Singing ‘Ud on New CD

from Marcel Khalife

Marcel Khalife’s Taqasim

Connecting Cultures Records, 2007

BY SAMI ASMAR

A distinguishing element of traditional Arab music is instrumental improvisation (taqsim, plural taqasim), often considered a measure of an artist’s virtuosity. Taqsim means division, and listening to a typical taqsim, one discerns the traditional breaking into phrases, the performer’s interpretation of the chosen mode (maqam). The process begins with a traditional introduction of the maqam, thus orienting the listener, then varies artistically, modulating to other modes and eventually culminating, much to the delight of the audience, in concluding phrases (qafla).

It was a harmonious surprise when renowned Lebanese composer/singer/’ud player Marcel Khalife released a new CD of ‘ud improvisation titled “Taqasim” (Nagam Records). The surprising aspect is that Khalife’s career has progressed from writing music strictly for vocals to composing music for music’s sake, underscoring that Arab civilization must also progress beyond music as simply accompaniment to singing. He has contributed to this goal producing instrumental compositions with what has been called “Western rigor,” including detailed documented notation, practically preventing improvisation as exemplified in his CD for two ‘uds, “Jadal.” Therefore, his audiences have not expected him to improvise during live performances, at least not in the traditional style. But, Marcel Khalife often surprises us.

The “Taqasim” CD, a three-part work accompanied by the virtuoso double bass player Peter Herbert and Marcel’s son Bachar Khalife on percussions, is a collection of themes, thoughts expressed with flowing creativity and occasional revelations – strictly and typically Marcel. He atones for the absence of vocals with what is nothing short of a singing ‘ud. Not surprisingly, the ‘ud sings the unspoken words of Mahmoud Darwish, the Palestinian poet to whom the CD is dedicated. Marcel has been linked with Darwish’s poetry for most of his career and  this CD of instrumental improvisations, according to Khalife, ironically and articulately intones the voice and poetry of Mahmoud Darwish more than ever.

This review appeared in Al Jadid, Vol. 12, nos. 54/55 (Winter/Spring 2006)

Copyright (c) 2006 by Al Jadid