Muwashshah

Product Description
"Muwashshah…proves that good music is universal…the album is marked by El Din’s understated oud playing, warm vocals, and strong symphonic sense of melody." - MUSICHOUND WORLD

Arguably the most famous of all Arabic musicians, Hamza El Din hails from Nubia, now-underwater land of the Aswan High Dam in Northern Africa. His 1963 album on Vanguard, Music of Nubia, was the first recording of Afro-Arabic music to be distributed in the West. He is a titan of world music, an ambassador of Nubian culture, the founder of the modern Nubian music tradition, and the world’s greatest player of the oud (an Arabic lute-like instrument). Hamza El Din first started singing as a means to warn his people about the inevitable destruction of their land due to the High Dam. He spent years wandering and collecting traditional music. He later studied classical Arabic music, and then in Rome began working on a synthesis of Arabic, Nubian and Western music. When he was finished studying in Rome, the High Dam had been built and he was homeless. Since then, he has become a citizen of the world, traveling and playing on all continents, and eventually emigrating to the Bay Area in California. Muwashshah is a tribute to Ziryab, a legendary African slave who escaped from the court of Bagdad to become one of Arabic music’s most important composers, and is one of El Din’s most celebrated recordings, called "a triumph" by All Music Guide.

Muwashshah,Hamza El Din,Alula,Egypt,Int'l & World Music,Nubia,Pop,Traditional Middle Eastern Folk,World Beat,World Fusion

Average customer rating:

Muwashshah Hamza El Din Manufacturer: Alula ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Egypt | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Middle East | International | Styles | Music World Dance | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Similar Items: Al Oud A Wish Music of Nubia Eclipse Lily of the Nile ASIN: B000BB192G Release Date: 2005-10-11

Tracks:

1. Gala2000 (Letter Of Apology To The Earth)
2. Muwashshah (Veil)
3. Assaramessuga (Childhood)
4. Malish Inwan (I Have No Address)
5. bint Baladna (Our Country's Daughter)
6. Ez'zaman (Time Is A Moment)
7. Agore (Forget)
8. Yatra (You Are Here)

Album Description

"Muwashshah…proves that good music is universal…the album is marked by El Din's understated oud playing, warm vocals, and strong symphonic sense of melody." - MUSICHOUND WORLD

Arguably the most famous of all Arabic musicians, Hamza El Din hails from Nubia, now-underwater land of the Aswan High Dam in Northern Africa. His 1963 album on Vanguard, Music of Nubia, was the first recording of Afro-Arabic music to be distributed in the West. He is a titan of world music, an ambassador of Nubian culture, the founder of the modern Nubian music tradition, and the world's greatest player of the oud (an Arabic lute-like instrument). Hamza El Din first started singing as a means to warn his people about the inevitable destruction of their land due to the High Dam. He spent years wandering and collecting traditional music. He later studied classical Arabic music, and then in Rome began working on a synthesis of Arabic, Nubian and Western music. When he was finished studying in Rome, the High Dam had been built and he was homeless. Since then, he has become a citizen of the world, traveling and playing on all continents, and eventually emigrating to the Bay Area in California. Muwashshah is a tribute to Ziryab, a legendary African slave who escaped from the court of Bagdad to become one of Arabic music's most important composers, and is one of El Din's most celebrated recordings, called "a triumph" by All Music Guide.

Average customer rating: Brilliant glimpse into a lost world you never want it to stop... Transporting There are gems in this recording

Iberian Garden, Vol. 1 Manufacturer: Dorian Recordings ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Iberian Garden, Vol. 2 The Splendour of Al-Andalus Mudejar Musique Arabo-Andalouse: Atrium MusicaeGregorio Paniagua Salterio ASIN: B000001O9W Release Date: 1997-11-18

Tracks:

1. R'shut: Lababi ya ireni kaso el lasaharah
2. Cantio: Dum pater familias
3. Muwashshah: Rase 'am 'et bitassef
4. Cantiga #10: Rosa das Rosas
5. Muwashshah: Ma li-l-muwallah
6. Canso: Dona si totz temps vivia
7. Cantiga de amigo: Eno sagrado en Vigo

Amazon.com

Thanks to recordings like this--and to accomplished performers with a commitment to exploring uncommon musical territory--we can discover endless worlds of fascinating music. This program features "Jewish, Christian, and Muslim music in medieval Spain." In the 12th and 13th centuries Spain was a vital center for arts, learning, and religion--many different religious faiths and cultures interacted there. This recording and its follow-up volume give us a small but tantalizing taste of a part of that rich and fruitful period. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

Brilliant glimpse into a lost world.......2004-06-05

I absolutely adore this set and frequently listen to both, often loud; at first the Arab muwashshah and the one Jewish piyyut were so foreign, I did not know what to make of them. But every time I listened, it was like peeling an onion: layer upon layer of subtle sounds and poetry. Some of the works are dignified and haunting (the Christian Cantar, Cantio, etc.), some belong to a lost secular tradition (the recited 'Poema de Mio Cid'), some frankly sensual and rich ('Ma li-l-muwallah' of Ibn Zuhr). And I was pleasantly surprised to see the great poet Yehuda ha-Levi's work set to music.

Authenticity is the key: these are accomplished scholars as well as musicians, piecing together fragments of foreign manuscript codices with the appropriate modern Moroccan prototypes, and creating period instruments. As another reviewer mentioned, most of the vocal stylings, particularly in the Jewish and Arab pieces, are not operatic, but rather, flat and nasal (but complex and fluid), and thus believable. The Christian interpretations are more 'classical', and utterly exquisite. Pronounciation in each represented language (Hebrew, Arabic, Latin, Gallo-Portuguese, Spanish) is comprehensible and historically accurate.

I also appreciated the scholarly liner notes, which broadened my understanding of the music. I've spent much time comparing the Arabic, Jewish, and Latin to the English translations and transliterations.

This period of Jewish/Muslim/Christian relations was perhaps one of the most fruitful eras in history, and one of rare co-operation. Scientific, religious, philosophical and cultural achievements reached an all to brief apex of harmony. Rarely does one find such an extraordinary portrait of a Golden Age as represented here in the blend of musical styles.

you never want it to stop..........2002-04-05

Altramar's "Iberian Garden, volume I" has two things in common with Miles Davis' "The Birth of the Cool": first--the music is so great, so uniquely wonderful, that you never want it to stop; second--the music does stop...and fast. This disc is too short. Not so incredibly short as to get a star knocked off, but short. Either way, get this disc. It is a truly fine recording.

Transporting.......2000-09-24

Wow. This recording (and its excellent volume 2) truly shows you the colors of the medieval Iberian world: spiritual, sometimes joyous, full of depth and dark emotions. To commend these performers farther, their recordings of the muwashshahat and a zajal are more convincing as medieval Andalusian music than even the modern Andalusian ensembles in Morocco. Unfortunately, those ensembles (more often than not) use the instrumental combinations which became popular and wide-spread in the 19th c. Altramar uses documentably medieval Arab instrumentation, and an amazing vocal style and clarity of Arabic pronunciation that perfectly frames and complements this repertoire.

There are gems in this recording.......1999-06-15

There is a lot to commend about this CD, but the one thing that really stands out in my mind is the quality of the vocals. For as beautiful as these trained voices are, the singers do not make the mistake of overwhelming the "feel" of the music by treating it as an operatic exercise. This is a very interesting CD and, for this listener, there are a few songs here which, alone, justify its purchase.

Average customer rating: Great introduction to a little-known period

Iberian Garden, Vol. 2 Manufacturer: Dorian Recordings ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Vocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Iberian Garden, Vol. 1 Mudejar Musique Arabo-Andalouse: Atrium MusicaeGregorio Paniagua ASIN: B000001OA3 Release Date: 1998-01-27

Tracks:

1. Zajal: Yahni-kahni k
2. Planctus: Plange Castella misera
3. From The Poema de Mio Cid: Cantar 3; La afrenta de corpes
4. Piyut: ahalay yikkonu darakay
5. Muwashshah: Adir la-na akwah
6. From The Llibre Vermell: Estampie: Ball de la Mort
7. Estampie: Canciel Shofar

Customer Reviews:

Great introduction to a little-known period.......1999-01-05

This is a collection of music from Andalusian Spain and gives a charming introduction to Christian, Muslim and Jewish popular and sacred tunes.

Average customer rating: Nice but not authentic Muwashahat Muwashshah Music Music of the Andalus Exquisitie arabic andalusian music

Cedre/Arabo-Andalusian Muwashshah Ensemble Morkos Manufacturer: L'empreinte Digitale ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Spain | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Middle East | International | Styles | Music Arabic | Middle East | International | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | International General | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | International General | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Middle East | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Middle East | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B00003L24L Release Date: 2000-01-11

Tracks:

1. Bashraf Bulbul Al Afrah
2. Jalla Man Qad Sagha Badran
3. Tarraza R-Rayhanu Hullata L-Wardi
4. Taqsim Sur Le Ud
5. Qatili Bi-Ghunji L-Kahali
6. Sama I Iskandar Shalfun
7. Ya Maliha I-Lama Wa-Hulwa T-Tathanni
8. Rashiqa I-Qaddi'
9. Taqsim Sur Le Violon
10. Li Habibun Maqamuhu Fawqa Ra'si
11. Hal Ala L'Astari Hatkun
12. Extrait Du Bashraf Al-Sipahr
13. Taqsim Sur Le Qanun
14. Tahmila
15. Ya Sakinan Bi-Fu'adi
16. Ila Kam Dha T-Tamadi?'
17. Wa-L-Ladhi Wallaka Qalbi

Customer Reviews:

Nice but not authentic Muwashahat.......2002-07-27

The authentic muwashshah is a combination of a great poem and melodic music supposed to bring the audience to the state of "Tarab". "Tarab" can not be explained by one English word and it is often described as the state of spiritual ecstasy where one departs from any surrounding sound or distraction and gets carried away by the music into a level of enjoyment unknown before.

These musical compositions by the excellent Morkos ensemble are parts of muwashah and never a complete muwashshah that carries one to a state of "Tarab". Most compositions are shorter than three minutes and you barely get into the rethym before you move on into the next song in hasty manner. If you just want to know what a muwashshah is go ahead and buy the CD, but if you are a muwashshah fan this CD will leave you frustrated as a wasted opportunity.

Muwashshah Music.......2001-01-30

I love the sound of Muwashshah music because it is the old music from many years ago before the orchestra accompanyment became popular. To me, large orchestras detract from the unique sound of Middle Eastern instruments. The vocalists of Ensemble Morkos are outstanding because their clarity of voices isn't muddled by a large chorus. If we can't have vocal harmonies in Arabic music, I'd rather listen to one voice than a chorus. Also thankfully absent in this CD is the use of echo which I find passe but apparently the Arabs are fond of. Too bad that the 30 second listening samples are not available here. I believe for the price, you will not be dissappointed you bought this CD without first listening to it.

Music of the Andalus.......2000-04-21

This CD has an outstanding collection of the best Andalusian music I've ever heard. The music is orchastrated on the Arabic maqam. Understanding the lyrics [in Arabic] is a plus, but not necessary to enjoy the music of a majestic erra in Arabic history, full of art, fantasy, and music.

Exquisitie arabic andalusian music.......2000-02-17

The beauty of arabic andalusian music is that it is so fully orchestrated. Sometimes, however, the songs become very plodding and dull. This is a remarkable exception. The performance and vocals are perfectly blended. There's not a redundant note on this CD. A must-have!

Average customer rating: Terrific musicians, and surprisingly accessible music

Muwashshah Hamza El Din Manufacturer: Jvc / Xrcd ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Egypt | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | Africa | International | Styles | Music Sudan | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Middle East | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music ASIN: B000003MNZ Release Date: 1996-10-15

Tracks:

1. Gala (Letter of Apology to the Earth)
2. Muwashshah (Veil)
3. Assaramessuga (Childhood)
4. Malish Inwan (I Have No Address)
5. Bint Baladna (Our Country's Daughter)
6. Ez'zaman (Time Is a Moment)
7. Agore (Forget)
8. Yatra (You Are Here)

Customer Reviews:

Terrific musicians, and surprisingly accessible music.......1998-06-04

Hamza el Din is a magnificent oud player, a respectable drummer, and a touching singer, but some of his albums (e.g. "Lily of the Nile") are rather difficult to get into unless you're a student of Middle Eastern music. This one isn't: the tunes range from his own compositions to the 9th century Andalusian-Arabic "Muwashshah," and span a variety of subjects and moods. The backup musicians (Japanese, surprisingly) are excellent too. I first made the acquaintance of this album when a substitute teacher brought it to my belly dance class. Even if I don't feel like practicing, the final track always gets me up and dancing!

Average customer rating: A great CD of old Arabic Andalussian music Great muwashahat performance!

Cedre/Arabo-Andalusian Muwashshah Ensemble Morkos Manufacturer: L'empreinte Digitale ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Spain | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Middle East | International | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B000005WCA Release Date: 1996-11-08

Tracks:

1. Bashraf 'Bulbul Al Afrah'
2. 'Jalla Man Qad Sagha Badran'
3. 'Tarraza R-Rayhanu Hullata L-Wardi
4. Taqsim Sur Le Ud
5. 'Qatili Bi-Ghunji L-Kahali'
6. Sama I Iskandar Shalfun
7. 'Ya Maliha I-Lama Wa-Hulwa T-Tathanni'
8. 'Rashiqa I-Qaddi'
9. Taqsim Sur Le Violon
10. 'Li Habibun Maqamuhu Fawqa Ra'si'
11. 'Hal Ala L'Astari Hatkun'
12. Extrait Du Bashraf Al-Sipahr
13. Taqsim Sur Le Qanun
14. Tahmila
15. 'Ya Sakinan Bi-Fu'adi
16. 'Ila Kam Dha T-Tamadi?'
17. 'Wa-L-Ladhi Wallaka Qalbi'

Customer Reviews:

A great CD of old Arabic Andalussian music.......1999-08-15

I really enjoyed the music, the singing, and the wonderful sound. The only drawback is that the selections are too short. It would have packed a far greater punch had the intoxicating feeling known as TARAB been fully brought out by extended selections.

Great muwashahat performance!.......1999-04-09

The Morkos ensemble is performing some of the classical but yet not very well known muwashahat from the arabo-andalusian traditions. The music as well as the cristal voices of the singers do provide the "tarab" (joy in music). There is a violin improvisation which is a real masterpiece. The quality ofthe recording is excellent. I highly recommend this CD for those who like classical arabic music. The different songs and improvisations are too short sometimes (less than 2mn). It's the only negative point.

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