Traditional classical music from Afghanistan : Daud Khan, Essa Kassimi, Ensemble Kaboul, produced by Cobie Ivens
I– Daud Khan.
The fact that few recordings of Afghan music are available on the Western market does not detract from the fact that this tribute by maestro Daud Khan to his homeland is an absolute masterpiece in itself. This music, which branches out into countless genres, from sung poetry to instrumental pieces and ragas, is practiced primarily in urban areas and historically had close ties with those of Pakistan and India. However, Afghan ragas differ significantly from their Indian counterparts, particularly in terms of playing style, which emphasizes rhythmic accentuation.
CD. Tribute to Afghanistan – Daud Khan.
LABEL: Felmay (2004) code: FY 8077. VIDEO
II– Essa Kassimi.
He was born in Kabul in 1932. He descends from a royal court family and is known for his historic album Le Luth Afghan from 1979. He lived in Cologne, Germany, for decades. L’art du rabâb d’Afghanistan is a classical album by him, originally recorded in 1979.
The performance we are going to listen to is a virtuos virtuoso rendition of a traditional raga called Rag airi bairo, accompanied by Nazir Khan on tablas.
CD. L’art du rabâb d’Afghanistan – Essa Kassimi.
LABEL: Arion (1998) code: ARN 60444. VIDEO
III– Ensemble Kaboul.
It is no exaggeration to say that Ensemble Kaboul has kept Afghan music alive over the years. The ensemble, based in Geneva and led by Khaled Arman, who plays the rebab-lute – the Afghan national instrument – represents the traditional and popular sound of Afghan music.
Thanks to its location at the crossroads of Asia, Afghan music is a blend of Indian, Persian, and Central Asian sounds – and in the hands of a group like this, it naturally holds international appeal.
CD. Nastara – Ensemble Kaboul.
LABEL: Arion (2001) code: ARN 64543. VIDEO
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