The Silkroad Ensemble: Ascending Bird | SILKROAD

Follow Silkroad here:

Santur player Siamak Aghaei and violinist Colin Jacobsen arranged a traditional folk melody that was inspired by mythology. "Ascending Bird" tells the popular legend of a bird attempting to fly to the sun. After two failed attempts, the bird finally makes contact with the sun, losing its physical body in fire, and in this way achieving a metaphorical spiritual transcendence.

The Silkroad Ensemble with Yo-Yo Ma performed this piece in Sanders Theatre at Harvard University, where the Silkroad is acting as a working laboratory to explore intersections between the arts and academics. The Ensemble draws performing artists from around the world to share traditions from various cultures and explore and expand contemporary musical crossroads.

Follow Silkroad here:

[pathoscatz]

I don't see many looking at sheet music much, mostly I see them looking at each other. This is beauty

[shatterstar]

If I was visited by an alien an asked to show it some of what I consider to be the best and most beautiful parts of humanity, I would simply show him this group of musician's playing ascending

[nah_cl]

I love so much the fact they smile to each other, like saying "Yeeaaaah"!

[nothingnewunderthesun]

Wow, my heart is deeply moved by such beautiful music. This is what different cultures are supposed to share instead of war

[sorooshsmi]

The song is originally composed by Kayhan Kalhor and his group with Brooklyn riders from the album Silent City, they are now reperforming it.

[MarioWillems]

This is not 'notes-playing', These people bring Music out of the harts and their souls! The Silkroad Ensemble is Fantastic! Thanks for your performances, for bringing these Master Works to the World.

[phlanjo]

BBC radio 3 played this piece today, thanks to the composer(s) and performers, it goes through my ears to my brain and deep into my soul. Stunning

[TheRandomAsian]

Forgive the pun but this music makes my heart soar and it's absolutely beautiful. The pitch bend at 3:05 gives me life and 3:20 is the equivalent to a great bass drop.

[dtrixkc]

Dear sweet baby is music at it's highest level. A work of art.

[lockdownudein]

More goosebumps than a middle-school library.

[johnmarion]

I love this! They all work together, and on a very deep level.
Yo Yo Ma is the bomb!
He gathered this international group, and made genius music
Bless all these very talented people.

[BarbYoungPPCStrategies]

Symphony NH performed this last night and it was electric!! Just amazing.

[creativemusicmakingworksho]

One of the most elevating works I've ever heard.

[sgtlamancha]

I had no idea who Silkroad was until saw a Playing For Change rendition of Peace Train. That led me here. Never heard of this song either. Now I won’t forget either of them.

[margaretdavis]

Thank you Raed Albustany  for the story behind the lovely music. I was in awe.

[materialgrl]

So incredible!! Anyone else hear a bit of Mozart's Confutatis in the strings?

[gayleoverly]

I don’t care who you are. This song is fabulous and it brings me a lot of peace.

[Hadrhune]

Just my favorite piece of music. So powerful.

[carolsellers]

Thrilling, Brilliant, the maximum excellence in art, design, drama, skill, variety, talent, beauty, expertise ever I've experienced! Makes my heart sing and dance and thrill with joy!

[annieyue]

Thank you! This fantastic group of musicians represented true art, beauty of cooperation, love and courage to make changes!