Program
Notes | Photos
MESTO
Multi-Ethnic Star Orchestra Presents
The Dearborn, MI Concert
Saturday, 23 April 2005
at the Gala celebration and inauguration
of the Arab-American National Museum
P
r o g r a m
Longa
Kurdelli Hicazkar: by Kemani-Sebuh-Azzam
The longa form originated in Turkey and has spread throughout the Middle
East. Written by the Turkish composer Sebuh, this longa is often performed
by `ud and qanun virtuosi in Turkey and the Arab World. Nabil Azzam
has added melodic and rhythmic themes throughout the composition, thus
becoming entitled to add his name to the composer's.
Sama'i
Kurd: by Yaqub Tatyus--arr. Nabil Azzam
This Sama'i was the first piece to be arranged for MESTO when the orchestra
emerged in 2000. It is composed in maqam (music mode) kurd that shares
the same steps as the Western phregean mode; Spanish Flamenco music
uses the same scale. So far, in every concert MESTO performs a new Sama'i.
Nabil Azzam's daring arrangement of this genre has created an encouraging
reaction by his colleagues; thus, creating a dialogue on how to approach
traditional music when one attempts to recreate what has become "traditions"
or norms in a given music culture. MESTO has scored highly in that realm
and it is so proud of this achievement.
Al-Nahr
Al-Khalid:
by Muhammad `Abd al-Wahhab.
Arranged by Joseph Chamaa and Nabil Azzam
Alf
Layla (One Thousand One Nights).
By Baligh Hamdi. Arranged by Joseph Chamaa and Nabil
Azzam
This is the instrumental introduction to a song of Umm
Kulthum. Many composers have written long introductions
for their songs as a marketing tool for their instrumental
music. These pieces are often performed as independent
instrumental compositions without the song itself. Joseph
Chamaa successfully chose this composition to be arranged
for Mesto.
A'tini
al-Nay: by Najieb Hankash
Nabil Azzam, Solo Violin
This melody is originally a song by the celebrated Lebanese-American
poet Khalil Gibran. It was recorded by star Lebanese singer Fairuz in
the 1970s and scored immediate success. The title could be translated
as "The Eternal Nay" (flute). In this performance Nabil Azzam
plays the vocal part on his violin while leading the orchestra.
Three
Songs Featuring Star Singer Woroud:
| | Sanarji'u
Yawman (Nostalgia): Music and Lyrics by Rahabani Brothers.
Originally, this is one of hundreds of songs by the celebrated
Lebanese singer Fairuz who, together with her husband Assi
Rahabani and brother Mansour, established a new style and
a new musical culture in Lebanon. The Rahabani fame was based
on creating a wide variety of repertoire culminated by numerous
musicals that they produced for Fairuz.
El
Hilwa Di (This Pretty Girl):
Sayyid Darwish
Egyptian composer Sayyid Darwish (d. 1923) is considered
the pioneer of the new style. Among his contributions are
the numerous musical plays in which he also participated
as a singer and actor. Darwish left a number of short songs
that were common among wide sectors of society. He is known
as the "peoples' composer".
Yalla
Ta'ala (Come Back Soon).
Song of Leila Murad
Egyptian singer and movie satar Layla Murad had an interesting
career spanning from singing to movie acting. Being the
daughter and sister of famous composers, Zaki Murad and
Munir Murad shaped her style. She was known for her
sweet and expressive voice. Though performing in a popular
style, she maintained the purity of musical traditions.
Layla Murad was both admired by a wide audience as well as
by top composers of Egypt.
|
Inta
Umri (You Are My Life), Song of Umm Kulthum: by M. 'Abd al-Wahhab
Thursday, February 5, 1964 was a landmark in the history of Arab music.
One didn't have to be a music lover to feel the event's significance
as the prime singer of the Arab World, Umm Kulthum, performed her first
song written by foremost Egyptian composer, M. 'Abd al-Wahhab. That
concert was aired live on nearly all Egypt's radio stations and electrified
the atmosphere. In Egypt, even news broadcasts on the radio were canceled
and streets experienced light traffic.
Tutah:
By Farid el-Atrache (Syria, 1921-Egypt 1975)
Not too many composers in Egypt pay attention to "pure" instrumental
compositions. El-Atrache (who was himself and incredible singer and
`ud virtuoso) composed about sixty of these--relatively short--instrumental
compositions. Farid el-Atrache presents different rhythms and melodic
themes depicting happy moods suitable for dance. Tutah is a good example
of these instrumental works.
Medley: Ashiq Al-Ruh, Watani Habibi and El-Amh:
by Muhammad `Abd al-Wahhab.
Arranged by Joseph Chamaa and Nabil Azzam
Ya Zahratan:
by Farid El-Atrache.
Arranged by Nabil Azzam
The Crescent:
By Nabil Azzam
In 1998, Nabil Azzam composed The Crescent as a wedding march with an Indian theme. Characterized by a lyrical and romantic melody with four distinctive themes, the piece is performed by the composer on violin, accompanied by a drone on the Indian tamboura , in addition to a variety of percussion instruments including tablah, udu, riqq and cymbals.
The introduction is played on the buzuq (long neck lute).
Four More
Songs Featuring Star Singer Woroud:
| |
Til'it Ya Mahla: by Sayyid Darwish
Nassam 'Alayna: Fayrouz, by Rahbani Brothers
Kan Ez-Zaman: Fayrouz, by Elias Rahbani
Akhasmak Ah: Nancy 'Ajram, by Muhammad Sa'ad
|
