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Building a Library: Szymanowski: Violin Concerto No 1

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World Routes

Image for Hira Gasy and Court Music

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Hira Gasy and Court Music

Duration:
1 hour
First broadcast:
Saturday 09 January 2010

Lucy Duran visits the Indian Ocean island of Madagascar to discover its remarkable music. She is joined by guides Justin Vali and Paddy Bush and hears the ancient music of Madagascar's royal court as well as the extraordinary and rarely-recorded Hira Gasy. Hundreds of villagers gather to hear a variety performance which spreads news, entertains and teaches people a lesson.

Presented by Lucy Duran
Produced by James Parkin

Music and featured items

17 items
Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes

  • Madagascar's ancient court music

    Justin Vali and Paddy Bush describe the royal court music of Ancient Madagascar.

  • Music Played

    • 00:01
      Image for Rakotozafy

      Rakotozafy Tromba Tune

      Artists: Justin Vali & Paddy Bush

      BBC Recording made at the Hotel Victory, Tulear, 14th September 2009
    • 00:02

      Malagasy Orchestra Ariva Mody Masaondrao

      Composer: Traditional

      BBC Recording made at the Le Paille en queue Hotel, Tulear 10th September 2009
    • 00:03

      Justin Vali and Ensemble Afindrafindrao

      Composer: traditional

      BBC Recording made at Ambohimanga Palace near Antananarivo, Madagascar, Thursday 3rd September 2009

  • The ancient Malagasy king and his instruments

    Paddy tells the history of a royal fort and the ancient Malagasy king’s instruments.

  • Music Played

    • 00:11

      Justin Vali and Ensemble Mahagaga

      Composer: Traditional

      BBC Recording made at Ambohimanga Palace near Antananarivo, Madagascar, Thursday 3rd September 2009

  • Message from the ancestors

    When a song is interrupted its believed to be a message from the musicians ancestors.

  • Music Played

    • 00:14

      Justin Vali and Ensemble Miangaly

      Composer: traditional

      BBC Recording made at Ambohimanga Palace near Antananarivo, Madagascar, Thursday 3rd September 2009

  • Changes in Madagascan music

    Paddy explains how the bicycle and a gift from Queen Victoria changed Madagascan music.

  • Music Played

    • 00:22

      Justin Vali and Ensemble Blue Sky

      Composer: traditional

      BBC Recording made at Ambohimanga Palace near Antananarivo, Madagascar, Thursday 3rd September 2009

  • Justin Vali plays The Valiha

    Justin Vali and his ensemble play a song on the Valiha, a traditional bamboo zither.

  • Music Played

    • 00:28

      Justin Vali and Ensemble Izahay sy Malala

      Composer: Traditional

      BBC Recording made at Ambohimanga Palace near Antananarivo, Madagascar, Thursday 3rd September 2009

  • Hira Gasy

    Lucy visits the home of the Hira Gasy, who give a dramatic performance.

  • Music Played

    • 00:35

      Ambohimandrosao Don’t criticize others; look at your own life first

      Artist: Tarika Rasoasimanga Berthine Ambohimandrosao

      BBC Recording made just outside Antananarivo, Friday 4th September 2009

  • Hira Gasy's message

    Lucy and her guides discuss the messages presented in the Hira Gasy’s performances.

  • Emotional power of the Hira Gasy

    Lucy discusses the emotional power the Hira Gasy’s performance.

  • Music Played

    • 00:57

      Rakotofra Junior Ensemble Ory kintana anakitelo (The 3 Stars)

      Composer: Traditional

      Recorded by the BBC outside Antananarivo, Madagascar, Friday 4th September 2009

  • The High Plateau of Madagascar

    The High Plateau of Madagascar

  • Recording World Routes on the high plateau

    Recording World Routes on the high plateau

    Recording World Routes on the high plateau of Madagascar. Pictured are presenter Lucy Duran and sound engineer James Birtwistle

  • Hiragasy

    Hiragasy

    The colourful spectacle of Hiragasy in a suburb of Madagascar's capital, Antananarivo. The group are the Tarika Rasoasimanga Berthine Ambohimandrosa

Broadcasts

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