Musically around the globe

“Il n’y a pas de movement, sans le rhythm” (There is not even a movement without rhythm). The words of a legendary West African music chieftain to describe the very essence of life, it is my mantra as a travelling musician. Apart from historical excursions, restaurants and sightseeing that make stereotypical itineraries, excitingly diverse musical experiences can add soul to your sojourns.

In the backyard of Western Europe, a magic beyond ghosts, castles and whiskey unfolds. Ireland is where, as is often said, every sound becomes song. Traditional Irish music leaves audiences from different parts of the globe grooving to Uilleann pipes, tin whistles, button accordions, Bodhran drums and fiddles. Quaint old pubs throughout the country resound with cheery classics in impromptu sessions, with the spontaneous participation of guests. Tap-dancing concerts and music festivals boast of smashing success each year, not to forget street musicians who dazzle with their unique genius.

The country is a storehouse of diverse and fascinating musical instruments, with a kaleidoscope of over thirty colourful tribes forming the basis of its indigenous music. This includes a mind-boggling variety of drums, fiddles like the single-stringed ‘Endingidi’ and lyres like the arched ‘Enanga’ harp, and the ‘Endongo bowl lyre’. In the expanses of rural Uganda, informal, spontaneous tribal sessions create earthshaking magic. Marriage, harvests and other occasions have unique music. Energetic dances, call-and-response singing and even contemporary genres like ‘Kidandali’, hip-hop and devotional gospel are at their soulful best.

Iran is a treasure house of mystical music and poetry. The classical ‘Radif’ system, comprising ‘Dastgah’ melodic scales, unfolds an irresistible mysticism on the listener. Instruments like the Kamanche fiddle, Santoor, Tar, Setaar, Daf and the formidable Tombak goblet drum form a soul-soothing ensemble with heart-rending vocals. Venues like Tehran’s Talar-e Vahdat, the sprawling Roudaki Hall and Eivan-e Shams host mega classical soirees by the country’s towering maestros. Travelling through rural Iran unveils the legacy of colourful folk music like Azeri, Kurdish, Kermanshahi to name a few, Sufi mystic and other religious music.

As serene as her lush cornfields is Slovakia’s traditional music. The ‘Fujara’ shepherd’s flute is the national instrument, and its shrill strains can surprisingly calm the spirit. Right from charming towns like Banska Bystrica and Banska Stiavnica to the bustle of Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital, the sound of the Fujara endears. From classical soirees by world-renowned instrumentalists, genial gypsy music to celebrated popular bands like Chiki Liki Tu-a and Sto much, it is a haven for music lovers.

Music is truly the elixir of life for Italians. Boasting a formidable classical legacy, with giants like legendary composer Antonio Vivaldi and operatic tenor Pavarotti, the works of these great masters still resound in sprawling concert halls. The Puccini Festival, held each year in July and August in Viareggio, Tuscany, attracts opera-lovers from around the globe. Tuscany’s ‘Teatro del Silenzio’ (Theatre of Silence) open-air amphitheatre hosts concerts by its president, the living classical legend Andrea Bocelli. Folk treats like the Tuscan ‘Sbandieratori’ or ‘Flag Throwing’ and the bubbly music of the Lira Calabrese (Calabrian Lyre) of Calabria in southern Italy are a refreshing contrast.