So when we're not listening to "Complete Clapton" for leisure, we're listening to:
The Syriac-Speaking People by Melih Duygulu. It is a hardback with 2 cd. Here's a synopsis.
The Syriac-Speaking People (Suryaniler) is 2-CD set with accompanying booklet presenting Syriac religious and folk music. The booklet, written in four languages (English, French, Turkish and Syriac), provides an introductory historical account of Syriac culture and identity. Analyzing Syriac history and culture under the umbrella of Christianity, it illustrates the important cultural factors that lay the groundwork for the supplementary CDs.
With 22 rich religious musical tracks, the first CD is a compilation of Syriac musical styles from around the globe, including India, Iran, Lebanon, Germany, Sweden and Brazil. Reflecting the enormous diversification of Syriac music, this anthology allows a listener to enjoy an array of musical styles in conformity with the liturgic principles applied in the Antioch Church and the Tur Abdin Church.
The second CD consists of 16 tracks of Syriac folk music. Using unique local styles of performers from regions where the eastern and western dialects are widespread, this CD is an excellent introduction to the exuberant array of Syriac folk music. The influence of Arabic and Kurdish styles adds to the range of intensity found in this collection.
If you're interested, it's available at Gorgias Press.
Grace and Peace,
Sophia