Maung, Inle Myint/Yi Yi Thant / Mahagita: Harp & Vocal Music
Album: Mahagita: Harp & Vocal Music   Collection:World
Artist:Maung, Inle Myint/Yi Yi Thant   Added:Feb 2003
Label:Smithsonian/Folkways  

A-File Activity
Add Date: 2003-02-10 Pull Date: 2003-04-14 Charts: Reggae/World
Week Ending: Feb 23
Airplays: 1

Recent Airplay
1. Feb 01, 2014: Music Casserole
Longing in a Forest Glade
3. Feb 18, 2003: No Cover, No Minimum
Glory of the King
2. Sep 16, 2004: Sun in Libra, Moon in Pisces
In Praise of Burmese Harp

Album Review
Fo
Reviewed 2003-02-09
INLE MYINT MAUNG & YI YI THANT - "Mahagitá"
Smithsonian Folkways, 2002

Beautiful classical Burmese duets for vocalist and a small "arched harp" called the saùn gau', recorded in 2000. The late Inle Myint Maung, who died while this CD was in press, was one of the greatest masters of the harp and the song form presented here, thachìn gyì. Along with the largely improvised harp and recitative vocals you will hear a small bell and wooden clapper, held by the singer. The lyrics are sung in a clear, straightforward manner, but are written in an archaic style with complex rhyme schemes that match the shifting rhythms of the harp and bell. My untrained ears cannot really distinguish between the pieces, so I have simply indicated the times below. All the selections are lovely and relaxing.

Fo's Picks: any track, but you may prefer the short ones

1. 12:01
2. 6:19
3. 11:12
4. 8:55
5. 9:08
6. 5:47
7. 6:49
8. 7:53
9. 8:09

[Fo] - 2/9/03

Track Listing
1. In Praise of Burmese Harp   5. A Huntsman Enchanted
2. Glory of the King   6. Longing in a Forest Glade
3. Rain and a Princess   7. Twelve Royal Gates
4. Lonely in the Forest   8. King's Potency
  9. Waiting