A common language

I Heard rhythm, music and singing tonight. Rhythm from a shallow round drum that brought the full moon into the room, tones plucked from the picking and fingering hands of the rubab, and vocals that undulated and ululated around words that spoke of emotions filtered through the high brain. It is music from the beginning of time, when folk songs and poetry expressed the human need for love. The words were in a foreign language but the effect and intent were understood regardless.

Ustad Farida Mawash, Homayoun Sakhi, and the Sakhi Ensemble presented an incredible concert of Afghan music in Berkeley that opened my ears and heart.