Alim and Fargana Qasimov

Alim and Fargana Qasimov.(Courtesy of the artists)

Spiritual Music from the World of Islam

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Alim Qasimov, Azerbaijan's best-known and most beloved singer, and his daughter Fargana Qasimova bring a charged charisma and transcendent vocal quality to performances of classical mugham and songs from the bardic ashiq tradition. The Qasimovs are accompanied by a quartet of virtuosic instrumentalists playing tar, kamancha, balaban, and hand drums. The Qasimovs last appeared in New York at the 2009 Lincoln Center Festival as members of Yo-Yo Ma's Silk Road Ensemble.

Free pre-performance lecture by ethnomusicologist Ted Levin, Dartmouth College at 7:00 pm.

Excerpt 1: "Bardasht" (1 min., 3 sec.)

Excerpt 2: "You Are the Light of My Eyes" (57 sec.)

Both excerpts are taken from the album Alim and Fargana Qasimov: Spiritual Music of Azerbaijan (Smithsonian Folkways, 2007). Shop AsiaStore for CDs.

In association with the Aga Khan Music Initiative - A Creative Voices of Islam in Asia Project. Made possible by the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art, by the New York State Council on the Arts and with major support provided by the Malaysian Government, Sapura, and Sime Darby.