Two in one: Xiang Sihua and the Kasbek Ensemble

As the title suggests, I'm trying to make up for the fact that I've failed to do a post on any music for a whole fortnight! As usual, I have a lot of work to do, so I'm having a few time management issues.

I decided that it was time for some more Chinese music and Klezmer music.

I chose to feature Xiang Sihua as my Chinese artist. I just love the way in which they prolongs the sounds, that they make with the guzheng. As you might have gathered, I haven't been able to find anything out about this artist, apart from the fact that they play the guzheng but if any one viewing this blog/blog post knows any more, I would very much welcome their enlightenment!

 I've chosen to feature the Kasbek ensemble as the Klezmer artists this time round because I like the way, in which they can evoke the emotions of their songs/compositions so well. All I know about this band is that they're an Eastern European band, who play Russian style Klezmer music. So again, anyone who knows anything more, is very much welcome to tell me more and I'll update this post if I can find out anything more.

Note this song (below) should be Heyser Bulgar:

 If you want to buy any music from the Kasbek Ensemble, I recommend buying it from iTunes, since Amazon only sell it in CD format and that costs £41.99!

Altan

I'm sorry for neglecting you last week but I hope you enjoyed the company of my sister. Thanks ever so much Susie, you were a great help!

I thought it was time for some more celtic music, so today I chose Altan. I just love the way in which their music is so jolly and relaxing, it makes me feel so happy.

Altan was founded by Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh and her late husband, Frankie Kennedy, in 1987, with the aim of bringing the music of Donegal to the world stage. They were the first traditional Irish group to be given a recording contract in 1996, when they signed with Virgin Records. Their main audience stretches from Europe to North America, although they also have a fair amount of fans in Japan.