This live recording, "Kariat al-Fengan" ("The Fortune Teller"), was the last song done by Egyptian legend Abdel Halim Hafez and is probably one of his best works as well. In this performance, over an hour long, we are treated to drama, passion and raw emotion that classical Arabic music is so rightly famous for. Hafez is rightly known as one of the greatest classical performers in the Arabic-speaking world, and of his numerous recordings, this CD is as good a place to start as any. The song is one of his most well-known, and well-loved, works. Its a good thing that EMI Arabia has decided to re-release this CD to a wider market. This, and other recordings in their "Arabian Masters" series, are wonderful guides to some of the best Arabic classical music you can find. If you are a lover of classical Arabic music, or Middle Eastern music in general, then I strongly recommend you check out this CD. Even if the EMI release is unavailable, you can still find copies on other labels at most halal grocers, Arabic music stores and the like.
