At the edge of the universe, there is an illusionary border between life and death.

   Standing at the edge of that infinite shore, there is no sound to disturb the silence.

   There are no waves to calmly ripple upon on the surface of these endless waters… Shimmering waters like a mirror, reflect the inner self…

A self transformed.

   Is this a memory of a previous existence or a vision of the next?

   Cast all your questions like pure white pebbles into the lake of sorrows and follow the dispersing ripples in your mind… and become Enlightened!

   Shangri-la, the Land of Snows, the roof of the world: locked away in its Himalayan fortress, the magical, mysterious Buddhist kingdom of Tibet is without doubt one of the world's most remarkable places. Whether you seek spiritual enlightenment or desire to encounter a culture that has come to embody mystery and hidden beauty, Tibet challenges every preconception and triumphs in beauty.

   Tibet is a mystical land embraced by millions of pilgrims as a center of holiness. From the legendary Himalayas to the Brahmaputra river surging as it did millions of years before mankind, to Ngari, the region known as the Roof of the World – this is the land beyond time.

   Tibet enlightens you, and mystery can be found everywhere. The year-round ice and snow that cover this land betray its timeless beauty. Echoing through murmuring prayers floating from temples invisible among the mountains, or viewing the majestic Guge Dynasty relics, you feel time slipping away. Or on the vast grasslands, listening to the neighing of the wild horses, you encounter something that is ancient, noble and very pure.

   Tibet is for all minds. It means adventure for those who overcome the hardships and dangers to answer its call. It's where dreams come true for people who seek its beauty and will unfold its hidden treasures for those who seek to understand its timeless culture. Its very name is the true home for millions of pious souls. And whoever you are, if you come to Tibet, may one wish guide you — to smile with the Tibetans— with all your heart and soul.

   The story of the music of the Tibetan nationality is a grand historic epic, developing over the centuries and distilled from many cultures that traveled the Qinghai-Tibet Plains – Indians, Kashmiris, Mongols, and Han Chinese all contributed to the rich mystical tapestry. The development of Tibetan music is inseparable from the culture’s ancient religious and spiritual traditions.

   In this special edition you will hear ten original compositions, conceived as a musical journey into the history and traditions of Tibet. Each piece utilizes aspects of Tibetan music as source material, respectfully transcribed and developed in a contemporary idiom – allowing tradition and modernity to flow together. It is the composer’s hope that this disc will not only introduce new listeners to the magnificent world of Tibetan folk song but to expand the appreciation of Tibetan music to classical music specialists.

   Several musical selections showcase the actual sounds of Tibetan musical instruments in performance (“Charm Of The Zamnian” and “Biwang Dance Of Shangri-La”).Other pieces attempt to depict living folk traditions, as in “Gorshe - Circle Dance” and the witty and flirtatious courtship song( “Antiphonal Song”).    “Echoes Of Mountain Song” features the artistry of the talented young Tibetan singer, Sonam Wangmu in an amazing display of Tibetan vocal technique while the dignified and mystical “Rites”, the haunting twilight scene of “Ruins Of The Ancient Guge”, the elegant calm of “Linka – The Summer Garden” and radiant children’s voices of “Karlu” invite us to explore further the multi-faceted beauty of Tibetan music and culture.

   Our musical journey is framed by two examples of the soul of Tibetan music and culture – the rich tradition of Buddhist chanting: the famous “The Six Syllable Mantra” (Track 1) and concluding “The Praises of Bodhisattva” (Track 12).

   The inclusion of authentic Tibetan musical instruments was done not as an exploitation of “exotic novelty” but rather, the very essence of Tibetan music is inseparable from the unique tone colors, timbers and mythology associated with these instruments. The Dung Chen (Tibetan Long Trumpets) can come in many sizes, the largest being over 3 meters long. It is said that many years of practice are required to master the embouchure and develop the lung and breathing capacity to produce the proper tone quality; The Thighbone Trumpet - said to have been made from the femur of a woman who died during a difficult labor - whose sound blesses both the dead woman’s soul and that of the player. And the ancient White Conch, known as Dung-Dkar in Tibetan - a symbol of great power used for the proclamation to the world of Buddhist law and to summon the community. Its sound is believed to make ghosts depart in fear.

   Besides the legendary ritual instruments described above, a number of exquisitely hand-crafted folk instruments were also employed, including the small spike fiddle known as the Biwang – an instrument closely related to the Chinese Huqin, with two strings made of horse-hair, a long wooden neck and a cylindrical sound box covered by sheep or snake skin and played with a horse-hair bow running between them. Also featured are several beautifully decorated drums utilized in the dance pieces. Finally, in the beautiful setting for children’s voices “Karlu” composer Jue Ga has attempted a hypothetical reconstruction of the ceremonial music that may have been performed at Potala Palace in ancient times.

   For this special edition, we invited Asia’s preeminent recording engineer, Li Xiaopei to oversee and master the final recordings made at the 480 squar- meter CCTV studios – Asia’s largest recording venue. Post-production mastering - in full XRCD (Extended Resolution) sound was graciously provided by the technicians of JVC (The Victor Company of Japan).

   The management and staff of Rhymoi Music are extremely proud to produce this deluxe gift edition and wish to share their admiration for the deep cultural traditions of Tibetan culture with the inclusion of a special LIMITED EDITION 4 Hands Kwan-yin Clay Statue. This statue, designed by a Tibetan Master, features the image of the 4 Hands Kwan-yin, blesses the wearer with peace and abundant good health, and is cast with actual clay imported from Lhasa.

   May the transcendent joy of the Six Syllable Mantra cause the oceans of your heart to overflow with light and receive the joy and peace that reaches out to you from snow capped mountains at the “Roof of the World.”