Don't Torment Me Dear

Very traditional, but as stunning as many modern experimental recordings is Don't Torment Me, Dear from Mukam Art Troupe of Xinjiang. This is the native music of the Chinese Uighur peoples who speak a Turkish tongue. Their soaring hymns focus on love for a woman and nature. Sparsely accompanied on lute, these largely vocal pieces have an Islamic Qawaali feel about them, but remain distinctly Oriental.