Publisher's Synopsis
These recent recordings of a centuries-old musical form were made in Kashmir and in Varanasi, India. Five exquisite songs speak of love, life and death, of God, of the Prophet Muhammad and his early followers. Qawali in its current musical form was introduced in India toward the end of the 13th century. It is sung in both Hindi and Urdu-speaking regions of North India, usually by professional Muslim Qawals (singers), while the musicians are generally Hindus. The instruments used are those popular with the folk musicians of North India: the harmonium, the sarangi or broad-necked fiddle, the barrel-shaped double-headed drum (dholak) and a pair of cymbals. 60-minute CD; includes photos, introduction and song lyrics.
