Customer Reviews

Irak: Les Maqâms de Bagdad

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Yususf Omar, the great maqam singer, is singing three maqams in this CD, recorded in 1972:
1. Maqam Al-Husaini, followed by the song: Dithibni alehum.
2. Maqam Al-Hilailawi, followed by the song: Aboudi jay Al-Najaf.
3. Maqam Saba, followed by the song: Ya bintu enich alee.
I recommend highly this CD for its artistic value and the great performance of Yusuf Omar, very nostalgic.. It contains a booklet with valuable information on the art of maqamat, it also discusses each maqam. Written in English, French and German by Dr. Shehrazad Hassan...

This is priceless material. There is only one other cd (a double cd) of Yousef Omar and his band in existence.

This CD contains three tracks, each a sort of medley with improvisations on traditional songs of the area. The two outer tracks last just over 20 minutes each, the middle one half that. The main performer is a solo male singer, Yusuf Omar (1918-1987), described as "the last great traditional singer of the school of Iraqi Maqams." He is accompanied by a small ensemble consisting primarily of a zither, an oboe-like double reed, and some small drums, and occasionally a small male chorus. Typically the pieces start with a relatively short instrumental introduction, rather ametric compared to Western music, move to an extended solo vocal passage and procede in alternation, with the second song being at a faster tempo than the first. The conception of vocal timbre is generally much harsher than that of most Western music, but not as harsh as, say, Joe Cocker. Certainly the vocal line is highly melismatic--many notes to a single syllable of text, rather like certain gospel singers, but without the extended range of many Western melismatic singers. This is definitely a gem of a CD, preserving a tradition that has probably disappeared entirely now. The programme notes are particularly informative and well written.

No question that this is quite a rare experience, and the fact that it was well recorded is an amazing bonus! Loud and clear, music with emotion, I feel as though I am sitting on the same ground as these artists. It is an amazing piece of work, and will create a greater appreciation for a culture so radically different than our modern society. If you are looking for an experience of relaxation, understanding, and unique entertainment, this CD will no doubt take you on that journey and beyond.