The Verdi of Egypt

Sheikh Sayyed Darweesh (1892-1923) is credited with bringing Egyptian music into the 20th century and was the first to incorporate European instruments and techniques into Arabic music. He was extremely prolific, composing more than 100 songs, thirty musicals, and eleven adwar (a long-form, multi-sectioned song with complex melodies), all in the last seven years of his short life.

Darweesh fused many different influences in his music: qur'anic chant, Italian opera, Syrian Orthodox chant, and traditional Arabic singing. He was so successful a composer that many of his pieces are taken to be traditional anonymous works. He once called himself "Egypt's Verdi," a description that fits on many levels. Like Verdi, Darweesh lived through political upheaval and nationalism. His music struck a chord with the Egyptian people of all stations. In 1979, his song Biladi (my homeland) was chosen as the national anthem of Egypt.

Darweesh's music was the focus of a concert with the Chicago Classical Oriental Ensemble, in promotion of their new CD "Soul of a People." In addition to a violin, a cello, and two vocalists (including guest artist Youssef Kassab), the ensemble featured an 'ud (a type of lute), a qanun (a type or lyre), and a riqq (a type of tambourine).

The two highlights of the program for me were Ya Nas Ana Mut fi Hubbi and Doulab Rast. The first featured an extended 'ud solo by Kareem Roustom, who is also the ensemble's leader. Doulab Rast featured solos by Hicham Chami on the qanun and Albert Agha on vocals.

The tour, which also stopped in New York and Washington, continues in Ann Arbor (2/21), Chicago (2/26), Seattle (2/28), and LA (3/2). More information is available at World Music Central.