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Sample Track 1:
"Kyiylyp Turam (I'm Sad to Say Goodbye)" from Tengir-Too, Mountain Music of Kyrgyzstan (Music and Voices of Central Asia)
Sample Track 2:
"Excerpt from 'Manas' Epic" from Tengir-Too, Mountain Music of Kyrgyzstan (Music and Voices of Central Asia)
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Tengir-Too, Mountain Music of Kyrgyzstan (Music and Voices of Central Asia)
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Concert Review

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Washington Post , Concert Review >>

'Via Kabul'

The West has much to learn from Central Asian musicians -- chiefly, that less is more. An opportunity for that lesson came Wednesday at the Freer Gallery, from the musicians of "Via Kabul: Central Asia Without Borders." Three groups of Central Asian performers displayed their complex, transfixing art before a capacity audience: the Ensemble Tengir-Too from Kyrgyzstan; Homayun Sakhi and Toryalai Hashimi from Afghanistan; and the Academy of Maqam from Tajikistan. All were clad in shimmering native brocades and embroidered robes.

The Tengir-Too performed on an array of modest-size instruments: assorted versions of the gourd-shaped komuz (bowed and strummed lutes, some no larger than ping-pong paddles) and the tiny jew's-harp. These were played with the artistry and impact of concerto soloists in Western concert halls. The instruments accompanied singers in elaborate chantlike narrations of ancient folk tales.

Playing on a rubab (long-necked lute) and small tablas (hand drums), the Afghan duo engaged in sometimes mirthful flights of fancy with long mesmerizing chains of complex rhythmic patterns climaxing in boisterous fortissimos. The Tajikistan instrumentalists supported several singers in songs of human longing and despair. Brilliantly attired in a shimmering silvery gown and jeweled headpiece, a dancer underscored the vocal themes in pliant head and arm gestures and jingling wrist bells.

-- Cecelia Porter 03/17/06 >> go there
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