Asia Music Various Artists 2 CD set

Some of the world's greatest artistic and musical treasures followed the famed Silk Road, the great trade route of Central Asia, from India through China and eventually on to Japan. Over the centuries, this migration has left its mark on the musical traditions of about half of the world's population; yet despite the recent interest in world music, much of the music of the Far East is still unfamiliar to Western listeners.
Asia Music is an unusual primer of Eastern works. The traditions of India, Tibet, China, and Japan are presented side by side with contemporary works that draw on their traditions. Many of the works, both old and new, are surprisingly accessible to Westerners, especially when an ancient piece from an unfamiliar Chinese instrument is heard next to an American piece for the same instrument; or a contemporary Chinese piece for familiar orchestral instruments.

The range of music on Asia Music is extraordinary, both historically and sonically. Some pieces are over a thousand years old; others were written within the last decade. Instruments whose techniques and repertoires have developed over centuries are heard, such as the Indian sitar, the Chinese cheng, and the Japanese koto. But modern instruments and technology have also become important features of contemporary Asian music and these recordings include works that combine traditional Oriental sounds with electronic instruments and processing.

For the casual listener, Asia Music, is the perfect introduction to some of the richest musical traditions in the world. For the aficionado of music, these recordings will provide the opportunity to hear a thoughtprovoking blend of the new and old, from musicians representing all of the major Eastern traditions.


the artists
The range of music presented here is mirrored in the diversity of its musicians. Some of the most acclaimed Chinese classical or traditional musicians are included, but so are a number of musicians that have made reputations for themselves in the West, including flutist, Paul Horn, and synthesizer and drum master, Stomu Yamashta, the Monks of the Dip Tse Chok Ling Monastery share the stage with Krishna Chakravarty, a rare female sitar virtuoso. Other artists include New Zealand's David Parsons, who uses electronic and sampling technology to weave the sounds of India and Tibet into his own music. The Shanghai Film Orchestra is also part of the colorful lineup of performers on these extendedlength recordings.

tracklist
Disk 1:
1 A Traditional Composition for Gya Ling and Dung Chen (Excerpt) performed by The Monks of the Dip Tse Chok Ling Monastery - from Sacred Ceremonies (17074) 2'14"
2 Kamimu performed by Tomoko Sunazaki - from Tegoto (17068) 8'04"
3 Three Variations on Plum Blossom performed by Du Chong and Lei-ji - from The Hugo Masters, Vol. 3 (13044) 4'19"
4 Raga Tilang by Paul Horn - from In India & Kashmir (15009) 4'33"
5 Spring Morning in Suzhou performed by Deng Jian-dong and Wang Wen-li - from The Hugo Masters, Vol. 1 (13042) 6'25"
6 Varuna Ghat (Excerpt) by David Parsons - from Yatra (18072) 4'35"
7 Improvisation #2 by Masayuki Koga - from Heart of the Wind 1'46"
8 Introspection by G.S. Sachdev - from Full Moon (17037) 9'11"
9 Sanka (A Poem in Praise, Excerpt) perfomed by Tomoko Sunazaki - from Seoto (Sound of the Rapids) 8'06"
10 Music of a Thousand Springs, Part 3 performed by The Shanghai Film Orchestra - from In C (13026) 8'29"
11 Qua cau gio bay (Breeze Over the Bridge) perfomed by Trieu Tien Vuong and musicians of Hanoi - from The Music of Vietnam, Vol. 1.1 (13082) 3'40"
12 Emanations of Buddha performed by The Monks of the Dip Tse Chok Ling Monastery - from Sacred Ceremonies 2 (17079) 5'36"
13 Song of the Yue People performed by The Hubei Song and Dance Ensemble - from The Imperial Bells of China (17075) 2'37"
14 Moon Dance by Paul Horn - from China (11080) 2'34"
15 Manj-Khamaj perfomed by various artists - from In India & Kashmir (15009) 3'22"
16 Sathouka perfomed by the Pinpeat Orchestra of Siem Riep - from The Music of Cambodia, Vol. 1 (13074) 3'41"
Total Time: 79'19"

Disk 2:
1 Like Waves Against Sand performed by Ma mei Ye - from The Hugo Masters, Vol. 2 (13043) 4'10"
2 Sashi No Kyoku peformed by Masayuki Koga - from Eastwind (17067) 4'08"
3 Moonlit Night of Stone Forest peformed by Liu Bo - from The Hugo Masters, Vol. 2 (13043) 4'40"
4 Under the Pines peformed by Paul Horn and David Mingye - from China (11080) 7'19"
5 Dhun In Raga Mishra peformed by Krishna Chakravarty - from Ananda (17046) 9'45"
6 Prasat Wai peformed by the Northern Thai String Ensemble and Chiang Yuen Ensemble - from Fong Naam: Ancient-Contemporary Music from Thailand (14098) 4'19"
7 Laang Preah Poun Leah peformed by unidentified Mahori Orchestra from Phnom Penh - from The Music of Cambodia, Vol. 2 (13075) 2'20"
8 Divine Silhouettes (Yogo) (Excerpt) by Masakazu Yoshizawa - from Kyori: Innervisions (17052) 9'23"
9 Clouds peformed by various artists - from The Imperial Bells of China (17075) 2'55"
10 The Idle Song-Thrush perfomed by various artists - from The Hugo Masters, Vol. 3 (13044) 2'39"
11 Doc Con Xa peformed by Pham Van Ty and percussion Ensemble - from The Music of Vietnam, Vol. 1.1 (13082) 4'07"
12 Time by Stomu Yamashta - from Sea & Sky (11072) 7'39"
13 Dorje Ling by David Parsons - from Dorje Ling (17076) 6'02"
14 The Praises for Guyashamaya (Sangva Duva) performed by The Monks of the Dip Tse Chok Ling Monastery - from Sacred Ceremonies (17074) 5'33"
15 Homeward Prose perfomed by Cheng Gong Liang - from The Hugo Masters, Vol. 2 (13043) 4'01"
Total Time: 79'05"