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CD Review
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Al Jadid, CD Review >>
Arab World Music: From Andalus to Darweesh's Egypt: Global Rhythm Classics and Fusion in the New CDs
Soul Of A People: The songs of Sheikh Sayyed Darweesh
Chicago Classical Oriental Ensemble
Xauen
Sheikh Sayyed Darweesh is one of modern Egypt's most influential compoers, and also was an early pioneer in the field of world music. He died at 31 in 1923, leaving a legacy of 30 musicals, 11 adwar (long song forms with complex melodies and multiple sections), and more than 150 songs. Darweesh was steeped in the tradition of 19th century Arabic music and, having studied yp nr muqri, a reader of the Qur'an, he was well versed in Qur'anic chant. At the same time, he embraced the modern and the "other." He loved Italian opera and greatly admired Verdi, and also learned Christian hymns from the Syrian Orthodox church, which he once referred to as "Godly opera."
Darweesh's music is often described as the "voice of the people." Many of his songs reflected the harsh life of the working class when Egypt was occupied by Britain. Darweesh wrote about women's suffrage and class disparities, and composed the theme that would become thge Egyptian national anthem. Several of his songs comprise the Chicago Classical Oriental Ensemble's recent repertoire. The group's seven-city nationwide tour in 2006 featured "The Songs of Sheikh Sayyed Darweesh: Soul of a People," now released in a CD.
To select songs from the extensive Darweesh repertoire, Hicham Chami, founder of the Chicago Classical Oriental Ensemble, a Moroccan-born qanun player, worked with composer/arranger Kareem Roustom. Dalia Alshafi transcribed the lyrics reconciling them with the orignal lyrics of Darweesh's recordings in his own voice.
In "Ya Bint al Yom," (Today's Girl)., Darweesh calls on Egyptian women to wake up: "You speak several languages and are as smart and talented as your European counterparts. You've had enough sleep." In the same song, he calls the would-be emigrant to "forget Europe, forget American; Egypt is the place to be." But, if you happen to be in America, listening to this CD can be a transporting expeirence. 08/01/05
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