Art of Belly Dancing [Import]

1. Raks Musri

2. Meenie Yaba

3. Raks Araby

4. Hadouni, Hadouni

5. Raks Al-Sultan

6. Raks Al-Dounya

7. Raks el Gezlan

8. Raks Pharonic

9. Gameel Gamal

10. Raks Gamal

11. Nasam Alayna el-Hawa

12. Raks Siretzi

13. Miserlou

Tracks:

Shamas-Ud-Doha Bader-Ud-Doja - Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan And Party
Call To Prayer - Baaba Maal
Sankarabaranam Pancha Nadai Pallavi - Shankar And The Epidemics
Ulvi - Kudsi Erguner
Fallahi - Hossam Ramzy
Sabahiya - Banga
Tejbeit - Unknown Ethiopian Musicians
Prelude In Tchahargah - Mahmoud Tabrizi Zadeh
Wedding Song - Unknown Moroccan Musicians
Magdelene's House - Abdul Aziz El-Sayed
Yoky - Fatala
Ya Sah - Nass El Ghiwane
Al Nahla Al 'Ali - Les Musiciens Du Nil
Song of Complaint - Antranik Askarian And Khatchadour Khatchaturian

Customer Reviews:

Passion Sources.......2007-01-10

An excellent introduction to the rich music that the Middle East provides the world. Some first class performances by musical masters who really put their heart into their playing. A must have!!!

A source of passion.......2006-10-26

"Passion Sources" contains a sampling of Middle East and African music used for the controversial Scorcese film "The Last Temptation of Christ." Peter Gabriel's "Passion", released around the same time in 1989, contains original music reworked from the film's actual soundtrack. "Passion Sources" contains some original and altered field recordings plus songs recorded specifically for the movie. Music from both CDs appeared in "Last Temptation." Both soundtracks appeared over a year after the film's release because Gabriel wanted to shape the music into a coherent album. "Passion Sources" did not undergo such restructuring.

With Peter Gabriel's name on it, this CD probably introduced more westerners to non-western music than any other CD at the time. Subsequently, Gabriel's "Real World" records aimed to dampen the dominance of western music throughout the globe. The label continues to this day. "Passion Sources" was its very appropriate first official release.

The CD begins with an absolute bang: the spectacular Qawwali singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan from Pakistan. Khan quickly became Real World's best selling artist. Sadly, he passed away in 1997 after gaining a worldwide reputation. He even appeared in Rolling Stone (a definite first for a Qawwali singer). As Khan's song slowly fades, Baaba Maal's amazing performance of the traditional Islamic call to prayer takes its place. Other highlights include Shankar's frenetic double violin bowing, Fatala's equally energetic drumming, Nass El Ghiwane's contemplative "Ya Sah", and the utterly relaxing "Song of Complaint" which sounds more like "Song of Relaxation." Another future Real World act, The Musicians of the Nile, also play up a storm.

Though overall an enjoyable listen, this collection does present somewhat of a mixed bag. As such, it plays more as a compliation than as a coherent thematic unity. That in no way detracts from the amazing music it contains or its ability to open up ears to new musical styles. Regardless, fans of "Passion" should not expect more of the same from this CD. Though most will probably enjoy everything here mainly because it contains the inspiration that led Gabriel to compose his soundtrack masterpiece. But best of all, "Passion Sources" will hopefully inspire an openness to the music of other cultures and of the world at large.

Moments of greatness.......2002-11-03

There are so many good tracks here, but the whole album lacks cohesiveness which i think is important for this type of music. The songs here show little resemblence to what they inspired (Gabriel's wonderful Passion) and they have a much more earthy feel to them, 'Yorky' and 'Tejbeit Ethiopian Bar Song
' being prime examples with such a fresh flavour to them, even after repeated listening. Yet whilst taken at their own merit, it still has the feel of a compilation, and it's perhaps best to look at the album as a taster record for each artist. Whilst it in no way compares to Passion proper, it is still a welcome addition to any music collection, and avoids the uneasy 'fusion' flaw that dogs too many Realworld releases.

One of many sources of Oriental music.......2002-05-23

The Last Temptation of Christ had two soundtracks. One was Peter Gabriels Passion, the other is this one. Where Passion featured a mix if traditional and modern sounds, Passion Sources is mostly the original traditional recordings that were eventually incorporated into the Peter Gabriel Passion album. This album may not be as easy to digest as the other Gabriel work but is worthy of including with it.

I enjoy both of them.

I used to just enjoy this album when I bought it a few years ago but after September 11, this album has had a new meaning to me and in fact has helped me rid myself of the hatred that I had of that part of the world and has actually made me even more fascinated with that area of the world.

I just wish people would stop hating on The Middle East and southern Asia and check out some of the awe inspiring music that musicians make.

Just the song Call To Prayer by Baaba Maal proves that the Middle East isn't a place of terror and hate but a place of wonderous musicians who could really give America a boost in it's music scene and end the corporate commercialism that has ruined Americas musical image.

Believe me this album after last years horrific events has been like a medicine and helped me maintain my respect for the Middle East plus I also happen to love music from the Middle East.

I hope I didn't stray too far off the topic of this CD but I just wanted to voice how this album helped me through this turbulent time. Believe me I alway prefer the Middle Eastern chanting anytime over the staccato of that awful Swedish Pop of Britney Spears.

God Bless both America and The Middle East

Music of the Orient.......2002-03-05

This CD is one of the two soundtracks for the movie "The Last Temptation of Christ". The other one, "Passion", deals more with Peter Gabriel's performances. This one deals with the more traditional Middle Eastern music used and sampled for the film. This CD is perhaps the greatest introduction to Oriental (Middle Eastern, Indian, African, Persian, Turkish, etc) music that is available. It covers an incredibly diverse range of styles and cultures. The songs on here range from wonderful songs performed by excellent traditional artists (NFAK, Hossam Ramzey, Shankar,, etc) to authentic ethno-music recordings. The first song is a wedding song from the legendary Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan himself, giving a magnificent look into the traditions of Pakistan. NFAK's song is one of his best. This is followed by Senegalese superstar Baaba Maal performing the Call to Prayer, which is an integral part of Islam. I strongly recommend you understand and respect that when listening to this track. Returning to South Asia, we are treated to a lively, upbeat Indian number from Shankar and the Epedemics. Following this is a beautiful, ephemeral flute song entitled "Ulvi", performed by Kudsi Erguner, one of Turkey's greatest musicians. Hossam Ramzey, gives a lively Egyptian Raks Shari number entitled "Fellahi" (farmer). I was very impressed with this one. It gives a view of Ramzey at his best. Next is a sample of traditional Egyptian Arab music. Then we are treated to a celebratory bar song from traditional Ethiopian musicians. Those unfamilar with Ethiopian music will be pleasantly surprised by this. Then we get a Perso-Indian performance by Mahmou Tabrizi Zadeh. This song fascinates me to no end. After that is another historic ethnic recording, this time from a Moroccan wedding celebration. As the NFAK song above showed, wedding celebrations are perhaps the greatest opportunities to hear music in Islamic cultures, so this shouldn't be too surprising. Next is a number by Abdul Aziz el-Sayed, which was recorded for the brothel scene, but was used for the Lazarus scene instead. And then we get a lively number from the African band Fatala, with lively percussion and vocals. This song is lively and uniquely West African, but fits in very well with the other selections. Next is the song from Nass el-Ghiwane (an excellent Moroccan group) which wound up being used for the brothel scene in the movie. Following closely is a performance by the Egyptian Gypsy group, Musicians of the Nile. And finally, the CD closes with a traditional Armenian ney flute performance, which I found both haunting and ephemeral. Its easily one of my favorite songs on the CD.
Overall, this is an excellent and diverse CD. The music on here, which saw use in "The Last Temptation of Christ" is wonderful and inspirational, whether from Christian (such as Ethiopian or Armenian) or Muslim (such as Pakistani or Egyptian) sources. It is beautiful and wonderful. I cannot say enough good things about this CD.

Average customer rating:

Belly Dancing Greats
happy bellydancer!
This cd carries you to the middle east, misirlou is superior
Clear "old style" arabic songs, great for belly dancing.

Art of Belly Dancing
George Abdo & The Flames of Araby Orchestra
Manufacturer: Monitor Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Joy of Belly Dancing
The Magic of Belly Dancing
Belly Dance! The Best of George Abdo and His Flames of Araby Orchestra
Belly Dancing with George Abdo
Strictly Belly Dancing, Vol. 6

ASIN: B00000100S
Release Date: 1993-09-11

Tracks:

Raks Musri
Meenie Yaba
Raks Araby
Hadouni, Hadouni
Raks Al-Sultan
Raks Al-Dounya
Raks El Gezlan
Raks Pharonic
Gameel Gamal
Raks Gamal
Nasam Alayana El-Hawa
Raks Siretzi
Misirlou

Customer Reviews:

Belly Dancing Greats.......2004-03-13

This CD was originally published in LP form in 1973. I danced to it as a little girl and found it thrilling to dance to. I recently broke out my old album and it was still just as exciting to dance to as it was 30 years ago. It is definately a must have for Belly Dancers.

happy bellydancer!.......2001-11-18

I have had this album on tape for many years, and although now we tend to use more modern music,every now and then we need something more traditional, but still pleasing to a western ear.This album is one of my favourites,and perfect for us more traditional bellydancers!

This cd carries you to the middle east, misirlou is superior.......1999-10-02

This is a most exciting cd one that carries you to the middle east, misirlou is exceptional and its a wonderful cd for all occasions, festive,romantic and more its a must to have if you like middle eastern music. You would never know its a belly dancing cd, I purchased it because of the sound and my love for the middle east.

Clear "old style" arabic songs, great for belly dancing........1999-07-30

Easy to listen or dance to in the "old style" arabic music mode. More acoustic than electronic instrumentation makes it an uncluttered introduction to middle eastern music. Appreciated the variety of tempos when I first purchased this title in vinyl! Sure wish George was still producing, the modern Egyptian stuff is way too over orchestrated.

The Sensual Art of Bellydance - Slow rhythms

Average customer rating:

Delightful and erotic
Sensual Dance Returns In Triumph
spellbinding ,evocative and accessible bellydance music
I'd be better without it.
Beautiful and Dreamlike

The Sensual Art of Bellydance - Slow rhythms
Ron Wagner
Manufacturer: Goldhil Home Media
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

The Sensual Art of Bellydance - Fast rhythms
Belly Dance Fantasy
The Heartbeat of Bellydance: Rhythms & Belly Dance combinations for Drum Solos
Hayati : Best of Egyptian Belly Dance Music
Best of Bellydance from Egypt, Lebanon, Arabia & Turkey

ASIN: B00005AVPN
Release Date: 2001-05-01

Tracks:

Daughter Of The Dawn
Veiled Mystery
Serpent Arms
Sunrise Over Giza
Peace Of The Goddess
Isis Enthroned
Little Sand Flower
Nile Sunset
Pharaoh's Farewell

Album Description

Enjoy the wonderful music of Bellydance with this new compact disc, composed and performed by Ron Wagner. Tracks include: Daughter of the Dawn Veiled Mystery Serpent Arms Sunrise over Giza Peace of the Goddess Isis Enthroned Little Sand Flower Nile Sunset Pharaoh's Farewell

Customer Reviews:

Delightful and erotic.......2006-09-28

This cd is just what I was looking for. It is great for more than dancing, backround to a romantic dinner, a sensual massage. Let you imagination take you away. I am so happy I found this cd.

Sensual Dance Returns In Triumph.......2004-10-31

With so many modern Middle Eastern Music CDs following the electronic "faster is better and exploit the drum machine" trend it's so refreshing to have an album like this to remember the full sensuousity of the magical alure of this special dance form.
To the reviewer who felt "it sounds like the same song over and over", I can only say you're mistaking the SIMILARITY of tempi and rhythms for the song or melody. It's rather like saying all waltzes sound the same! Even in the short (much too short, in my opinion) samples there is a distinct and different MELODY is every track.
Such soul-stirring and mellow music is much appreciated by those of us dancers who enjoy the chance to luxuriate in expressing the deeper emotion in music rather than gyrating to faster, louder, more distorted and plastic electonic stuff that the party mix albums have forced on the world of Oriental Dance.
The true skill of dancing is the ability to interpret such deep and emotional music with elegance and grace. Therein the Soul of the Dancer and the Muse of Movement.

spellbinding ,evocative and accessible bellydance music.......2002-07-06

Listening to Ron Wagner making music ----- on ANY percussion instrument --- is spellbinding.

Rarely does one get to experience a musician so intensely at one with the music, an extension of the instrument, at once fiery and intently grounded, rooted inwardly in compelling concentration to the hidden core pulse at the center of sound.

The recorded music on the 2 CD set "The Sensual Art of BellyDance" ( Available through AMOZON) -- music composed and performed by Ron Wagner--- is equally entrancing and inwardly rooting.

The first time I listened to "The Sensual Art of BellyDance - Slow Rhythms" I was transported, carried meditatively into the vastness and beauty of the desert landscape, the camel caravan, the walking of women, of centuries of nomadic caravan over sandy arid hills. I was taken inward to the center of my own meditative dance until there was no vision, no desert mirage remaining...only the dance. Subsequent listenings readily return me to this quiet and delicious meditative vastness .

The other CD, "The Sensual Art of BellyDance - Fast Rhythms" has, time and again transformed the hatha yoga classes that I teach, into gatherings at the oasis, celebrations of women sharing their intimate prayer dance and sensual aliveness. Through this music women of all cultural backgrounds ,representing the widest possible range of training, skill level ,body awareness and comfort (with bellydance, hatha yoga, and being seen in their dance)...have spontaneously re-discovered their grace, fluidity, strength and playfulness...the pure joy of movement and their body's innate knowing of the dance. The clean, fresh accessibility of this recording in fact inspired my own boldness in introducing bellydance into my yoga classes. Without any dance instruction, This music inspires novice and "born-dancer" alike to "come home" to their dance.

What more could any dancer, yoga or bellydance teacher, anyone interested in awakening embodied consciousness ask for?? These 2 CDs are magical carpet rides that can take you or your students flying to unknown, surprising destinations...

Highly recommended for meditative yoga or dance : " The Sensual Art of BellyDance -Slow Rhythms" .
Highly recommended for exuberant yoga or dance: "The Sensual Art of BellyDance - Fast Rhythms".

"The Sensual Art of BellyDance" by Ron Wagner - 2 CD set is a DEFINITE WORTHWHILE and UNIQUE addition to my rather extensive CD collection of music .

Review contributed by Hanna Chusid,EdD. Licensed Psychologist/Yoga and Meditation Instructor/Dancer (25 years experience)-L.A., CA>

I'd be better without it........2002-01-23

I have both the fast and slow rhythm.I love the fast,but don't really care for the slow.More than half of these songs have the same exact beats.It sounds like the same song over and over again.There is a slight variation to the songs,but not enough to make it not so annoying.I wish I didn't buy it.If you interested in either the fast or slow,I'd get the fast one.That made me want to get up and start shaking.Hope this helps.

Beautiful and Dreamlike.......2001-09-23

An imaginative aural soundscape of Arabic and Indian influenced music. As in the companion CD "Fast Rhythms", the merger of musics conjures the image of musicians traveling between Rajastan, Teheran and the Arabic world on the ancient silk road, but performed in a more modern context. This CD seems to focus on the rhythms of çifte telli and wåhdah toweela whereas the "Fast Rhythms"CD features baladi, matsuma, saeedi and aiyub rhythms. The "slower" tempos work extremely well for yoga classes, warmups and cool downs. There is almost a dream like quality to some of the sections making the music relaxing in an ethereal sense. The juxtaposition, at one point, of the Arabic macam of Bayati with the Indian Raags of Sindhu Bhairavi and Kaliyan is lovely to behold.

Average customer rating:

A kaleidascope of many international music styles.
World Music. Need I say more?
Expand your musical vocabulary
...and now let's introduce the band.
Starring the ingredients

Plus from Us
Ayub Ogada , The Meters , Peter Hammill , Dmitir Pokrovsky Ensemble , William Orbit , Tony Levin , Alex Gifford , Brian Eno , David Rhodes , and Daniel Lanois
Manufacturer: Real World
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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A Week Or Two in the Real World
Passion Sources
Voices of the Real World
Bliss
Passion

ASIN: B000000HOP
Release Date: 1993-05-14

Tracks:

Obiero - Ayub Ogada
Keep On Marching - The Meters
Oasis - Peter Hammill
Pine Tree & On The Street - Dmitri Pokrovsky Ensemble
Best Frind, Paranoia - William Orbit
Lone Bear - Tony Levin
Morecambe Bay - Alex Gifford
Down By The River - Divid Rhodes
Triennale - Brian Eno
Rose Rhythm - Doudou N'Diaye Rose
Silence (Remix) - Manu Katche
Baladi We hetta - Hossam Ramzy
Dreams - Shanker 'N' Caroline
Suheyla - Kudsi Erguner
El Conquistador - Daniel Lanois

Customer Reviews:

A kaleidascope of many international music styles........2007-07-08

As a companion album to Peter Gabriel's "US" album, this Real World collection entitled "Plus From Us" features an extremely eclectic collection of 15 songs sampling a combination of almost pure traditional music like what you'd find from "Passion Sources", to almost completely Western pop to even blues jazz. The album cover almost perfectly fits the mood of the album: Dark but also colorful and inspiring.

On the most Western-sounding side of this CD are my favorite track "Best Friend/Paranoia". This song begins with a dark haunting breeze effect followed by an entrancing ambient melody but in the middle of the track, it gives way to an eerie atmosphere followed by an energetic hip-hop dance beat. It's hard to believe but I find this track to be very energetic just from the combination of unsettling, romantic, groovy and beautiful all in one. "Loan Bear" has various guitar styles with a very low-pitch bass guitar which gives away to a higher pitched ending. "Down By The River" by David Rhodes though is the most accessible track on here with a beautiful jazz-driven acoustic guitar and lovely sunny afternoon mood.

Midway across the spectrum would get gems like "Keep On Marching" which has a groovy blues-jazz style that would be worthy of playing at a backyard grill gathering. Ayub Ogada's "Obiero" is a stunning beauty with a guitar sound I can only describe as Ayub's. It's a beautiful opener to this CD.

On the other extreme end of the musical spectrum, we get songs that are much more non-Western and having almost no electronic instruments at all. "Baladi Hetta" has a multi-layered drum ensemble from what I'm guessing is around Saudi Arabia and the drum loop I think was partially sampled in Peter Gabriel's "The Feeling Begins". "Pine Tree on the Street" is pure vocals from a Russian Ensemble and it's very interesting to listen to when one has an open mind.

"Plus From US" takes some time to digest but it pays back many rewards after several listens. The shifts in styles can be a bit jarring at times but overall, PFU is a must-have

World Music. Need I say more?.......2006-02-12

Well broaden your musical knowledge and also refine your taste. If you listen to this album, then I guarantee you Nirvana!!! Just kidding. But thats the way I felt when I first listened to it. Peter Gabriel is an amazing composer himself. Yet he has not failed to introduce different talents like his own from different parts of the world. I appreciate his effort in making this album. Thanks to him and all "Plus From US" artists for producing a highly refined musical album. Nirvana guaranteed for listeners!!! Do you think I am exaggerating too much? Listent to the album then make your conclusion about my remarks.

Expand your musical vocabulary.......2000-08-25

Front to back, this album is severely incredible. Featuring the musicians on "Us" doing their own thing, this album has a variety ranging from western, eastern, african, middle eastern cultures and more. Despite the variety, the CD flows well from one song to the next and never gets boring. The only bad thing about this CD is that it caused me to go out and buy most of the CDs from the artists on here - that's actually a good thing. Without this CD I wouldn't have become exposed to some of the better music on the planet today. The opening track is simultaneously the most beautiful and hauntng piece of traditional african music in existence. Manu Katche (the incredible drummer) throws a curveball by singing on a nightclub-oriented tune. Tony Levin once again confounds us with his super stick playing on a solo piece. David Rhodes' song nearly jerks a tear each time. William Orbit always pleases the ear. This is collection of heartfelt songs which never gets old. Buy it now - you can't go wrong.

...and now let's introduce the band........2000-02-24

After the positive response to "Passion Sources," the companion CD to Peter Gabriel's soundtrack for "The Last Temptation of Christ," he decided to release this collection to showcase the work of the various musicians who played on his fantastic "Us" album. For fans curious to hear more of the international influences on Gabriel's sound, this disc acts as a nice sampler of several Real World artists. Kenya's Ayub Ogada opens the set with his wonderful "Obiero" (a superior version recorded two years prior to the version on his "En Mana Kuoyo" album) and is interestingly followed by New Orleans' the Meters. The selection varies nicely from Russia's Dmitri Pokrovsky Ensemble and India's Shankar'N'Caroline to more mainstream acts like Brian Eno, William Orbit and Daniel Lanois. David Rhodes' "Down By The River" and Alex Gifford's "Morecambe Bay" are also standout tracks. While they may not receive as much attention as Mr. Gabriel does, they are certainly deserving of it. This compilation is a refreshing mix of sounds that will hopefully tune the listener to some new artists, if not new worlds.

Starring the ingredients.......1999-11-23

I bought this CD as a consequence of having enjoyed (I still do) Peter Gabriel's "US", which I still consider one of the best albums ever. My expectations for "Plus from us" were zero as I considered it sort of extra merchandising around "Us" production. +from us came out to be an amazingly balanced album based upon wide eclectic origins bonded together in a very coherent way which is the bonus of rediscovering "Us" after its original ingredients.

Average customer rating:

Chilling and Beautiful
Music to trance by
Very good Nay, but shame on the rest!

Art of the Arabian Flute: The Nay
Bashir Abdel Al
Manufacturer: Arc Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Master of the Arabian Flute
Moroccan Spirit

ASIN: B00000GVZP
Release Date: 1999-01-26

Tracks:

Al Khayam
Khinea la Layla (Song For Layla)
Habib albeh (Love In My Heart)
Arrida Wal Noor
Tiyer bil howa (Flying Bird)
La lowilaad ginea (Song For The Children)
Laglin Nabbi

Customer Reviews:

Chilling and Beautiful.......2005-08-14

The "ney" is a Persian (Iranian) instrument which dates back to thousands of years before Christ. It is made from reed, and the word "ney" is a Persian word that means "reed." The name for this instrument, and probably the instrument itself, was introduced into Arabic court upon the invasion of the Arabs into Persia (Iran) in the 7th century AD. It was also introduced into Turkish court upon the Ottoman Turk's invasion of Persia. Once it was introduced to Arabic and Turkish court, the name of this instrument was adopted from the Persian language into both the Arabic language and the Turkish language. The Persian style of playing this instrument is different from Turkish and Arabic styles. The Arabic-style ney music played on this CD is chilling and beautiful.

A brief word on history must be made here because it is related to this instrument: When Arabs invaded Iran, Arabic became the official written language. Many Persians changed their names into Arabic names. The Arabs enforced their religion upon each country they invaded, including a Zoroastrian (Zoroastrianism: first monotheistic religion in the world) Iran, and called their declared land the "Islamic World." Iranian court musicians, who had changed their names to Arabic names because the Arabic language became the official language, composed music for the now Arab court and the Arab's "Islamic World." Thus, Arabic music, as recent studies have discussed, is the creation of Iranian court composers. It must be said that the Arabic language didn't last as the official language, and Parsi (or Farsi, the Persian language spoken from the Iranian-Sassanid era alongside Pahlavi and the official language of Iran today) became the official language once again.

Anyway, The Iranian musicians, who composed music for Arab court, used a system that was created by several Iranian court musicians of the Sassanid Dynasty of Iran and was passed down to them in an oral tradition from their masters. And these masters learned from their own masters. This Iranian musical system was a complex system of 365 melodies that branched from 30 derivative modes which themselves branched from several modes. Iranian musicians also introduced this system into Turkish music. Iranian musical instruments were also introduced to Arabic countries, Turkey, and even India. It is because of Iranian musicians and the music of the Sassanid Iranians that we see the names of Iranian modes and melodies within Turkish Classical, Iraqi Classical, Syrian Classical, and Egyptian Classical music. Though these countries went their own way in regards to music, while Iran went its own way.

This musical system was banned by some Arab-Islamists and by Iranian fanatics who had converted to Islam because of the Arabs. But the music was practiced and taught in secrecy. Later, during the Qajar era in Iran, the Sassanid system was revived, rejuvenated and officially re-established as the "Radif" and "Dastgah" system within the court and was used, for the first time, outside of court as well. Because of those fanatics, the system was hurt but never forgotten. There are now 12 modes (Dastgah) and 200 movements or melodies (Gushe) in Iranian Classical music. Most of these melodies and modes date back to that Sassanid era of Iran which had is responsible for inspiring the creation of Arabic and Turkish court music through those Iranian musicians mentioned above. Because of the evolving nature of music, some melodies were added along the way and some were altered. And, although the classical music of Turkey, Egypt, Syria, and Iraq were influenced by Iranian music-culture, they evolved on their own separate path and they bare their own separate characteristics. However Iranian classical music functions completely within the ancient Iranian modal system.

...

Music to trance by.......2005-01-23

The Arabian nay or ney is one of the most haunting flutes you'll ever hear, and Bashir Abdel Al is a master. His breath control is mesmerizing in the dreamlike pieces - though he can be crisp when the music calls for it - and the range of tones and style and volume is always amazing.

Far from detracting from the nay's melody, the (minimal) accompanying keyboard supports and deepens the song with few well-chosen, sustained chords. This is an excellent harmony of instruments. I dare anyone to resist introspection on any of the shorter OR longer tracks (varying from 3:02 to 12:00).

The keyboard player is not credited, but Ivor Goldberg is listed as co-composer on many of the tracks... so perhaps?

This CD is perfect for (just about ;) everyone who knows or is discovering the nay: sufficient classical elements for purists and an overall contemplative feel for anyone who likes New Age or world music.

Very good Nay, but shame on the rest!.......2000-09-22

The Nay music is outstanding, but the accompanying music mostly keyboards and ultra modern sounds just don't fit at all and detracts from the excellent nay. Oh, well, what a shame to spoil such excellent music!

The Sensual Art of Bellydance - Fast rhythms

Average customer rating:

spellbinding, evocative, fun and accessible bellydance music
Unique and Inspired
Dissappointed
a CD for choreographers
a very interesting recording

The Sensual Art of Bellydance - Fast rhythms
Ron Wagner
Manufacturer: Goldhil Home Media
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Middle East | International | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Sensual Art of Bellydance - Slow rhythms
Belly Dance Fantasy
The Heartbeat of Bellydance: Rhythms & Belly Dance combinations for Drum Solos
Bellydance Superstars, Vol. 3
Galactic Caravan: Intergalactic Bellydance

ASIN: B00005AVPL
Release Date: 2001-05-01

Tracks:

Lady Of Saeed
Moon Dance
The King's Consorts
The Camel's Gait
Isis Dancing
Caravan Trek
Bounty Of The Goddess
Sumerian Sundance
Lion Birds
Shimmering Oasis
Dune Dance
Sand Fury
Daughter Of Twilight
Camel Trail

Album Description

Enjoy the wonderful music of Bellydance with this new compact disc, composed and performed by Ron Wagner. Tracks include: Lady of Saeed Moon Dance The King's Consorts The Camel's Gait Isis Dancing Caravan Trek Bounty of the Goddess Sumerian Sundance Lion Birds Shimmering Oasis Dune Dance Sand Fury Daughter of Twilight Camel Trail

Customer Reviews:

spellbinding, evocative, fun and accessible bellydance music.......2002-07-06

Listening to Ron Wagner making music ----- on ANY percussion instrument --- is spellbinding.

The recorded music on the 2 CD set "The Sensual Art of BellyDance" ( Available through AMOZON) -- music composed and performed by Ron Wagner--- is equally entrancing and inwardly rooting.

Highly recommended for meditative yoga or dance : " The Sensual Art of BellyDance -Slow Rhythms" .
Highly recommended for exuberant yoga or dance: "The Sensual Art of BellyDance - Fast Rhythms".

"The Sensual Art of BellyDance" by Ron Wagner - 2 CD set is a DEFINITE WORTHWHILE and UNIQUE addition to my rather extensive CD collection of music .

Review contributed by Hanna Chusid,EdD. Licensed Psychologist/Yoga and Meditation Instructor/Dancer (25 years experience)-L.A., CA>

Unique and Inspired.......2001-09-21

Here is middle eastern inspired music that sounds original! Not the usual Arabic bellydance music one hears in clubs and on CD's. The composer, it seems, has taken Arabic modes (like Hijaz, Hijaz-Kar, Bayati, Nahawand, Saba, and Nakriz) and created a unique tapestry by combining them with Indian ragas. Specifically I heard Ahir Bhairav, Kafi, Sindhu Bhairavi, and even the South Indian Raag Saraswati. With the addition of the Persian mode of Esfahan the silk road feeling is complete. The mix of synthisized instruments with real dumbek and percussion work was smooth and pleasing to listen to without the crass edge one often hears with synth work in many middle eastern clubs and performances. It also allowed the music to change tone centers easier than it could have given the limitations of some middle eastern instruments. I would recommend this CD to any dance instructor looking for a variety of rhythms and tempos including a couple of good drum solos!

Dissappointed.......2001-09-09

I bought this CD because the videos are so popular (they lack passion,too), but the music is quite dull and at times annoying. The music is trying to be Western to appeal to American audiences that aren't acustomed to the traditional Eastern sound, but it comes off as safe, boring, mediocre, like bellydance elevator music. You would do better off by trying the traditional bellydance CDs.

a CD for choreographers.......2001-09-08

This CD is great for group choreography because of it's variety of voices and dramatic streams. The pieces have a storytelling feel to them. Like with the SLOW RHYTHMS CD, the music is a mixture of new age and middle eastern music which frees the dancer from strict bellydance vocabulary. The drum solos are really good, and one of them, "Dune Dance," makes a great solo dance piece.

a very interesting recording.......2001-08-22

While I do like this disc, I can understand the other reviews complaining about the "sparse instrumentation" and somewhat electronic sound of the performances. Never the less, I can say from many years of collecting world music from classical Indian music on Sitar, Sarod and Surbahar ,to Paraguayian harp, from Sarangi and Oud to Western Classical music and Cante Flamenco, that this recording and also the companion disc "Slow Rhythmes" both have, orchestration not withstanding, very noteworthy and interesting qualities. Here the use of Tabla and Baya, North Indian percussion instruments, add both sparkle and a clean (albeit somewhat intellectual) quality to the music. Here, while most recordings of Bellydance overdo the sensual aspects, providing much more elastic but in most cases less rigourous tempos and less complex rhythmic patterning, here we have the opposite for a change. I feel any good dancer will appreciate the clarity of the entire percussion section in both these discs,for the very insistance on a more precise and, well, Indian Gat like quality in these areas. Now to correct at least one error I noted in other reviews of this recording, most all of the percussion instruments are NOT digital but REAL instruments as played against a synthesizer which provides the melody largely in imitation of Middle Eastern strings and winds . It is here where I do have a few reservations. While I myself had no problem with the electronic fiddles, Ouds, etc, my inital reaction was to be a little put off by the digital imitation of the winds. Whether or not these synthesized instruments were in some way inspired by or were in direct imitation of Zorna or Shehnai or South Indian Flutes -whatever- the sound was uniformly mechanical and "digital" wherever these "instruments" appeared. I guess this was due to the emmense difficulty of getting the often nasal registers and/or Woody sound of the real thing plus the wide vibratos usually employed by the players, plus the sound of the wide scooping to pitch and the breath just right... I could easly imagine how smashing these recordings could have sounded here with "live" musicians in attendance. The rest of the synthesizer work was, I thought, well done. Last criticism ? All the fast movements are on one disc, all the slow movements are on another.... this is a real recipe for dullness. MY suggestion is to tape or burn a nice mix from both these cd's and you will have a great set of dance suites- but be prepared for a workout!

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The Art of Seduction: Belly Dance Music
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Empire Musicwerks
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Art of Seduction: Gypsy Nights - Belly Dance Music of the Balkans
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ASIN: B000A6CLLA
Release Date: 2005-08-09

Tracks:

Andetli Warda
Uotaaref Men Elihabek
Bir Ish Tamal Haavash (Song In Turkish)
Ana Ou Anti Ou Anti Ou Ana
Dalamouni Habibi
Asmaousemara
Ahsin
Ya Bay
Chataaraban

Album Description

Although most typical of Islamic North Africa, Belly Dance Music is representative of the entire Moslem world. It has its origin in the folk songs of roving Bedouin tribes, and in the music of the early camel-herders, with their faint pipes and primitive instruments. The Arab conquest of North Africa and the assimilation of the savage Berber tribes introduced the wild polyrhythmic drumbeat rhythm. The oriental influence stems from the transmigration of culture brought about by the great caravan routes to China and India. The development of music amongst the Arabs reached its height in the luxury of the tenth century, the golden age of Moslem culture. The belly dancer expresses the emotion of love, sometimes joyful, sometimes sad; then the chorus joins in, singing accompaniment while the dance is taking place. It is a credit to the talent and beauty of the belly dancing girls that Arab songs generally have many choruses. The music contained on this CD is not a mere reproduction of music made for belly dancers - this is the actual authentic music taken from vintage field recordings in North Africa and Morocco from the vaults of Tradition records, America's first folk and world music label. This is the real belly dancing music - great for both professional and beginning dancers. It's also some of the best World music you'll ever hear.

The Art of Seduction: Gypsy Nights - Belly Dance Music of the Balkans

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The Art of Seduction: Gypsy Nights - Belly Dance Music of the Balkans
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Empire Musicwerks
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000FS9NEG
Release Date: 2006-06-27

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Romano Cocek
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Ne, Ne Ljubi Drugu
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Ko Sme Ruku Da Nam Pruzi
Ciganski Cocek

Album Description

Intoxicating rhythms, hypnotic melodies - welcome to the magical world of gypsy musicwhere romance beckons through the dark eyes of exotic dancers and enchantment lurks'round every corner. This volume features exciting rare recordings from the Queen ofMacedonian Gypsy singers Esma Redzhepova accompanied by an expert ensemble of thefinest gypsy musicians. The music on this CD is guaranteed to move the feet, lift thespirit and release the belly dancer in all who listen.

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Passion Sources
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00008EQ50
Release Date: 1989-10-03

Tracks:

Shamus-Ud-Doha Bader-Ud-Doja - Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan & Party, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
Call to Prayer - Baaba Maal
Sankarabaranam Pancha Nadai Pallavi
Ulvi - Kudsi Erguner
Fallahi - Hossam Ramzy
Sabahiya - Banga (Tanta-Suaag)
Tejbeit
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Wedding Song
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The Best of Belly Dance: The Art of Love

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The Best of Belly Dance: The Art of Love
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Fuel 2000
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Tracks:

Temple of Seduction - Luxor
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