four generations of lebanese musicians
i come from
The core instrument of my family, as well as Arabic music itself, is the Oud. To me, the oud is the most beautiful instrument in the world. It is ancient and carries in its center all the history and stories of those who came before. It holds in it the heart of the people, and when played it gives it back to them joyously. In my travels, wherever I find myself, I always have an oud with me. It is as necessary as anything. When I play the oud the spirit of my whole family reconvenes and gathers around me. What greater gift could there be?
Practically, the modern oud is a stringed instrument with a pear-shaped back, a flat top, a short neck, and no frets. Played with a plectrum. It has 5-double sets of strings, tuned in the same octave, and a sole bass string. As the piano is to Western Classical composition, the Oud is to Arabic Classical Music. It is considered closest to the human voice.
These days I play mostly for my own pleasure and that of my loved ones, but sometimes I will do a little recital or concert.
“TaqAsim Oud”
Taqasim is an improvised instrumental solo, based in one or more of the Arabic scales.
“Ya Msaharny”
One of my favorite songs of the great singer Umm Kulthum. Its title means, “Oh you, who keeps me from sleeping.”
“Kol Da Kan Lih”
A song I love from the great singer Nagat Al-Saghira, and composed by the preeminent composer of Arabic music, Mohammed Abdel Wahab. Its title means, “Why did all this happen when I looked into her eyes?”
During our days in The Band’s Visit, Katrina and I would bond over our love for Arabic music. For a benefit concert, I taught her this song and she performed it, as everything she does, beautifully.
“Weyno Il-habib”
A very special recording of my great-grandfather, George Salloum, playing the oud and singing one of his favorite Lebanese songs in the early 1950’s. Its title means, “Where is my love?” He was a high tenor, which I guess is something that doesn’t pass down…