#5187, Non-Western Orchestral Sounds

If you live in the Western hemisphere, you likely associate the word “orchestra” with jazz or classical music. If there’s one thing big bands and chamber orchestras have in common, it’s the concept of structure and standardized instrumentation. But in other parts of the world, the word “orchestra” may imply an entirely different context. An Indian orchestra would be amiss without the sitar, and one could hardly imagine a traditional Egyptian orchestra without the oud or qanun. Throw synthesized textures into their midst and suddenly the sound palette expands even more. On this episode of New Sounds, we dive into both new and old music that combines orchestral sounds from West Africa, North Africa, Near East, and South Asia.

The orchestral electronica duo from England, Bombay Dub Orchestra, is back with their heavily Indian and Jamaican influenced single, “View From Space”, after a long hiatus. British-Indian singer Najma’s interpretation of S.D. Burman’s “Aaj Madhosh Hua Jaye Re” became a Bollywood hit when it was released three decades ago but still stands the test of time. The music for “A La Dina Dana” was composed by the Norwegian pianist Jon Balke, but the contributions from Moroccan vocalist Amina Alaoui and Algerian violinist Kheir-Eddine M'Kachiche introduce North African themes to his Baroque-leaning arrangement.  

There are other Western composers who look to the East for their orchestral inspirations as well. London-based saxophonist Jack Wyllie’s new electronic project Paradise Cinema was recorded in Senegal with mbalax percussionists Khadim Mbaye (saba drums) and Tons Sambe (tama drums). Philip Glass composed his score, titled Powaqqatsi, for the 1988 documentary by Godfrey Reggio, featuring all kinds of instruments from various cultures around the world in line with the film’s narrative.

Later, Egyptian-Belgian artist Natacha Atlas’s enchanting vocal performance on “Adam's Lullaby”, which was composed by her and English musician Jocelyn Pook for the 2007 film, Brick Lane, will prepare your ears for a deep cut we’ll close this chapter with: the late Egyptian singer Oum Kalthoum’s “Hadeeth El Rouh”, recorded in 1967. - Sırma Munyar

(Photo of Najma from her website.)

Program #5187, Non-Western Orchestral Sounds (First aired 9/25/26)

ARTIST: Bombay Dub Orchestra
WORK: View From Space [1:22]
RECORDING: View From Space
SOURCE: Six Degrees Records
INFO: https://bombayduborchestra.bandcamp.com/album/view-from-space-remixes 

ARTIST: Najma, S.D. Burman
WORK: Aaj Madhosh Hua Jaye Re [4:26]
RECORDING: Forbidden Kiss: The Music of S.D. Burman
SOURCE: Shanachie
INFO: Available on digital streaming platforms including Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon. 

ARTIST: Jon Balke, Amina Alaoui, Jon Hassell, Kheir-Eddine M'Kachiche, Bjarte Eike
WORK: A La Dina Dana [3:27]
RECORDING: Siwan
SOURCE: ECM
INFO: https://ecmrecords.com/product/siwan-jon-balke-amina-alaoui-jon-hassell-kheir-eddine-mkachiche-bjarte-eike/

ARTIST: Youssou N'Dour
WORK: Tijaniyya [5:44]
RECORDING: Egypt
SOURCE: Nonesuch Records
INFO: https://www.discogs.com/master/230401-Youssou-NDour-Egypt

ARTIST: Bombay Dub Orchestra
WORK: View From Space [8:08]
RECORDING: View From Space
SOURCE: Six Degrees Records
INFO: https://bombayduborchestra.bandcamp.com/album/view-from-space-remixes 

ARTIST: Paradise Cinema
WORK: Possible Futures [6:18]
RECORDING: Paradise Cinema
SOURCE: Gondwana Records
INFO: https://paradise-cinema.bandcamp.com/album/paradise-cinema

ARTIST: Philip Glass
WORK: Powaqqatsi: New Cities in Ancient Lands, India [6:53]
RECORDING: Powaqqatsi
SOURCE: Nonesuch Records
INFO: https://philipglass.com/recordings/powaqqatsi/ 

ARTIST: Natacha Atlas
WORK: Adam's Lullaby [5:57]
RECORDING: Something Dangerous
SOURCE: Mantra Recordings
INFO: https://www.discogs.com/master/187860-Natacha-Atlas-Something-Dangerous

ARTIST: Oum Kalthoum
WORK: Hadith El Rouh [4:41]
RECORDING: Hadeeth Al Rouh
SOURCE: Membran Music Ltd.
INFO: Try Discogs