Various - The World Is But A Place Of Survival: Begena Songs From Ethiopia, 2x Vinyl LP

Various - The World Is But A Place Of Survival: Begena Songs From Ethiopia, 2x Vinyl LP

The ancient 10-string box lyre is a close relative of the Israelite kinnor, and is primarily seen as an accompaniment to prayer and meditation, particularly around times of fasting. Traditionally played with the left hand only, by noble men and women who would dress in a ceremonial robe called a netela, it's primarily associated with the Tewahedo church - each string is said to represent one of the Biblical 10 commandments. And it's been a crucial part of the country's cultural history since at least the 15th century CE, traditionally connecting locals with their ancient past - particularly their proximity to West Asia and the Levant. 

The begena's ubiquitousness was compromised in the 1970s, however, when revolution stamped out tradition for a few decades; it's only since the turn of the Millennium that the instrument has become an Ethiopian staple once more. Alemu Aga, the country's most well-known player and a teacher who's shared his skills with the younger generation, of course makes an appearance, speaking in slow, intentional syllables on the album's transcendent title track. It's his remarkable playing that's the best line into the begena canon - if you've never heard the instrument before, start here and let the buzzing, alien resonances wash thru yer soul, accompanied by his soft, pious utterances. Elsewhere, there's two compositions from Yetemwork Mulat that show another side to the begena, balancing its spectrum-filling frequencies with Mulat's bewitching chants.

Similarly, Sosene Gebre Eyesus - whose work was collected for a release on Portland's Little Axe imprint a few years back - contributes two of the anthology's most heart-shattering moments, singing in breathy, charismatic moans over her deceptively complex begena routines. Start with 'Elders of the Begena: The Harp of David in Ethiopia', a more concise set of begena music from Ethiopia's old guard, then move on to this one to complete the picture. It's stunning material, from beginning to end.