Two years ago, the Smithsonian Folkways label and the Aga Khan Music Initiative issued Rainbow, the eighth in their series showcasing the music of Central Asia. This audio-and-DVD release recorded the meeting of a dynamic pair of father-and-daughter singers from Azerbaijan, Alim and Fargana Qasimov, accompanied by an ensemble of ethnic instruments, with the strings of the San Francisco–based Kronos Quartet. For most listeners, it was their first experience of a passionate, powerful song form, decorated with microtonal ornamentations and underscored by entrancing instrumental tones and rhythms. Next month, that fascinating collaboration will be witnessed live by audiences at the UC Berkeley and Stanford campuses. Quartet founder David Harrington was on tour with Kronos in Europe when he spoke with SFCV about the Qasimovs and what else will be offered at the local concerts.
via Kronos and Quasimov Explore Central Asia : San Francisco Classical Voice.
Ismailimail 