Amelia Cuni - Sings Dhrupad

"Amelia Cuni is one of the very few Westerners to have mastered the complexities of Indian vocal music...It is all more remarkable that she sings dhrupad, a style which is usually the exclusive province of men...Cuni is an excellent performer who explores the subtle nuance of each raga in extended alap sections and metered compositions. Her acute rhythmic control and fine sense of intonation lead many inspired, beautiful, and surprising musical moments." - Songlines
"A clear, and typically multicultural, highlight was a captivating conceptual setting of Indian dhrupad vocalizing by Italian Amelia Cuni, in collusion with electronic manipulation by Werner Durand and elaborate projections by Uli Sigg...alternately sensual, bold, and contemplative." - Los Angeles Times

"This is 'crossover' at its most fruitful, in which irregular dance rhythms come tumbling out against the nasal yet dusky singing of the Italian-born Cuni, whose voice makes a good case for reincarnation." - The Times

1. Ālāp Rāga Shuddha Todī
2. Cautal Rāga Shuddha Todī
3. Dhamār Rāga Shuddha Todī
4. Ālāp Rāga Nat-Bhairav
5. Cautal Rāga Nat-Bhairav

Drums [Pakhawaj] – Ravishankar Upadhyay
Mixed By – Amelia Cuni, Stefano Musso
Tambura – Marianne Svasek
Vocals, Tambura – Amelia Cuni
Written-By – A. Cuni*, B. Mallik* (tracks: 2, 3, 5)

Flac (EAC Rip): 330 MB | MP3 - 320 kbs: 160 MB | Covers

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Amelia Cuni & John Cage - 18 Microtonal Ragas

"Amelia Cuni is one of the very few Westerners to have mastered the complexities of Indian vocal music...It is all more remarkable that she sings dhrupad, a style which is usually the exclusive province of men...Cuni is an excellent performer who explores the subtle nuance of each raga in extended alap sections and metered compositions. Her acute rhythmic control and fine sense of intonation lead many inspired, beautiful, and surprising musical moments." - Songlines
"A clear, and typically multicultural, highlight was a captivating conceptual setting of Indian dhrupad vocalizing by Italian Amelia Cuni, in collusion with electronic manipulation by Werner Durand and elaborate projections by Uli Sigg...alternately sensual, bold, and contemplative." - Los Angeles Times

"This is 'crossover' at its most fruitful, in which irregular dance rhythms come tumbling out against the nasal yet dusky singing of the Italian-born Cuni, whose voice makes a good case for reincarnation." - The Times

"Amelia Cuni is one of only a handful of Western women to seriously study dhrupad, an austere style of classical North Indian music; whatever the technical specs of her vocal control, she sounds like a master to me, but with a vulnerability that undercuts the machismo that is mastery's trap...At times, these layers of voice and image began to flutter like rose petals in the winds of time, and without budging from his seat, this reviewer simply left the hall." - The Wire

The world premiere of Solo for Voice 58 by legendary American avant-garde composer John Cage. Italian-German dhrupad singer Amelia Cuni is the ideal interpreter, trained in classical Indian singing but also able to improvise on ragas in a new music context. Cuni has developed from Cage's score of eighteen raga scales a remarkable and unique interpretation that belongs to both the classical Indian and Western experimental traditions. Percussionists Ray Kaczynski and Federico Sanesi utilize both Eastern and Western instruments, and composer/performer Werner Durand performs both traditional Indian drones and specially-designed electronics.

Long regarded by the musical establishment as a fringe figure, John Cage (1912-1992) is widely regarded today as an anchor in the sea of modern music. Born in Los Angeles, Cage traveled to Europe in his late teens, then studied with Henry Cowell in New York and Arnold Schoenberg in L.A. In the late 1940's, Cage became interested in Eastern philosophies, especially Zen but also Hinduism, which influenced the composition of the work on this CD. In addition to composing, John Cage was a lecturer and performer in both Europe and the US, and wrote several books on his theories. Today much of his music, once considered bizarre, has entered the mainstream of contemporary culture.

1. Song Books, Volume 1: Solos for Voice 58 (realization by A. Cuni): Raga 1
2. Song Books, Volume 1: Solos for Voice 58 (realization by A. Cuni): Raga 4
3. Song Books, Volume 1: Solos for Voice 58 (realization by A. Cuni): Raga 14
4. Song Books, Volume 1: Solos for Voice 58 (realization by A. Cuni): Raga 8
5. Song Books, Volume 1: Solos for Voice 58 (realization by A. Cuni): Raga 3 (superimposed with Solo for Voice 72 with electronics)
6. Song Books, Volume 1: Solos for Voice 58 (realization by A. Cuni): Raga 5
7. Song Books, Volume 1: Solos for Voice 58 (realization by A. Cuni): Raga 6
8. Song Books, Volume 1: Solos for Voice 58 (realization by A. Cuni): Raga 9
9. Song Books, Volume 1: Solos for Voice 58 (realization by A. Cuni): Raga 2
10. Song Books, Volume 1: Solos for Voice 58 (realization by A. Cuni): Raga 10 (superimposed with Solo for Voice 58, overdubs)
11. Song Books, Volume 1: Solos for Voice 58 (realization by A. Cuni): Raga 12 (superimposed with Solo for Voice 3)
12. Song Books, Volume 1: Solos for Voice 58 (realization by A. Cuni): Raga 11 - Raga 13 - Raga 15 - Raga 7
13. Song Books, Volume 1: Solos for Voice 58 (realization by A. Cuni): Raga 16 6:06 $0.99 Buy MP3
14. Song Books, Volume 1: Solos for Voice 58 (realization by A. Cuni): Raga 18 (superimposed with Solo for Voice 21 with electronics)
15. Song Books, Volume 1: Solos for Voice 58 (realization by A. Cuni): Raga 17

Electronics – Werner Durand (tracks: all)
Percussion – Federico Sanesi (tracks: all), Raymond Kaczynski (tracks: all)

Dhrupad singer Amelia Cuni's interpretation of John Cage's experimental ragas

Flac tracks(EAC Rip): 230 MB | MP3 - 320 kbs: 130 MB | Front Cover

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Ali Akbar Khan, Nikhil Banerjee - Signature Series Vol.4

"To me this record was made by these artists to create a joyful experience for the audience.”

I first obtained this recording on vinyl almost 30 years ago after seeing Nikhil Banerjee perform live on three occasions. He is the only performer I have witnessed live to be able to evoke tears in the eyes of his audience. As much as I love the recordings that both Nikhil-ji and his teacher Ali Akbar Khan have recorded separately, I become speechless in trying to describe the beauty of this particular recording, the only jugalbandi, or duet, recording that I know of made by master and disciple. The warmth and affection that these musicians had for each other is evident upon listening to both pieces on this album/CD. This recording also presents the most sublime and rewarding example of duet call and response that I have ever had the pleasure to listen to. This recording gets a rating of 10 out of five, yes, 10 out of 5! It is the best of the best. Enjoy! Footnote: While we can no longer hear Ali Akbar Khan and Nikhil Banerjee perform together live, two superb musicians in the lineage of Khan-sahib and Nikhil-ji, sarodist Rajeev Taranath and sitarist Partha Chatterjee, occasionally perform together. Don't miss any opportunity to hear them either in solo or duet performance.

Personnel: Ali Akbar Khan (sarod, sitar);
Nikhil Banerjee (sitar);
Mahapurush Misra (tabla).
Additional personnel:
Pandit Mahapurush Misra (tabla).

1. Rag Manj Khammaj - Ustad Khan Ali Akbar/Nikhil Banerjee
2. Rag Misra Mand - Ustad Khan Ali Akbar/Nikhil Banerjee

Flac (EAC Rip): 280 MB | MP3 - 320 kbs: 160 MB | Booklet Scans

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Shivkumar Sharma - Sunset Melody On The Santoor

Shivkumar Sharma (born 13th January 1938) is an Indian classical musician, working in the Hindustani classical music tradition. He is a master of the santoor, a folk instrument from the valley of Kashmir. It is a type of hammered dulcimer whose strings are struck with a pair of light carved wooden mallets. Before him the santoor was regarded as only an accompanying instrument.

He is credited with single-handedly making the santoor a popular classical instrument, to the extent that the santoor and Pandit Shivkumar Sharma are synonymous. Sharma modified the Kashmiri folk instrument to make it more suitable for his classical technique, increasing the range of the instrument to three full octaves and making it capable of a smoother meend (the glissando or gliding between notes required in Hindustani classical music to emulate the human voice). He also created a new technique of playing with which he could sustain notes and maintain sound continuity.

Sharma has performed many concerts with renowned musicians such as the tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain. He has also partnered the well-known flautist Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia to form a group called Shiv-Hari for composing Hindi film music.

Shivkumar Sharma is the recipient of many national and international awards including honorary citizenship of the city of Baltimore, USA (1985)

1. Shree - Alap And Jod
2. Shree - Zhala Gat

Flac(EAC Rip): 340 MB | MP3 - 320 kbs: 120 MB | Covers

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The Most Relaxing: Feel Romance

Track Listings
--------------
(01). Sorry, I Love You
(02). Indecisive
(03). From Now On (OST Winter Sonata)
(04). Destiny (OST Full House)
(05). So In Love
(06). By You Side
(07). Pray
(08). I Believe
(09). Praise of Love
(10). Ave Maria
(11). The Day We Met
(12). Remember
(13). You Can’t Say
(14). Sorry, I Love You (Singing)
(15). Indecisive (Singing)

Flac tracks (EAC Rip): 330 MB | MP3 - 320 kbs: 160 MB | Front Cover

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Music of the Himalayas

Rahul Kumar is the son of Shivkumar Sharma (of Call of the Valley fame) and is a world-renowned poet of the santoor in his own right. In fact, the two masters often play together. Until recently, the santoor, a trapezoid-shaped hammered zither, with its hundred-plus strings and curved wooden mallets, was considered appropriate only for Kashmiri folk tunes. But over the past half-century (a blink of an eye along India's ancient timeline), its rippling, metallic glissandos and arpeggios have become accepted even in rarified Indian music circles. Like his father, the younger virtuoso has solved the problem of how to create rounded, soothing tones from an essentially staccato medium. Heard live before a nearly silent audience, Rahul's deceptively delicate touch strikes fire while his fervent improvisations breathe deep and blossom. The listener becomes blissfully passive, like a traveler so enchanted by the journey that she no longer cares about reaching her destination

Rahul Sharma is a master of the santoor which is a similar instrument to the hammered dulcimer. Sharma is the son of Shivkumar Sharma and both father and son are renowned for their skill on this instrument. They have transformed it from a Kashmiri folk item to a respected instrument in Indian classical circles. Rahul Sharma recorded "Music of the Himilayas" in 2002. The album is a beautiful live recording of intricate and soul-stirring instrumental music that evokes the atmosphere of the breathtaking Himilayas. The album brings together expertly both traditional folk and classical influences.

1. Maqam-E-Navaa (Sufyana Musiqi)
2. Melody Of Kashmir
3. Melody Of Jammu Kashmir
4. Melody Of Kashmir In Contemporary Music

Percussion [Pakhawaj, Hudka, Ghungroo] – Pandit Bhawani Shankar
Santoor – Rahul Sharma
Tabla – Ustad Shafat Ahmed Khan

Flac(EAC Rip): 390 MB | MP3 - 320 kbs: 160 MB | Booklet Scans

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GUNDECHA BROTHERS - TEARS ON A LOTUS (GAOTI/SHIVRANJANI)

GUNDECHA BROTHERS
TEARS ON A LOTUS (GAOTI/SHIVRANJANI

Umakant and Ramakant Gundecha are one of India’s leading exponents of the Dhrupad style of music. They are among the most active young performers of Dhrupad in Indian and international circuits. Born in Ujjain in Central India, both were initiated into music by their parents.

Gundecha Brothers received conventional university education and learned the Dhrupad vocal art under the renowned Dhrupad vocalist Ustad Zia Fariduddin Dagar and also with Ustad Zia Mohiuddin Dagar (the distinguished performer of Rudra Veena) in Dhrupad Kendra Bhopal.

The Gundecha Brothers have sung great Hindi poetry by Tulsidas, Kabir, Padmakar, Nirala in Dhrupad style . They have recorded about 25 cassettes and CDs by H.M.V, Music Today, Rhythm House, Senseworld Music, Sundaram Records, IPPNW Concerts Berlin, Navras

and Audio Rec London. They have also sung for many television channels in India and have been broadcasted on British, U.S., German and French, Japan and Australian Radio as well. As well as being an integral part of all of India’s prestigious music festivals, the Brothers have also performed at many important international music festivals and institutions in about 25 countries in Europe, U.S.A, Australia, Japan, Egypt, Singapore, Bangladesh, U.A.E and Hongkong.

They have received M.P. Govt. Scholarship from 1981 to 1985, National Fellowship from 1987 to 89, Ustad Allauddin Khan Fellowship in 1993, Sanskriti Award in 1994 and Kumar Gandharva Award in 1998 by Govt. of Madhaya Pradesh and Dagar Gharana Award by Mewar Foundation in 2001. Rajat Kamal - National Film Award for the Best Music Direction ( 2006)

1. Raag Gaoti (Alap)
2. Raag Gaoti (Alap)
3. Raag Gaoti (Alap)
4. Raag Gaoti (Alap)
5. Raga Gaoti (Dhrupad)
6. Raag Shivranjani (Alap)
7. Raag Shivranjani (Dhrupad)

Flac tracks(EAC Rip): 390 MB | MP3 - 320 kbs: 170 MB | Scans

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Flamenco: Sara Baras: Sabores "DVD"

Contemporary flamenco great Sara Baras showcases her dancing abilities in this fantastic concert performance that was filmed over the course of several shows at the Nuevo Apollo Theatre in Madrid, Spain. Highlighted by guest appearances by Jose Serrano and Luis Ortega, this release is certain to captivate you. 108 min. Standard; Soundtrack: Spanish; Subtitles: none; interviews; "making of" documentary. In Spanish; no subtitles.

If you want to know what Flamenco is all about, buy the DVD titled Sara Baras, Sabores. She is absolutely wonderful. Everyone in her company is simply amazing and the passion they portray sends the audience on an imaginary trip to mystical Spain. She is marvelous, and Luis Ortega and Juan Serrano are very worthy partners in this production. Both of them are beautiful dancers with superior abilities. They are magnificent. I love to watch someone this good. Everything about the show is great. The coreography is so beautiful and fits with all the dancers she has in her company. She surrounds herself with the highest quality performers. Every dancer is a soloist, but each one works well together in a group, which is sometimes a difficult thing to do. In this show each dancer is showcased while dancing in beautiful lines. I just can't say enough about this spectacular show and everyone should buy it that wants to see really beautiful Flamenco done in a perfect way. Every time I watch it I want to practice for the rest of my life and am reminded of all the different reasons that I love Flamenco so much. I love the music, the dancing, the singing, the castanets, and the spirituality. It all works so well together in this show, it's a show full of artistic genius and passion. This DVD overflows with Duende, and is a passionate rendition of true, pure, and beautiful Flamenco.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4