unique instruments

The Art of the Theremin

The Art of the Theremin is unique among musical instruments in that is it played without physical contact. It has been hailed as one of the most difficult instruments to master and has a unique sound and range other instruments struggle to reproduce. Clara Rockmore was the foremost Theremin virtuosa of her day. This is a must for fans of unique instruments! (Delos)

1CD# DE 1014

The Golden Zither

$12.99

The concert zither was a very popular instrument during the 19th century and has a substantial classical repertoire as well as being a traditional folk instrument in central Europe. It is a beautiful and versatile instrument which deserves to be better known today. (Kado)

1CD# MOB500410 $10.99

Thunder Drums / Various Artists

Percussion instruments were the musical focus of all ancient cultures and most notably the drum. This wonderful album highlights Native American, African, Latin, Aboriginal and South American influences and then merges them with the awesome sounds of a thunderstorm....the result is stunning! (Global Journey)

1CD# MOB376921 $9.99

Longyin – The Dragon Chants (Silk-stringed Guqin with Xiao Flute)

Cheng Yu plays the original 1936 Van Gulik-Picken silk-string guqin, with Dennis Kwong Thye Lee on xiao flute. This cherished guqin, steeped in history, was previously owned by two of the world’s greatest 20th century sinologists – Robert Hans Van Gulik and Laurence Picken. (ARC Music)

1CD# EUCD2951 $18.99

The Lute Books / Andrea Damiani

From the legendary Albani’s library in Urbino, a collection of recordings, many of which unpublished, of anonymous manuscripts alternated to compositions by the two most famous lutenists of Rome at the time: Vincenzo Pinti and Lorenzo Tracetti. The repertoire of this Album captures an almost magical moment in which two different musical tendencies meet briefly. (Urania)

1CD# LDV14097 $19.99

Famous Fados on Portguese Guitar

A selection of Portugal’s most famous fados, arranged for and performed on Portuguese guitar by Custódio Castelo, lovingly selected by the master himself. Fado, a genre of music that originated in Portugal in the early 19th century, is known for its soulful and emotive vocals, poetic lyrics, and distinctive guitar accompaniment. “Jaw-droppingly magnificent” – AllMusic.com (ARC Music)

1CD# EUCD2931 $18.99

Flamenco – Pasado y Presente

Ignacio Lusardi Monteverde explores the historical and musical interactions of various travelling groups, and how they have influenced the different toques heard today in flamenco music. While exploring the origins of these different styles, and how they have been established, developed and transmitted over the centuries, he crafts his own beautiful avantgarde compositions. (Naxos World)

1CD# NXW76159-2

$18.99

The Art of the Oud – From Armenia & the Eastern Mediterranean

Alan Shavarsh Bardezbanian was the unparalleled master of the oud, the Middle Eastern lute. Here he showcases many styles of oud playing, with fourteen folk songs and original compositions from his homeland of Armenia, as well as Turkey, Lebanon and Greece. (ARC Music)

1CD# EUCD2894

Music for Glass Harmonica

$18.99

Invented by Benjamin Franklin from the idea of water-filled musical glasses. In his treadle-operated version, 37 bowls were mounted horizontally on an iron spindle. Such a unique instrument was popular at the time even drawing composers such as Mozart and Beethoven to write pieces specifically for it. (Naxos)

1CD# 8555295 $13.99

Didgeridoos: Sounds of the Aborigines

The didgeridoo, a wind instrument developed by the Indigenous Australians, has a unique sound that is instantly recognizable. Didgeridoos: Sounds of the Aborigines features an exceptional array of didgeridoo performances that showcase the instrument’s versatility and beauty. This recording is perfect for fans of world music or Aboriginal culture. (Kado)

1CD# MOB500427 $16.99