Karuna – Devotional Songs

Felix Maria Woschek and friends
special guest: Ustad Sultan Khan
1995
Ya Quayyum
Pukar
Vandana Karun
Hari Sharanam

Karuna – Devotional Songs

The encounter with the famous Indian musician Ustad Sultan Khan gave rise to this remarkable synthesis of oriental and western music. Sultan Khan, who first came to fame in the West when he performed with the Beatles, is nowadays the most significant sarangi player in India and a magnificent singer. The sarangi, an Indian violin, has always been a popular instrument for accompanying singing on account of its gentle, wistful sound.

Combined with Felix’s warm, clear voice, it produces an atmosphere of longing which immediately enters the heart.

The first part of the CD is a rhythmic piece in which the Sufi mantras sung by Felix Maria Woschek and Sultan Khan, interwoven with sensitive Sarangi improvisations, produce truly mystic music. The pulsating touch of Engelhardt’s masterly drumming draws the listener deeply under its spell. The style of the Sufi-Dikr enables the intensity of the music to rise over a period of half an hour from the tranquil „Alap“ mood to a state of pure ecstasy and finally, at the climax of its tension, to enter into the peace of perfect unity.

The second part consists of a Sanskrit hymn to the Mother Godhead (Karunamayi) in the Alap style, and of two melodious bhajans (Hindu temple hymns).

A production of the highest musical and spiritual level.

Sultan Khan Sarangi, Vocals
Raimund Engelhardt Tabla, Arabian Frame, Drum, Rabab
Elke Woschek Vocals
Ishtar Woschek Harp
Felix Maria Woschek Vocals, Harmonium, Synthesizer, Bass, Tambura

Playing time 54 minutes.

Reviews

Karuna

Woschek’s latest CD, „Karuna“, contains four longer pieces described as „Devotional Songs“.
One point deserving special mention is the collaboration of the world-famous Sultan Khan (vocal and sarangi), which inevitably gives „Karuna“ an Indian touch. The four pieces are remarkably intensive and filled with the Spirit of the Highest.

„Mystic Dance“ and „Karuna“ / Mathias Grassow
(Esotera 3/96)

 

„Karuna“ The Call of the Sarangi!

The sarangi is the Indian violin, an instrument which wakens the spiritual longing in us and conjures up images of ancient India. Woschek recorded this CD together with the well known Indian violin player Sultan Khan. The recordings radiate a harmony of east and west that is rarely so successful.
The 25-minute long „Ya Qayyum“ is particularly suitable for carrying its listeners away into a deep trance. A CD for sacred, living moments which invites the listener to join in and sing.

Mandala 14/95

Have a look at my video „Ya Quayum“ from my CD „Karuna“