The music of our grandparents, and their grandparents, all the great Tuvan ensembles of the post-Soviet era - Tuva Ensemble, Huun-Huur-Tu, Chirgilchin, Andrei Mongush; Alexander Sarzhat-ool, Sun Ra, Jimi Hendrix, Sarymai
Sounds Like
Well in a way, it does of course 'sound like' other Tuvan groups such as Huun-Huur-tu or Chirgilchin. However, a somewhat attentive listener will notice the subtle creativeness of the song arrangements. We compose new songs, and arrange songs that we remember from childhood, such as "Saryglar."
The ensemble Alash is carrying the proud traditions of Tuvan music into the future. They are among the first of a new generation of Tuvan musicians who have matured in the musically fertile and adventurous post-communist period in Tuva. Having been students not only of well-known musicians such as Kongar-ool Ondar, they are also recipients of the musical knowledge of their own families and regions.
The ensemble was formed in 1999 in the basement of the Kyzyl Arts College under the name of Changy-Xaya and became the resident traditional ensemble at the school. At this time in Tuva there was occurring a great groundswell of support for the education of Tuva's "treasures," i.e. its unique artistic traditions esp. concerning Xoomei, or throat singing.
However, while the lads were playing traditional music on their own time in the damp basement on Kochetovo street, they were learning the ways of harmony, theory, staff notation and western classical music on instruments that were strange hybrids of Tuvan traditional instruments and violins and cellos etc. They found these instruments also appealing, and have now begun exploration in the new sound worlds that arise in their unique, dual musical consciousness.
Two of the members of Alash were students of master Xoomeizhi (throat-singer) Kongar-ool Ondar at the Republic School of the Arts, and Mr. Ondar has played a key role in the life of the ensemble since its early days as Artistic Director, encouraging and guiding their formation as an ensemble. However, the members of the ensemble acknowledge the influence of many diverse sources - Tuvan and otherwise - in the work.
In the words of ensemble member Mai-ool Sedip, "Our music, Tuvan music, will always be there. We are simply its players. As young musicians and graduates of the Arts college, we like to play within the great range of expression that the tradition offers, finding areas where our knowledge of complex rhythms and western harmonies mesh well with the traditional sound and feel of Tuvan music. In addition, we frequently employ instruments not used by other Tuvan ensembles, old instruments such as the murgu, shoor and limpi [wind instruments], which are not as frequently played in Tuva these days."
Thanks for the add! I think your music is incredible and what a talent! Hope that Oklahoma City makes your Fall US tour (or somewhere close) to be able to experience in person. Take care ~Kally~
Hi Alash ... Thanks for taking part in my page for musicians of the world ... blessings from the Swallow's Nest in Zhengzhou City, Henan Province, China, Clay, Pam & Xiaoqing
Hi Alash ... Thanks for taking part in my page for musicians of the world ... blessings from the Swallow's Nest in Zhengzhou City, Henan Province, China, Clay, Pam & Xiaoqing
Thank you very much for accepting our invitation. Discovering your fantastic music was educational and exciting at the same time. Greetings from Perú, Antonio
since I heard your music for the first time in 1998 I immedatly fell in love with this beautifull traditional singing. Thanks for the add. Have a great day Fons.
Hello Alash, what a fun find to discover your Tuvan music on myspace. I found your song samples very interesting. Have fun on your musical journey. -John
Good tracks here too !!! You can download for free on our page 3 new mastered full tracks, hope you'll enjoy ;-) Greetings from South fo France Peace and Groove HappY-T
the bird of night. go to past. whithout the noise. on your track. at outshirts from your gardens. a must. they have the eyes piercing. they slide on the time. been push wist the wind. he is the silences. he is the look . WHO SAY WHOLE. I LIKE YOUR MUSIC have the great week end .friendship
