Classic and popular recommendations in ethnic music

Skal Sun SunYoshie,Fujimaru

Gender (Gendér) in Bali

This is a solo performance on the gendèr, an instrument used in Balinese gamelan, the traditional music of Bali.

While gamelan is performed not only in Bali but also in neighboring regions, Balinese gamelan is often described as being more flamboyant compared to that of other areas.

Bellbird (Pájaro Campana)Aparishio Borudon

Los Chankas - The Chankas / Pajaro Campana - Bellbird (From the 8th Suita Folklore Festa)

This is a representative piece for the Latin American harp known as the ‘arpa.’ In Spanish, ‘arpa’ means ‘harp,’ and while its shape is that of a typical harp, it is smaller than the harp used in Western classical music and is characterized by a lighter tone.

Garden of Love, etc.Za Sukataraitsu

The Skatalites – From Paris With Love (Full Album) HD HQ Sound

This is a song by a Jamaican ska band.

While ska is a pop genre that emerged in the 1950s, it is said to be a fusion of jazz—which originated earlier in the United States—and traditional Jamaican rhythms, and it follows in the lineage of Jamaican folk music.

Ceddin DedenToruko Osuman gakurakutai

CEDDİN DEDEN

It’s a piece by a Turkish military band.

In Japan, it became instantly famous after being used effectively in the NHK drama “Ashura no Gotoku,” written by Kuniko Mukoda.

Its rhythm reminiscent of bon-odori, its wistful melody, and the male chorus are both familiar and deeply moving.

The lyrics are spirited, urging people to honor their ancestors and live with pride.

KecakBari-tō Uluwatsu Jiin

Kecak Dance / Uluwatu, Bali

A Balinese dance drama based on the Ramayana.

It draws on traditional ritual dance, and the overwhelming highlight is the “cha” rhythm kept by a male chorus ranging from several dozen to over a hundred performers.

While it sounds like a highly intricate call-and-response, it actually follows repeating patterns.

flower festivalRuisu Esuteban

CHARANGO EL HUMAHUAQUEÑO

The song “El Humahuaqueño” (Flower Festival) is a representative piece of South American folklore.

The instrument being played is the charango, which is also commonly used in South American folk music.

Since “El Humahuaqueño” has lyrics, it is often performed with singing, but charango solo renditions have their own charm as well.

freedomJoshi Jūnigakubō

12 Girls Band –女子十二楽坊– Freedom – (MV)

“Freedom” is a signature piece by the band Twelve Girls Band, a group of female musicians who play traditional instruments used in China.

Although the piece features a modern arrangement, each member is a well-trained performer on her instrument, allowing listeners to enjoy the diverse timbres of various classical instruments.