china, japan & the far east

Music of Japan / Yamato Ensemble

Performing traditional Japanese music on traditional instruments, Yamato Ensemble honours the legacy of Myoonten, the Japanese goddess of music and art. Yamato Ensemble have been playing together for decades; on this special recording, they perform on koto, shakuhachi, jushichigen, shakuroku, and the now-rarely heard kokyu. “graceful and supple musicianship…” – Mixedworldmusic.com (ARC Music)

1CD# EUCD2897

$18.99

Best of China & Japan / Silk String Quartet

This captivating album presents a beautiful cross-section of music from China and Japan, from tender and contemplative Chinese string melodies to the powerful thunder of Japanese taiko drums. Featuring a great variety of music played on traditional instruments in traditional and contemporary arrangements. Extensive information about each of the artists and the pieces. (ARC Music)

1CD# EUCD2559 $14.99

Men of Dharamsala / Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts

Joining TIPA musicians on this album are monks of Nechung Monastery, singing special pujas (prayers) unique to this specific monastery. The album opens with a blessing of the environment recorded in the Nechung monastery, and a Losar prayer for the New Year. Tibetan wind instruments, human skull rattes and Tibetan long horns accompany them in vigor. (Yarlung)

1CD# YAR70902

$19.99

The Best of Korean Gayageum Music / Byungki

Hwang

An atmospheric, relaxing and hauntingly beautiful album of new gayageum music, written and played by Hwang Byungki, one of the most distinguished composers and gayageum players of Korea, accompanied by janggu (hourglass drum). Occasional vocals as well as a daegeum piece (transverse flute) and geomungo solo piece (6-string fretted board zither). (ARC Music)

1CD# EUCD2097 $14.99

Tibet: Traditions Rituelles Des Bonpos

These recordings illustrate various facets of the religious activities of the Bonpos through their chant and their psalmodic recitation. They intend to bring to a wider audience the musical aspects of a ritual tradition that is largely unknown to the Western World and has remained obscure to the Tibetan themselves. (Ocora)

1CD# C 583016 $18.99

Japanese Drums

From Autumn harvest festivals to traditional Japanese folklore steeped in rich history, this album shows the diversity and power of the Japanese drums. This release also features ‘purification drumming’ heard in Buddhist temples before, during and after ceremonies and a famous taiko drum beat symbolizing the sounds of samurai riding on horseback. (ARC Music)

1CD# EUCD2866 $14.99

Folk Music of China

Folk Songs of the Tuija & Sui Peoples

On this volume, enjoy folk songs from the Tujia and Sui peoples of Hubei and Guizhou Province. All played on traditional instruments such as bronze drums, gongs and suona. (Naxos World)

1CD# NXW76104-2 $18.99

Folk Songs of the Dong, Gelao and Yao Peoples

This album features the grand songs of the Dong, love songs of the Gelao, and two-voice songs of the Yao peoples. (Naxos World)

1CD# NXW76103-2 $18.99

Folk Songs of the She, Miao & Li Peoples

This series explores folk songs from the She, Miao and Li peoples of Fujian, Guizhou and Hainan Provinces. All played on traditional instruments. (Naxos World)

1CD# NXW76102-2 $18.99

Songs of the Tibetan Plateau

Beautiful folk singing, atmospheric soundscapes of nature and varied traditional instruments are heard in this colorful album from Tibet. (Naxos World)

Folk Songs of the Dai & Hani Peoples

On this release, enjoy recordings of folk songs from the Dai and Hani peoples of Yunnan province. (Naxos World)

Folk Songs of the Uzbeks & Tatars of China

The songs featured in these recordings are folk songs from the Uzbek and Tatar peoples of the Xinjiang province. (Naxos World)