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The Caucasus

 


Week #131 in the history of Al compas del mundo takes us to a corner of the globe never explored on the show previously to any real degree: the Caucasus, consisting of Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia. Is this region the birthplace of the “Caucasian” race? Likely not, but based on an outdated, biblical (need I say more?) and discredited morphology, the entire human race originated there, while the fair-skinned Whites were the cream of the crop. 

Of course, this is a quick and easy look-see at the region and their folklore. Nothing comprehensive here. If you want the full-bore of musical knowledge, you’ll need to head off to YouTube. Search any of these groups and you’ll be led down a rabbit hole of related songs, dances and customs long-held and proudly celebrated. Georgia is one place many in the West have heard of, if only for the (un)fortunate coincidence of its namesake in the US South. It should better be known as the distinctive home of polyphony, or multi-voice singing of contrasting melodies in harmony.  Hard to conjure up an image of what that might sound like? Follow this search on YouTube for a sublime example: განდაგანა • Gandagana | Basiani. 

What other notable tendencies might one hear in this music? Azerbijani tunes bear a similarity to Persian counterparts, not surprising as they share a lengthy border and their populations are mostly Muslim. And while I looked to include examples from Christian Armenia that were uplifting and danceable, a very large portion of traditional music from there is slow and dirge-like. Perhaps due to a historic record frequently filled with war, suffering and woe? This concept brings up another observation that merits mention. Most of the vintage photos showing images of men from throughout the region, find them posing while armed. A dagger, sword or musket appear to be ubiquitous back in the day. And even in current times, musical groups performing the traditional styles will often dress with a dagger hanging at the waist. I have to admit it’s a relief to attend a concert in the US without the symbolic threat of getting stuck with a knife. The AK-47s we prefer are much better equipped for the job.

So open up your mind to what are, likely, unfamiliar sounds and take an armchair journey to the Caucasus. And remember what your mama always told you: ხევსურეთი , საქართველო არის ესე!

Al compas del mundo - programa #131Runlist - The Caucasus
First broadcast 6-6-24



01 Aslan Dudar - Sosruko Kafe  (Circassia)

02 Elmira Rəhimova - Axtarma Məni (Azerbaijan)

03 Marem Gökhan Şen - Лъагъуныгъэ Уэрэд (Circassia)

04 Betal Ivanov- Batse tsyku (Kabardia)

05 Arpi Alto y grupo - Akh, Nare Nare  (Armenia)

06 Trio Mandili with the Legiana Collective - 't Smidje (Georgia)

07 Anonymous - Georgian Folk Song (Georgia)

08 Anonymous - Ay, Lazzat (Daghestan)

09 Tızeğus - Qafe (Circassia)

10 İlhamə Quliyeva - Dağlar qızı Reyhan (Azerbaijan)

11 Armenian folk group - Kinovi Bar (Armenia)

12 Abkhaz Song and Dance Ensemble - Bgazhba Izi Ashva (Abkhazia)

13 Aminat Napsheva - Zenybzheguish (Circassia)

14 Ensemble Basiani - Gandagana (Georgia)

15 Lok-Batan Folklore Group - Heydarbaba (Azerbaijan)

16 ხევსურეთი , საქართველო არის ესე (Georgia)

17 Abkhaz Song and Dance Ensemble - Azamat (Abkhazia)



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