Music from the Mountains of Bhutan

In Bhutan, a mountainous, landlocked country bordering India and Tibet, music plays an important role in daily life and religious rituals. Historically, Bhutanese music was comprised of two genres: traditional ballads called zhabdro dangrem or zhungdra, and sacred music performed at religious ceremonies and festivals. Today the genres have expanded to include livelier folk songs called zhabdro gorgom (including popular Tibetan style songs called boedra) and Bhutanese contemporary music known as lu-saar. This recording features the director and founder of the Music of Bhutan Research Center, Kheng Sonam Dorji, performing on drangyen (Bhutanese lute) and singing traditional Bhutanese music along with several of his own compositions. Produced and annotated by Dorji for the 2008 Smithsonian Folklife Festival Program “Bhutan: Land of the Thunder Dragon,” this recording brings endangered musical traditions to audiences outside of Bhutan. 41 minutes, 17 pages of notes with photos.

Track Listing

101	Dungai Nanggo Nigma (The Orphan's Song) Sonam Dorji	06:41
102	Atta Sonam Dorji (Brother Sonam Dorji) Sonam Dorji	06:20
103	Gawai Nima Shar (The Song of Nature) Sonam Dorji	03:53
104	Goenzang Gi Chogla (The Devoted Pilgrim) Sonam Dorji	04:21
105	Jalu Kepai Maja (Indian-Born Peacock) Sonam Dorji	06:17
106	Nam-Gunghi Englu Zhugmi (The Skies of Paradise) Sonam Dorji	03:56
107	Ney Diney Pharla Jaytshana (The Princess and the Temple) Sonam Dorji	05:58
108	Norbu Rigi Pangshong (The Precious Treasure of Mountains) Sonam Dorji	05:41