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The Friendly Planet Newsletter

Published Oct 1, 2022
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The rumble of drums and the smooth, deep tones of bass. The grand drama and harmony of opera. The unique sounds produced by a sea organ resonating across the Adriatic Sea. Wherever your journeys take you, the power of music is an important bridge that connects you to the people, no matter where in the world you roam. In honor of International Music Day today, join us in celebrating music as a contributing force towards a more peaceful, joyful, and harmonious world.
 
Portugal Fado Music
Flickr photo by Alain Rouiller
 
 
Originating in Lisbon and dating back nearly two centuries, Fado music beautifully expresses stories of daily hardship wrapped in a melancholy tune. The talented musicians sing the lyrics about life's complex realities with the backup of 12-string guitars, robust violas, and deep bass. Sit back and listen to this soulful music in cafes, pubs, and restaurants throughout the country.
 
 
Argentina Folk Lore performance
 
 
Argentina exerts a beautiful, significant musical influence on other South American countries. The traditional music of Argentina is Folklore which can be found in dozens of unique forms depending on the region. Some of the most famous examples of traditional folk music are carnavalito, cumbia, candombe, polka, and tango, which today is one of the most popular Latin dances.
 
 
Croatia Sea Organ
 
 
The only one of its kind in the world, the famous Zadar Sea Organ is a remarkable piece of urban architecture that doubles as a musical instrument. This work of art captures the movement of the ocean's waves, transforming it into a mournful sound that evokes the sea, wind, and sky. The seven steps of the staircase contain tubing organized around two major key chords, designed to stimulate the close harmonies of Dalmatian klapa music.
 
 
Gnawa music in Morocco
Flickr photo by Ahron de Leeuw
 
 
Gnawa is the music of formerly enslaved Africans who integrated into the Moroccan culture and aimed to preserve the folkloric music of their ancestors. This genre is one of the most popular styles of North African music, and the African touch is reflected in the dances and the garments the singers wear. The roots of the music are recognizably African in the drumming, the unique metallic castanets, and the three-stringed bass lute (guembri).
 
 
Opera house in Vienna
 
 
Vienna offers a treasure trove of gems waiting to be explored, including the majestic Opera House. The Vienna State Opera is considered one of the world's most important opera houses, offering a diverse program of operas and ballet works. The best-known names in opera create magical moments here, and the variety of the operatic program is unparalleled anywhere in the world.
 
 
Whirling Dervish
Photo by Brian McMahon on Unsplash
 
 
The famous Whirling Dervishes are much more than a captivating visual spectacle. Started as a form of meditation, Sufi whirling dates back over 700 years. The dancers, clad entirely in white, spin expertly as if in a trance, fueled by the accompanying music of a singer, a flute player, a kettle drummer, and a cymbal player.
 
 
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