sato (bowed tanbur) with its hazy yet precise timbre. “I first heard Turgun Alimatov's music in 1977. I had come to Tashkent, Uzbekistan to study Central Asian music at the Tashkent Conservatory, and of all the music I heard that year, Turgun's elegant and laconic performances on the tanbur (long-necked lute with raised frets), dutar (two-stringed lute), and sato (…) made much the strongest impression. This man is a master, I thought, after listening to Turgun's recordings on the Soviet Melodiya label, and I must meet him. Thirteen years later, I did, and thus began a much-cherished friendship with a startlingly original musical creator whom I have come to regard as one of the great musicians of our time.” -- Theodore Levin.

Turgun Alimatov (1922-2008) was a master performer on the tanbur, dutar and sato which he was instrumental in reviving. He began his musical career playing the violin in Tashkent's Muqimi Theater of Musical Drama. In 1948, Turgun Alimatov joined the Tashkent radio station, where he performed in a succession of ensembles, until 1982. For his innovations, Turgun Alimatov earned scepticism from older musicians. In any event, Alimatov's achievement has won him a large following, and his neo-classical performance versions have become classics in themselves for a younger generation of musicians.

Two major facets of traditional Norwegian music: the beguiling richness of ancient melodies in ballads, love songs, wedding marches, dance-tunes, nursery rhymes, lullabies, coupled with the singular charm of hardingfele music, a singular violin considered the king of Norwegian instruments. The hardingfele (fiddle from Hardanger), richly decorated with bone and mother-of-pearl-inlay, and “rose painting”, and has four or five sympathetic strings, is a prominent member of the fiddle family, due to its make, tunings, and the particular richness and diversity of its regional styles and repertoire. The playing of hardingfele music has been a lasting tradition for nearly three centuries. Even today, airs and musical style are passed on orally. Several terms are frequently employed for vocal repertoire in Norway. In the first category, the words stev (sung poem), vise (popular song) and kveding (recitation) are often used. Depending on the type, a stev or vise can be recited or sung; the term vise stresses the importance given to the text. Songs for shepherds and herdsmen, dance, and cradle songs represent other forms of vocal tradition. Laling and lokking are used to call in the animals, or to re-unite people separated by great distances. As well as the wordless tralling, tulling or hulling, there is the slåttestev, whose rhythm is more important than the words or the meaning.

The tradition of qawwali, originally limited to mausoleums and brotherhoods, has now spread everywhere, carried by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan –an exceptional performer: Sufi poems and incandescent lyricism. While the Mongols conquered by the sword and oppression, the Sufis attracted peoples through the richness of their culture. During their gatherings, these Sufis listened to the poems of their masters, sung by musicians known as qawwal. Their music, enriched with new literary and musical elements, ultimately became the most widespread musical genre in Hindustani music. Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s group is the leading proponent of this secular tradition. “As each verse was sung, the emotion-filled audience uttered cries of joy that encouraged the musicians. Their gestures marked the syncopations and they swayed from one foot to the other. Deep silence fell when the singer embarked upon one of his subtle vocal variations...”

Petrona Martínez, an emblematic figure of bullerengue (a rare exclusively female “sung dance” in Colombia) shows here all her talent as a folklorist: improvisation, a universe of superstitions and legends, a chronicle of local life –and always Africa in the background. During the religious festivals of St John and St Peter (24th and 29th of June), the pregnant women, concubines and unmarried mothers, who could not take part in the fandangos (popular dances), used to gather on a patio to “clap hands and beat drums”. One of them would sing, improvising verses, whilst the others would respond in chorus. Between the songs, the women would tell each other riddles and saucy jokes. During these evening parties, or bullerengue, ñeque (home-made sugar cane alcohol) would be drunk. The dates and places for these meetings were communicated discreetly between the bullerengueras belonging to the same “sistership”. Such were the origins of the bullerengue tradition. Throughout her artistic career Petrona Martínez has been nominated three times for the Latin Grammy Awards for the best folk album, winning in 2021 with Ancestras.

The 1960's... The Royal Palace, the seat of the Khmer monarchy since the end of the preceding century, then sheltered many musicians and dancers who were the base for the prestige of which these venerable walls were so proud. Every morning as one walked down the boulevard in front of the entrance fa�ade, one could hear fireworks of limpid sonorities: for four hours the pinpeat orchestra with it's crystalline gongs joined in the training of the royal dancers or by itself rehearsed music for a coming ceremony. At that time, there was hardly a month when court rituals did not require the presence -or rather the participation- of palace musicians and almost as often ballerinas whose fame was world-wide in spite of their rare public appearances.

Born in Mexico City, violist Dana Zemtsov has always retained a deep love for the colourful Latin-American culture. The discovery of Gabriel Garcia Marquez's book One Hundred Years of Solitude, in which the vivid literary images of clouds of yellow butterflies precede a forbidden lover's arrival, inspired Dana to revisit her earliest musical memories. This led to a unique project embodying the most characteristic expression of love in Latin-American culture: the beautiful boleros presented on this album entitled Yellow Butterfly. They are so well known that practically every Spanish-speaking person can sing them by heart. With arrangements by the legendary Joan Albert Amargos and Claudio Constantini, the recording conjures the surreal atmosphere of the Americas: melancholy, roughness, poetry, vitality and joy. These 'recomposed' boleros were arranged for solo viola and a small ensemble that consists of pianist Anna Fedorova, trumpeter Angelo Verploegen, bandoneonist Claudio Constantini, double bassist Nicholas Schwartz and percussionist Andre Groen.

Music of Kabul with Indian influence and music of Herat by two masters displaying a wonderful cohesiveness: a perfect combination of the deep sound of Ustad Rahim Khushnawaz's rubâb (with its characteristic “skin sound”, with deep resonance from the sympathetic strings) and the brilliance of Gada Mohammad's dutâr, an octave higher. The two lutenists on this album represent two contrasting facets of Afghan musicianship: Rahim Khushnawaz is the “superior” musician in terms of technical expertise, range of expression, breadth of knowledge, and ability to improvise. Gada Mohammad's playing is more intuitive, following and accompanying the rubâb; yet, he can hold his own as a soloist, as these recordings show.

The present release is a wonderful concert by Mohammad Rezâ Shadjariân, master of Persian classical singing, both composer and performer at the same time: inspired improvisation, poems chosen with great taste, subtle instrumental accompaniment. Traditional Iranian music is a message, a call from the artist's inmost consciousness, which is tightly linked to his age-old history and culture. Poetry is regarded so highly by Iranians that music is often accompanied by sung poems (by Ferdowsi, Mowlavi, Saadi, Hâfez, Bâbâ Taher, Khayam etc.). The technique of Persian singing is very complex, and while it is of great subtlety, it demands great physical force and support –The singer improvises ornaments and vocalizations in a form of singing, free and arhythmic, the beauty of which depends on his sensitivity, mood, and enthusiasm and depth of the performance.

Rooted in the choro tradition, Alvorada's rich compositions embrace rhythms from across Brazil, including samba, xote, bossa nova and bai�o, tinged with further influences from jazz, tango and more. Faz Tempo pushes traditional expectations with it's bold and intricate arrangements, endlessly varied textures, and breathtaking improvisations and interplay - all transmitted with an infectious joy and soulfulness.

Rooted in the choro tradition, Alvorada's rich compositions embrace rhythms from across Brazil, including samba, xote, bossa nova and bai�o, tinged with further influences from jazz, tango and more. Faz Tempo pushes traditional expectations with it's bold and intricate arrangements, endlessly varied textures, and breathtaking improvisations and interplay - all transmitted with an infectious joy and soulfulness.

Gao Hong (Chinese pipa master) discovers friendship, creativity and the joy of spontaneity with Kadialy Kouyate and his captivating Senegalese kora. With skilful balance of composition and improvisation, the two instruments and musicians converse through the expression of the strings – exchanging cultural stories, traditions and musical styles. This album shines a light on the new possibilities that can arise when peoplefrom all cultures open their hearts and minds to one another, when they abandon inhibitions and simply explore. As Gao concludes, “our music will not just be Chinese or Senegalese, it will be a new form of world music that melds styles and sensibilities from two continents.”

This exciting quintet of young Scottish Gaels, DLÙ, are winners of the ‘Danny Kyle Open Stage 2018’, and were nominated for the MG Alba Scots Trad Award, ‘upcoming artist of the year’, in 2019. Their debut album Moch champions the Gaelic language and culture while blending progressive arrangements, eclectic musical influences and youthful energy. The result – face-paced traditional Scottish tunes with funk, rock and pop – a sound that is uniquely their own. “The greatest reward for those mostly unsung champions of Gaelic language, music and culture is that bands like DLÙ are in the world today.” -Mary Ann Kennedy

A wildly creative and joyful exploration of traditional Taiwanese culture. The music of A Moving Sound is the result of a deep commitment to making art entwined with spiritual practice. Starshine celebrates life and our journey through it. This album features original compositions weaving folk and traditional opera, from earthy to transcendent, joy to suffering, all enhanced with stunning vocals and the rich textures of traditional Taiwanese instruments. “A Moving Sound is one of the most original outfits working in the world music arena today. An inspired marriage of Taiwanese traditional sounds and Western pop experimentation that forges an important new musical dialogue.” (Tom Pryor)

Vigüela showcase various regional styles within traditional Spanish music, all originating from their home-land Castilla-La Mancha, the southern part of the Iberian plateau. Their ninth album A la manera artesana focuses on how ‘artisanal creativity’ differs from the globalization of ‘handicraft culture’ which has become more about following templates and repetition, rather than unique original craftsmanship. According to the band’s founder, Juan Antonio, the style is more important than the repertoire – “Repertoire you can learn, but it’s the local style that makes it authentic.” This approach makes Vigüela quite unique and has gained them Spanish audiences in both rural and urban areas. For modern Spain, and the rest of world, this is a new and exciting style which has been previously unrecognized. Yet for the more rural Castilla-La Mancha audience, it has a moving nostalgic feel that resonates with the local culture.

Award-winning record producer, composer and tabla player, Kuljit Bhamra MBE, brings together celebrated Bollywood singers, lyricists and musicians for Namaste Bombay. With 38 original songs inspired by the origins and developments of 'Bollywood' music over the decades, it features lush instrumentations with traditional strings performed by the Bombay Gold Orchestra. An enthralling filmi journey designed to evoke your own imagined Bollywood fantasy!

This ceremony, which was recorded in 1975 and was performed by the first generation of Tibetan monks in exile in India with the current Dalai Lama, reproduces most faithfully the impressive vocal technique, fervour, and mystery of this very low-pitch Buddhist chant, with it's harmonics and accompaniment of horns, drums, and large cymbals. Thanks to the sound recording technique, the listener is immersed in the very heart of the event. As in all monasteries of the various schools, an important place is reserved for the memorisation and recitation of a large number of ritual texts. The liturgical practice of Gy�t� is characterised by the use of a specific mode of singing, "the voice of the tantras"; this process consists of simultaneously emitting a very low sound and, by modifying the volume of the oral cavity, distinctly bringing out one of the harmonics of this sound. In Gy�t�, the harmonic emphasised is the 10th harmonic, which is three octaves and one third above the fundamental. There are many examples of this on the various tracks selected for these CDs, particularly when the chant master gives the cue for a passage to begin.

Live at Slane Castle, Ireland was recorded this past August at Slane Castle in County Meath, Ireland, the home of Lord Henry Mount Charles a gorgeous location that has also hosted concerts by U2 and Bruce Springsteen. The 80-minute, 25-track concert draws on material from both their self-titled debut CD and a New Journey. Also included is a 20-minute 'making of' featured that takes viewers behind the scenes of Celtic Woman's elaborate production.

2016 release. Celtic Woman has a remarkable twelve-year legacy of introducing the most talented singers and musicians from Ireland onto the world stage. Voices Of Angels showcases the angelic voices of Susan McFadden, Mair�ad Carlin, �abha McMahon and introduces the breathtaking new Celtic violinist Tara McNeill. With some of the most popular songs from the Celtic Woman repertoire, several previously unrecorded tracks and all new orchestral arrangements recorded with the 72-piece Orchestra of Ireland.

2018 release. Multi-platinum international music sensation, Celtic Woman, return with a spectacular studio album Ancient Landis Fall. Ancient Land is the first brand new studio album since the Grammy-nominated Destiny in 2016. Ancient Land will feature all new material for Celtic Woman, with new and original songs alongside traditional Irish pieces and some well-known cover songs.

30 romantic Celtic melodies featuring traditional Irish instruments. 30 Yuletide favorites delivered via the warm, green-hued tones of traditional Irish instrumentation (Celtic harp, guitar, flutes, etc.).

Deluxe CD/DVD edition. 2018 release. Since it's debut, Grammy-nominated global musical sensation Celtic Woman's concerts continue to touch the hearts of a huge audience that spans the globe. Both an accomplished recording ensemble and a one-of-a-kind live act, Celtic Woman combines the country's finest musical talents with epic stage production to present a uniquely inspiring live experience. Filmed in Dublin, Ireland in September 2017, Homecoming: Live From Ireland represents the next chapter of their extraordinary musical journey.

Sacred Spirit is an album blending authentic Native American chants with contemporary musical arrangements in the tradition of Enigma and Deep Forest. For this release, Virgin has changed the cover to the original version, released in the U.K. in 1995. a contribution from sales of this album goes to the Native American Rights Foundation.

2020 release. From traditional standards to contemporary Irish songs, Sharon Browne's Celtic Thunder show has captivated audiences around the world. Now in it's eleventh year, the PBS hit ensemble returns to the US with it's latest Show Celtic Thunder - Ireland. This release combines ten years of Celtic Thunder hits and focuses on their most popular Irish and Celtic songs that have made Celtic Thunder one of the best-loved and most successful musical acts on Public TV and on tour since 2008.

Three CD set. The first things that come to mind when you think of Cuba? Cigars, colorful vintage cars... and sultry, sensual music. The three-album compilation The Sound of Cuba captures the spirit of authentic music from the island nation. The collection also features the iconic album Casa de la Trova - Santiago de Cuba's answer to Havana's Buena Vista Social Club! In 1999, Havana-born guitarist Manuel Barrueco made a tribute to his homeland with the album Cuba! Featuring such greats as Ernesto Lecuona, H�ctor Angulo, and Leo Brouwer, the release enjoys legendary status as a Cuban music classic. The child prodigy, pianist and bandleader Ernesto Lecuona, known as the 'South American Gershwin', created an oeuvre of more than 600 melodies, all infused with that irresistible Cuban flavor and rhythm. He takes center stage on the 1999 piano album Habanera, with Kathryn Stott interpreting his music. On this album the English pianist brings Lecuona, who died in 1963 and who had been long forgotten in the West, to a new public falling under the spell of his lively music. With music from the renowned Casa de la Trova, The Sound of Cuba box set brings the listener right to the heart of Cuban music. It was here in Santiago de Cuba with the Trova singers and guitarists that the country's vibrant music-making culture emerged. This became the root of many other Latin-American styles that spread all over the world.