Music of the Edo Period (BM 30 L 2014) an LP recorded in Japan in 1962 and released in Germany in 1966

 

Here we have a LP recorded in 1962 by NHK in Japan and released as part of the well-known UNESCO series of LPs on the Bärenreiter-Musicaphon label in 1966.

The Edo period in Japan, lasting from 1603 to 1868, was marked by profound cultural and artistic developments, including the evolution of a distinct musical landscape. During this time music played a crucial role in reflecting societal changes and expressing the unique aesthetic sensibilities of the time.

One of the notable characteristics of Edo period music was its integration of various traditional Japanese musical styles, such as gagaku (court music), shomyo (Buddhist chanting), and min'yo (folk songs). These diverse influences contributed to the rich tapestry of Edo music, creating a mixture that mirrored the eclectic nature of the period.

24bit, 96kHz FLAC file (935 MB)

Very high resolution lossless files

16bit, 44.1kHz FLAC file (267 MB)

Standard resolution lossless files 

320kbps mp3 file (154 MB)

The highest quality lossy mp3 possible

Kishori Amonkar: Marathi Songs (EMI 7EPE 1365) an EP recorded and released in India in 1968

Here is an interesting EP of classical vocalist Kishori Amonkar singing two modern songs in the Marathi language in 1968.

The two songs are, "He Shyamsunder Manamohan" and "Jain Vicharit Raanfula."

The lyrics are by Shanta Shelke and the music was composed by Hridaynath Mangeshkar (brother of Lata and Asha). 

Equipment used in this transfer: 

Preparation: Ultrasonic cleaning for 20 minutes in clean water.

Turntable: Technics SL-1200

Cartridge: Audio-technica AT33MONO

Pre-amplification: Vintage refurbished Pioneer SX-780.

Recorder: Sound Devices MixPre6ii at 24bit/48kHz resolution

Software: Audacity, Izotope Elements, and xAct. 

24bit, 48kHz mono FLAC files (103 MB)

very high resolution lossless FLAC files

16bit, 44.kHz mono FLAC files (69 MB)

these lossless files can be burned to CDR, if you are into that

320 kbps mono mp3 files (63 MB)

highest quality mp3 files possible 

Gladag-Badung vol 3 -- a cassette of gamelan music recorded and released in Bali

Here we have a cassette I purchased in the mid-1980s. I had very little luck finding out any information about it on the internet. It is nonetheless delightful.

Balinese gamelan is an intricate musical tradition which holds a central place in the island’s rich cultural tapestry. Rooted in the island's Hindu and Buddhist traditions, Balinese gamelan is a complex ensemble of percussion instruments, producing a harmonious and rhythmic symphony that captivates both the ears and the soul.

The origins of gamelan can be traced back over a thousand years, with influences from Java and the Majapahit Empire. The music is deeply intertwined with religious ceremonies, traditional rituals, and artistic performances.

Central to gamelan is its distinctive ensemble of percussive instruments. These include metallophones, gongs, drums, and other metallic instruments, collectively creating a shimmering and resonant sound. The instruments are organized into sets, or "gamel," each with a specific role and pitch range.

Transfer: Nakamichi Dragon cassette deck, extensively refurbished and rebuilt.
Pre-amplification: Vintage refurbished Pioneer SX-780.
Recorder: Sound Devices MixPre6ii at 24bit/48kHz resolution
Software: Audacity and xAct.
Monitoring: Digital line out from a MacBook, Focal Spirit One headphones with Schitt Audio Asgard headphone preamp with 4490 DAC

downloads:

24bit, 48kHz FLAC files (733 MB)

very high resolution lossless FLAC files

16bit, 44.kHz FLAC files (385 MB)

these lossless files can be burned to CDR, if you are into that

320 kbps mp3 files (136 MB)

highest quality lossy mp3 files possible 

Oum Kalthoum: Rabiaa El Adawia (Sono Cairo SC 22-117) an LP issued in France in 1968

We begin again here at the World Music Village blog. The goal as always is to make some sort of effort to help preserve our precious human musical culture against the forces of neglect. In my opinion this process is most successful when the highest audio and graphic standards are maintained and files are allowed to be downloaded rather than just streamed.

Here is a really lovely LP released in 1968 in France featuring the great Oum Kalthoum. 

Files were downloaded from the Internet Archive. Painstaking manual reduction of surface noise and clicks/pops as well as balancing of the channels (left was 2dB quieter than right) was undertaken in Audacity. Graphic files were optimized in the free Mac software known as "Photos." 

I thank you for listening to this album. 

24bit, 96kHz FLAC file (921 MB)

Very high resolution lossless files

16bit, 44.1kHz FLAC file (277 MB)

Standard resolution lossless files 

320kbps mp3 file (167 MB)

The highest quality lossy mp3 possible

Sacred Music of Tibet (Ocora OCR 71) an LP issued in France in 1983

Here is a wonderful LP released on Ocora of recordings of Buddhist Monks performing rituals in Tibet.

 

This transfer came with no information on who made it or what equipment was used. The levels were quite low (I had to boost them by 16dB -- approximately tripling the volume). After some removal of clicks and pops and reducing turntable rumble, it sounds quite nice -- much better and more dynamic than the later CD issue.

downloads:

16bit, 44.1kHz FLAC file (218 MB)

320kbps mp3 file (97MB)

Imrat Khan: Raga Shree (EASD 1403) an LP issued in India in 1974

Here is another vinyl transfer from the internet which I have tidied up a bit and now present for your enjoyment.

Quite a bit of audio restoration was required. Aside from a lot of effort in removing pops and clicks, I tried to reduce turntable rumble noise where the audio frequencies sometimes reached up into those of the musicians'. Therefore I needed to leave some in place.

I took the liberty of narrowing the stereo image slightly so that there is less of a hard right-and-left image. This idea of having one performer in one channel and another in the other channel might have sounded good at the time, but it can be unpleasant, especially when using headphones.

Imrat Khan here plays surbahar for the alap and then switches to sitar for the gats.

downloads:

16bit, 44.1kHz FLAC file (261 MB)

320kbps mp3 file (111MB)

Parveen Sultana: Self-titled LP (ECSD 2480) an LP issued in India in 1971

Occasionally I will encounter vinyl transfers of world music on the internet which I believe could sound better. 

 

This is one of those LPs. I downloaded it at some point in the past and could find no information about who transferred it or what equipment was used.  

 

The rarity of the music caused me to want to remaster both the audio and the image of the front cover.  After some time spent using ClickRepair and the audio editing program called "Audacity," this now sounds quite nice. 

 

I certainly hope I'll find time to upload more such "rescued and remastered" albums on this blog during the next few months.

 

Parveen Sultana was born in 1950 and began recording for EMI in India in her early 20s. She continues to remain active to this day.

Parveen Sultana: Vocal

Mahadev Indorkar: Tabla

side one:

01 Raga Salag Varali Todi

side two:

02 Raga Lalit

03 Thumri 

downloads:

24bit, 96kHz FLAC file (866 MB)

16 bit, 44.1kH FLAC file (269 MB)

320kbps mp3 file (100MB)