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
風格近似
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."
ALASH ENSEMBLE is a quartet of master throat singers (xöömeizhi) from Tuva, a tiny republic in the heart of Central Asia. The ancient art of throat singing (xöömei) developed among the nomadic herdsmen of this region. Alash remains grounded in this tradition while expanding its musical vocabulary with new ideas from the West.
Name:The ensemble is named for the Alash River, which runs through the musicians' native region of Tuva. The Alash River has also inspired a couple of Tuvan songs which carry its name.
Background: All members of Alash were trained in traditional Tuvan music since childhood, first learning from their families, and later becoming students of master throat singers. In 1999, as students at Kyzyl Arts College, they formed a group called Changy-Xaya. They practiced in the damp college basement on Kochetovo Street, and soon became the resident traditional ensemble on campus. At the same time they learned about western music, practiced on hybrid Tuvan-European instruments, and listened to new trends coming out of America. Under the guidance of Kongar-ool Ondar (best known to western audiences for his role in the film Genghis Blues), they began to forge a new musical identity. They introduced the guitar and sometimes even the Russian bayan (accordion) into their arrangements, alongside their traditional Tuvan instruments. They experimented with new harmonies and song structures. The effect is an intriguing mixture of old and new.
Influences: The musicians are inspired by the music of their grandparents, great-grandparents, and the great musicians of Tuva and Central Asia. At the same time they are influenced by such western artists as Sun Ra and Jimi Hendrix. Yet the Alash musicians never sacrifice the integrity of their heritage in an effort to make their music more hip for an American audience. Rather they look for contemporary ideas that mesh well with the sound and feel of traditional Tuvan music.
Alash in America: Alash's inaugural U.S. tour was sponsored in 2006 by the Open World Leadership program of the Library of Congress and the National Endowment for the Arts. Since then, they have returned to tour extensively, playing to enthusiastic audiences and presenting workshops to eager students of all ages. The Washington Post described their music as "utterly stunning," quipping that after the performance "audience members picked their jaws up off the floor."
Collaborations: Members of Alash enjoy working across musical genres. They have collaborated with such diverse groups as the innovative jazz ensemble Sun Ra Arkestra, the bluegrass/fusion/jazz band Béla Fleck and Flecktones, and the classical Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center's Student Producers Program. They are guest artists on the holiday CD "Jingle All the Way" by Béla Fleck and Flecktones, released 30 September 2008.
Awards: Both the Alash ensemble and individual members have consistently won top honors in throat singing competitions. The ensemble was awarded first prize in Tuva's International Xöömei Symposium competition in 2004. At the Fifth International Xöömei Symposium in 2008, three Alash musicians swept the top prizes for individual throat singing, and the fourth took top honors for his duet performance with his wife. In 2007, Alash member Bady-Dorzhu Ondar was named People's Xöömeizhi of the Republic of Tuva, the youngest person ever to receive this prestigious award. Even Alash's American manager, Sean Quirk, was named a Merited Artist of Tuva for his contribution to Tuvan culture. In addition, Quirk and all Alash members play in the Tuvan National Orchestra, which has won both first prize and grand prize in the All-Russia National Orchestra and Ensemble Competition.
when could i have a bit more wisdom? i would like to ride a horse in the countrysides,i would like to meet people like you, but they hide thanks for your trad music thanks for your warm songs take care sevan
We wish you & your families a happy, healthy fruit- & successful New Year of the Earth Cow!! May all your wishes & plans come true in the year of butter & cream!!
Shagaa Bile!!
Khoomei Throatsinging Country Punk Greetings from Berlin!!
Alash_Music is beautiful. I like to hear the music from your country of Tuva. In 1993 years I have Kyzil, Samgaldai and Erzin few concerts with the famous singer Kuumii (zoslushenie Artist) Tumat Genaddy made. Many Greetings from Germany
