Qanun el Tarab

Performed by Hossam Ramzy and Maged Serour

Reviewed by Michelle

When I first received Qanun el Tarab, I wasn't exactly overwhelmed with excitement-the thought of an entire CD of qanun-based songs just didn't appeal to me. The first two times I listened to the CD, I thought the music was pretty enough-excellent quality, good variety--but it still didn't strike me as something I would use in my performances (again with the disclaimer that I'd not been "called" by the qanun before).

However, el Tarab translated means "the law" or " the definitive rule" so I thought the CD warranted more listening. I am so glad I did! There are songs which follow very classical qanun sounds-these are the "famous love songs arranged especially for the Egyptian dance."

However, there are also songs which take the qanun in directions I'd never heard. These include songs written by Ramzy and Serour. For example, "El Ahram Fil Fagr (Pyramids at Dawn)" has an introduction reminiscent of the mystical sounds of Ramzy's "Immortal Egypt." Track 6, "Alwan el Neel (Colours of the Nile )" features fast-paced qanun work and a nice emphasis on Ramzy's drum rhythms. This is not the floaty, soft-sounding qanun music I'm used to and I really enjoy the change. The final track, by Joaquin Rodrigo, "Mon Amour" is absolutely exquisite. It IS the floaty, soft-sounding qanun music but unlike any you've heard. It is delicate and not at all overwhelming. It is incredibly rich with emotion and for a dancer who's never been "called" by the qanun before, this song touched me deeply.

My favorite dancing piece is track 7, "Zay el Assal (Sweet as Honey)" for many reasons. The song begins with a violin, moves on to a short bit of Ramzy's hypnotic drumming, incorporates a fast rebabe and then brings in the qanun-also upbeat and energetic. The song has high-energy phrases and slower, more introspective phrases, allowing for a wealth of movements as a dancer. This is Hossam Ramzy's second in a series of CDs highlighting the solo instruments used in Egyptian music ensembles (the first was "El Amar" featuring accordionist Mohsen Allaam).

Whether or not you've enjoyed qanun music in the past, you are sure to enjoy this album.

Farfesha Belly Dance © 2004