In this way, we should view Sri Lankan Buddhist drumming not as a simple application of pre-Buddhist rites to a nominally Buddhist context but rather as a unique, and uniquely Buddhist, art form in its own right.
]]>In Tibet sounds can heal, make ill, protect, challenge, appease, defile, purify, seduce or even liberate from worldly attachments. Sounds of the natural environment merge with human-made music and chanting in soundscapes that are intimately interconnected. While the spiritual features and healing powers of Buddhist ritual music have been often described, what is perhaps less known is the kaleidoscope of natural and human sounds against which it has been developed and performed for centuries. In this portfolio we explore some of these sacred soundscapes, their history and impacts.
]]>I know there are different worlds…
An analysis of this airy, Anishinaabemowin song about the space between us.
For an interview with this poet, listen to the bonus episode.
]]>Ka awobi owero (ber)
If the young men sing (it is well)
A traditional Lango prayer for rain in a time of drought arranged by a Cantonese-American composer and performed in grand style by Jimmer Bolden, Allie McNay and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London.
]]>Staying in your comfort zone isn’t always the best option.
The incredible stories of Brian Eno’s Oblique Strategies and Keith Jarrett’s Koln Concert and why diversity is better than it feels.
For the exciting part two, see Frankenstein versus the Volcano.
]]>the fool shut in on every side,
gets carried away by a voice.
Back in the 1930s, Alan Lomax traveled the country recording obscure musicians of all stripes for the Library of Congress. Lomax believed that the culture of poor Americans was important, and worthy of saving. And it was these same beliefs that led to an investigation by the FBI.
]]>I have no head to hang in grief
But there’s no hope for me
I’ve been set free
There’s no breeze
No ship on my sea
Phil Elverum explains how his unusual recording technique led to this one-of-a-kind break-up song.
]]>異なる声の元が
喉元までとどく
そこまで見えたものが
消されてしまう前に
Furtwängler’s Bach is no smug or mindless adaptation of Bach to the style of Wagner. It is a reaffirmation of the presence of Bach in Wagner and the simultaneous, reciprocal presence of Wagner in Bach.
A forceful argument against the modern trend of “historically authentic” musical performances.
]]>The song goes on forever then it stops. Its basic idea is that time can be defeated for an hour if everyone breathes together, but songs are not made out of ideas
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