Rahim AlHaj NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert
Музыка
November 13, 2015 by SURAYA MOHAMED Ancestor to the lute and the guitar, the oud is an ancient stringed instrument commonly played throughout the Middle East, North Africa and countries like Greece and Turkey. The oud has charmed audiences for more than 5,000 years, and the tradition continues with this reverent performance by one of the world's best players, Rahim AlHaj.
Born in Baghdad, AlHaj possesses a life story as powerful as his music. He learned to play the oud at age 9, and later graduated with honors and a degree in music composition from the Institute of Music in Baghdad. He also earned a degree in Arabic literature from Mustunsiriya University in Baghdad. Active in the underground revolutionary movement, AlHaj wrote protest songs opposing Saddam Hussein's repressive regime. He was imprisoned twice, once for a year and a half, and was regularly beaten by his captors. In 1991, AlHaj was forced to leave Iraq because of his political activism, and ultimately found a home in New Mexico.
Today, he composes traditional and contemporary pieces for a variety of ensembles - solo oud, string quartets and symphony orchestras. He performs around the world and has even collaborated with Kronos Quartet and R.E.M. AlHaj stopped by the Tiny Desk while in Washington, D.C., to receive a well-deserved NEA National Heritage Fellowship.
The set starts with a solo performance, followed by three songs in which he's accompanied by Palestinian-American percussionist Issa Malluf. Malluf plays the daf, a large circular drum with a hardwood frame, and a stretched and shaved goat skin that produces a gently melodic tonality. The dumbek is a goblet-shaped drum with a tight head make of goatskin, heated by a lamp to keep the skin taut in order to produce a consistent tone.
Though wordless, AlHaj's music tells powerful stories about the blessedness and fragility of life. The first song is intended to serve as a voice for millions of displaced and murdered Iraqi children whose cries will never be heard. Small but powerful, the oud reveals their stories of joy and pain while conveying a deep understanding of their sad history and hopeful future.
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Set List
"Dream"
"Warm Voice"
"Friendship"
"Flying Bird"
Credits
Producers: Suraya Mohamed, Morgan Walker; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Morgan Walker, Nick Michael, Julia Reihs; Production Assistant: Kate Drozynski; Photo by Julia Reihs/NPR
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Пікірлер: 717
Albuquerque local here, I'm late to the party but I remember busking at cottonwood mall one afternoon and Mr. Alhaj stood and listened for some time before dropping a $20 into the banjo case lol. The woman he was with mentioned he was a musician and Mr. Alhaj played it off very modestly, I had no idea who he was and didn't think much of it. Now almost 2 years later I come across this video and spent a good 20 minutes trying to figure out why in the hell I recognized this guy and then it clicked!! Small crazy world UPDATE: I'm writing now in August 2019 and I ran into him again! I shared a flight with his wife and he was at the airport picking her up. I talked with him a while by the baggage claim and told him this story. Super super nice guy even told me to call him by his name, his wife was very sweet too. THANKS RAHIM YOU''RE AWESOME!
@pby1000
4 жыл бұрын
SasquatchDream Great story. Thanks for sharing.
@PaddysPubPatron
4 жыл бұрын
Greetings from your Las Crucen neighbor! I'm researching the Oud and came across this video, only to then come across your comment. Small world indeed! Much love and best wishes!
@gregoryriley9946
4 жыл бұрын
Hearing stories like yours and music like Mr. AlHaj's...I'm pleased to be alive. I wish I could be more elaborate, but that's the essence.
@giaosplinter
4 жыл бұрын
Amazing thanks for sharing
@valleriekras6026
4 жыл бұрын
beautiful story
He’s from my city, the immortal Baghdad that will keep producing majestic creativity no matter what happens to her.
@scso
2 жыл бұрын
يا رب
My Greek 97 year old grandfather plays this instrument. Absolutely gorgeous instrument 🧡🧡🧡
@abulfazl1002
3 жыл бұрын
God Bless your grandfather, I agree a beautiful Islamic instrument!! ❤️
@alwssofy7748
3 жыл бұрын
i wish him and you having many many years in good healthy life
@MicheleCampus
2 жыл бұрын
Wow! Awesome
@onlyonegod701
Жыл бұрын
@@abulfazl1002 "Islamic instrument" you've got to be kidding
@scwyd6769
Жыл бұрын
@@abulfazl1002 no
Politicians try and tell us that its our cultures that separate us. Music tells us that it's our cultures that unite us all, as one people.
@iga279
4 жыл бұрын
politicians an clerics
@jskypercussion
4 жыл бұрын
Every culture deserves its right to be what it wants to be in it's own free living space. All cultures are sacred and must be preserved. All this NWO race and culture mixing is when all this gets lost with time.
@dalesmithies9051
4 жыл бұрын
Music transends all cultures.
@MrJustSomeGuy87
4 жыл бұрын
Callie1981 Music knows no boundaries - Ladysmith Black Mombozo
@nogfgoodnight
4 жыл бұрын
@@jskypercussion It's nothing new. Colonization and mixing of cultures has been going on for a very long time. Ironically, many of the aspects you see in different cultures would not exist if cultures did not mix. Cultures do not exist in a vacuum, they borrow from each other. Also, race and culture do not correlate perfectly. There are cultures with a variety of races, especially in countries that had a colonial past. There are races with a variety of cultures (every single major racial group actually)
the way he flicks between using the pick and then his thumb is insane. skills and beauty combine. humans can really be awsome
Wow I playing this and my kids all ran into the room and started dancing. Music transcends cultures and time!
I am always in awe of people who can play fret less instruments
@takaharrue
6 жыл бұрын
violin is the ultimate fretless instrument
@mhe123321
6 жыл бұрын
The small neck of the instrument of cause makes if difficult. But try playing microtonal compositions and hit the notes this perfectly. This is a work of art.
@najtrows
6 жыл бұрын
And it seems like he is closing his eyes alot, really hard to play that way
@thechappist
5 жыл бұрын
When I see someone closing their eyes... gives me the thought that the instrument is an extension of themselves. Its a part of them that expresses their soul without words
@friesiamans1966
5 жыл бұрын
+black hat - valuing is the ultimate important thing in music...
Oud brings back memories of childhood & my uncle playing after family dinner.
@googleuser3163
3 жыл бұрын
That must have been awesome. The only thing my uncle played was the slot machines...
@ramirezlegend
2 жыл бұрын
Beautiful memories, so lucky!
The lamp inside the drum is to heat up the skin. The drum is made of clay and the skin is usually goat or calf skin which is glued on. The heat from the lamp stretches the skin which tightens up the tone and sensitivity.
@youdeservetobeloved4048
3 жыл бұрын
That is truly fascinating
@tomaspabon2484
2 жыл бұрын
What kind of lamp is it though? I imsgine for convenience sake modern ones are electric? What did the traditional ones burn?
@abdulrahman7508
Жыл бұрын
@@tomaspabon2484 we heat our drums over wood fire traditionally
@philomelodia
Жыл бұрын
Fascinating.
More than 600,000 people have seen this video - things have changed for the better. Some years ago you wouldn't get such a large number for music that isn't western pop/rock/folk/classic. Brilliant playing
@klistiranikrupije1724
4 жыл бұрын
KZread is available in the Arabic countries. Some of the viewers of this vid come from that area.
@nate_storm
3 жыл бұрын
make that a million!
Rahim, I love your performance, best wishes for you and Iraqi people, greeting from Iran.
Wow, the percussion! What an underrated musical discipline. He's awesome!
@sesshomarudaiyokai7661
3 жыл бұрын
Forreal tho, I was jamming to his stuff through the whole thing
Best thing self isolation led me to
@omaralmalouhi5718
4 жыл бұрын
good to know people are spending their time finding good music
@KingfisherLtd
4 жыл бұрын
Well said. Good tunes for isolation. Make you stop and think.
Aside from the incredible music, also can't get over how beautiful this man is.
I love non western scales.
@cammosesSH
4 жыл бұрын
I love middle eastern harmony in general - I find they do an incredible job as skewing our ears to hear music as neither a minor or major key (kinda like how western blues can somewhat do). I think from a theoretical standpoint, its because a lot of the scales lower tetra-chord is usually R b2 - b3 b4 - - .. and that b4's harmonic equivalent is technically a major 3rd
@stefanknezovic88
4 жыл бұрын
Well I wouldn't say non western. It's just that modern music doesn't use the many modes that we used to. If you listen to let's say medieval ecclesiastical music and chants, they sound alien to us, perhaps someone today would say "middle eastern" there are many cool bands today using diferent modes. The oud's influence on flamenco and spanish guitar is unmistakeable however. Don't you just love music theory? 🤣 Check out Adam Neely brake down various modes. We in Croatia and for that matter all of the balkans have some similar folk instruments influenced by the Turks.
@augustcampbell2375
4 жыл бұрын
EE RG beginning sounds like some microtonal variation of f minor. sick vibes
@medbekri3082
4 жыл бұрын
Arabic scales are one of my favorite things about my culture, I love to see people from other cultures appreciating them
@ahmadalwazzan384
4 жыл бұрын
Most westerners like them when they hear them, yet they don't make their way to western music somehow!
There are sadly very few oud players in the uk, and it's made it very hard to learn. It's only through youtube videos that I've been able to find musicians who have been a source of inspiration to me with my own learning, and now there's another. This is just wonderful!
@user-vz1wk1oi4s
2 ай бұрын
Hey I’m in the UK to planning on learning the Oud. How far have you come or rather how long have you been learning through KZread? Also do you wanna learn in Arabic style or Turkish? I’m planning on learning Turkish style Turkish ouds are I guess some have called it known for its easy playing style in that players can pick it and play comfortably also you can tune Turkish ouds lower using Arabic Oud strings. BTW I haven’t brought one yet but if you want we could create some sort of group chat and share what we’re struggling with I also found a teacher online who primarily teaches Turkish style of Oud playing. I’m guessing you know @OudforGuitarists cause he’s the one with the most visibility in the English speaking world for Oud learners and enthusiasts alike
So beautiful! Absolutely sublime. Very moving. Guitar player here. I am amazed at how expressive this instrument is. This man is truly a master of it.
NPR seems to be on to something good and is sharing the wealth among us all
@pendizzy6352
5 жыл бұрын
hes live on KEXP also with an interview about his music and what it means , hes a very humble person. his music very expressive and moving..
@tezca6121
4 жыл бұрын
they's the saviours
Started learning to play the oud after 10 years of playing guitar. It's not easy, hat's off to you sir, your skill and talent is on another level.
شكرا استاذ رحيم على الجمآل دا ♥
@JohnOhkumaThiel
3 жыл бұрын
Whatever that says, I probably agree.
@boozycruze7679
3 ай бұрын
@@dhiaaah what language is the original comment? if you do not mind telling. i am ignorant.
@joehaddad4945
3 ай бұрын
it's arabic @@boozycruze7679
Normally with an artist who's very talented but as far outside the realm of my typical tastes as this, I'd listen to one song, give a respectful thumbs up, and move along to the next video... But i had to leave this one on, too good!
@Ma_rkw589
5 жыл бұрын
you're so right about the typical "respectful thumbs up" !
@BetaCummins
4 жыл бұрын
Have you ever heard his album "Letters from Iraq"? I strongly recommend you do. Greetings.
I love NPR ♥ You guys are the best! thanks for bringing middle eastern music to NPR audience!
@patmaloney5735
3 жыл бұрын
KEXP
what a wonderful pair of musicians the percussionists skills as an accompanist are a joy to watch
@MsCellobass
4 жыл бұрын
Anders ahh rhythm yes but he is playing lower bass strings
Awesome. Just happened upon this after searching KZread for OUD. I thoroughly enjoyed this. After watching, I looked at the description, and turns out this happened on my birthday. Thank you for the wonderful gift!
I was lucky enough to see these two master musicians, along with the equally wonderful Iranian santūr player Sourena Sefati, at the WOMAD festival in Adelaide, Australia, earlier this year. They were brilliant. If you haven't already, check out the trio recordings - highly recommended.
I love the subtle technical brilliance of the drummer. It's lovely hearing the doumbek/darbuka played with such subtlety.
NPR has never disappointed me. Always bringing the best music the general public is unable to hear. Thank you
exactly what I needed on a lazy Friday afternoon, oh my 💕
@Peehfe
7 жыл бұрын
same here
@mariuskaupas
5 жыл бұрын
Commenting this on a lazy Friday 3 years later xDD
Such delicately layered melodies, intertwined into what seem, to my ears, to be an intimate musical conversation....moving through tangents & themes effortlessly. Beautiful.
I was shocked with awe recently when I saw someone on the train with an Oud. Seems like such a cool instrument! Really want to have one one day!
@Zeagods-CyberShadow
Жыл бұрын
Its so awesome to play
If I close my eyes I imagine those countries!
So good, after reading the description I went back and listened to the first song again, I was one of those displaced children.. Thank you
Thank you for bringing the beautiful and rich music of Middle East, Arab and Persian ...to us. This’s absolutely amazing talent.
I love tiny desk concerts !
Blessed To Hear This Fantastic Instrumental Music. Incredible Musicians. From Chennai India.🇮🇳
Music that touches the soul,thank you.
Very lovely! NPR Music, you are a gem in the desert!
Probably one of the best oud musicians in the world. Very moving and beautiful.
I'm huge fan of oud! I was enjoying every second of this video. Thank you NPR for bringing such variety of great musicians!
So much beautiful music out there. Thank you NPR.
This guy played for my highschool class once. I've worked bavkstage for a few shows for him. Good dude! So cool to see him on tiny desk!
Blimey that was something special.That just made my day,thanking you lots,listening from England.
this is without doubt, one of the best musics i've ever heard....
Amazing. Really takes you to another place. Beautiful, inspiring and powerful world music. I love it. Thank you NPR for having them.
NPR as usual comes up with great ideas. Love this program and all the new music you present.
Thank you very much for such a wonderful performance.
Beautiful. Even more so after reading the background info. Thank you!
Wow. Thank you for the introduction. I'll be looking to hear more now!
blessings to all rahim and issa are a true blessing this is music of the soul and so great in these turbulent times
That drum with the light is pretty cool! Fantastic performance!
That was really great! I’m glad they can carry on the traditional instruments and style
I'm a Christian, I love the middle east and how devoted the people are to God ( allah ), I've been listening to oud music for a few years and I've tried to taken up playing the instrument
He makes the ancestors proud.
I have repeated this piece many and many times over and over. Yet each time gives me a new FEELING , WONDERFUL piece of music
@ddds9921
4 жыл бұрын
me too. :)
that percussionist was killing it!
@lordbuddhamonk5702
4 жыл бұрын
He indeed murdered it. Such talented Brother!!!
Fabulous! Thanks for posting, NPR Music .
I think th is is one of my favorite instruments now! just discovered it and it sounds sooooo awesome.
@azizbelkharmoudi2564
4 жыл бұрын
Check Hossein Behroozinia you will love his oud play
My first time hearing this and I so enjoy listening to this type of music and this particular instrument
Inspiring performance set in a working atmosphere for us tired souls. It is and shall continue to be a blessing.
Good lord this is fantastic.
I love the Tiny Desk concerts. So many amazing artists, so many musical styles and cultures to which I've been introduced. I didn't know that I didn't know, and I'm happy that I know now.
My guitar teacher showed us this today and I think the oud is really cool! I like the sounds and how its played! I might keep looking in to tiny desk concerts a little bit more :D
I love this music and this instrument so much ! Thank you. Great session !
Wrote my screenplay with this on repeat.
@heart3356
4 жыл бұрын
Did you like it ?
@heart3356
3 жыл бұрын
@Ivory_ Lagiacrus_YT I was talking about the screen play
Such an amazing track. Thank you so much!
Amazing! We want more traditional music! ❤️❤️
love the way he is so concerned with the actual public he has and not thinking too much in the internet youtube video that his performance will turn into
Fabulous stuff!! Thank you guys from the bottom of my rotten heart.
nice to discover a living legend
That percussionist plays a mean spotlight.
@elilegault693
3 жыл бұрын
bro, the first song with the guy on the big drum was so good.
I just got back from Morocco last month and got to experience this music live. I love it so much. I’m a drummer but I’m working on learning guitar and I hope to be able to play one of these eventually.
This is AWASOME, music is awasome, a path which leads to Humanity and Freedom. My best compliments, Mr. AlHay
Every time I listen to his music my eyes are filled with tears just a yearning..
@ForeverSunnyStream
4 жыл бұрын
❤ hugs
Beautiful. I wish more people would broaden their horizons. Outstanding.
Beautiful music The last one (flying birds) was really awesome. Euphoric tone.
Bravooo...!!! Maravilloso recital. Aplausos...!!!
How wonderful - Issa Malluf - incredible sensitive and polished finger drumming - with Mr. Alhaj a spell and a swirl of intoxicating melody and rhythm is cast and created - makes you want to jump from your seat and spin like a dervish in pure ecstacy!
This is the kinda music you feel. Not just listen to 🙏
Thank so much to invite him
thank u ....I needed this today for my soul and my spiritual journey
The music - stirring yet pleasant but not overwhelming. I close my eyes and am taken back to a souk in Syria many years ago. Outstanding musicians.
Such a different sound to anything we hear in Western music, incredible!
it's relaxing and beautiful
Saw him play at outpost in Albuquerque early 2000 amazing performance!!
Magnificent instrument tamed by an excellent musician .Bravo Rahim !
READ THE DESCRIPTION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He’s amazing.
This music is so calming and energetic at the same time.
Love him and his music!!!
The oud is truly a magical instrument. Time travel via music.
Thank you NPR!!! Amazing ..
I am LOVING this! Drummer ON POINT! 🙏🏾💜🤯💯🤘🏾🎼🎶🙏🏾
Wonderful So emotional So beautiful God bless you Rahim AlHaj SLM
One of my favorite instruments, expertly played.
Fantastic. Thank you NPR. Anyone who liked this might want to also check out “dance of the palms” by Rahim Alhaj, it is the first song I ever heard from him, a memorable tune.
Sends me on a Wonderful Journey where I hear joy where I hear sad where I observe with my heart LIFE..Thank you sir for soothing my Soul...143..CapriceK
That was absolutely stunning. Wow.
Makes me cry of how beutiful sound is
this is so beautiful, the talent and precision and concentration!
Sir, you are amazing in life and art.
Good playing. Thanks for performing