Music of Central Asia Vol. 7: In the Shrine of the Heart: Popular Classics from Bukhara and Beyond (Smithsonian Folkways SFW40526, 2010)
The seventh volume of the Music of Central Asia collection presents some of the essential artists from the Bukhara area of Uzbekistan. In the Shrine of the Heart: Popular Classics from Bukhara and Beyond features lyrical ballads, devotional songs, and instrumental pieces.
The artists featured include:
-
<
- strong>Farhod Davletov on vocal and tar (double-chested plucked lute), accompanied by Shuhrat Razzaqov on dutar (two-stringed long necked fretted lute), Habibulla Kurambaev on doyra (frame drum with jingles) and Murod Norkuziev on ghijak (round-bodied spike fiddle);
- Nodira Pirmatova on vocal and dutar (two-stringed long necked fretted lute), accompanied by Mirghiyos Mukhitdinov on doyra, Nabidjan Kadirov on violin, Mansurbek Vaisov on Kashgar rubab (a plucked, long-necked lute);
- Mahmudjon Tojibaev on vocal and tar;
- Nasiba Omonboeva on vocal;
- Sirojiddin Juraev on dutar;
- Dilbarjan Bekturdyeva on vocal and saz (accordion).
The musicians on Popular Classics from Bukhara and Beyond perform music rooted in the urban song traditions of Uzbek cities, such as Bukhara, Samarkand, Tashkent, Qoqand, and Khiva.
“Globalization of course acts on tradition,” said Mahmudjon Tojibaev in a wide-ranging discussion that followed the recording session for In the Shrine of the Heart. “But a lot of young people are studying at the conservatory [in Tashkent, capital of Uzbekistan] in the traditional singing department. In Communist times, you could count on your fingers the number of people who studied traditional music. Now there’s a large contingent, and among them are some fine musicians. If they continue to find inspiration, I firmly believe that our traditions will not die.”
The beautifully packaged set includes a bonus DVD with the series introduction, a 27-minute film, and a 48-page Booklet.
Buy the album:
- In North America: Music of Central Asia Vol. 7: In the Shrine of the Heart: Popular Classics from Bukhara and Beyond. Other recordings available: Music of Central Asia Vol. 1: Tengir-Too Mountain Music of Kyrgyzstan, Music of Central Asia Vol. 2: Invisible Face of the Beloved, Music of Central Asia Vol. 3: Art of the Afghan Rubâb, Music of Central Asia 4: Bardic Divas, Badakhshan Ensemble: Song and Dance from the Pamir Mountains (Music of Central Asia, Vol. 5), Music Central Asia 6: Alim & Fargana, Rainbow: Music Of Central Asia Vol. 8, Music of Central Asia Vol. 9
- In Europe: Music of Central Asia Vol. 7: In the Shrine of the Heart: Popular Classics from Bukhara and Beyond. Other recordings available: Music of Central Asia Vol. 8, Music of Central Asia Vol. 9 (CD + DVD) Foosteps of Babur
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
