Barhoum Rizq
Qirdaha
SIDE A
- Attaba
SIDE B
- Shlonak Eini Shlonak
Label
Layali Al Ghab
Location Issued
Hama, Syria
Artist Origin
Tartous, Syria
Credits
Al Khamael Band Violin: Rafiq Farha Oud: Samir Farha Keyboards: Ilyas Alaji Drums: George Francis Recorded by: No'man Al Khoury
More Info
This live tape documents a wedding ceremony performed by Barhoum Rizq in Al Qardaha. It features an energetic and fluctuating mix of mijana, attaba, dabke, and Syrian shaabi classics, interspersed with long instrumental segments and interrupted every minute or so by salutations from the audience read aloud by the master of ceremonies. It is customary in every opportunity available to him, that attaba singer Barhoum Rizq mentions the poet Mousa Francis, who would write attaba verses for him when Rizq didn't write them himself. He believes that the secret behind attaba's resilience as a musical style, its spread, and success lies in the lyrics. Attaba is originally a poetic form, and the skill in crafting meanings, imagery, and vocabulary is what can keep the listener engaged for long hours in each session, especially since the music accompanying attaba is simple and minimalist.