IRAQ-LEBANON • MUSIC OF THE ABBASID ERA

The violonist and musicologist Nidaa Abou Mrad and his ensemble bring back to life the last pieces notated by Safiy a-d-Dîn al-Urmawî, one of the masters of the Abbasid era, who died Baghdad in 1294. This superb musical document is an exemplar achievement of historical reconstitution as well as an erudite and yet sensitive interpretation. The vocal art of Mohamad Ayach, one of the last singers in Lebanon who master the vocal improvisation, as well as the revelation of forgotten rhythms and musical modes will delight the listener.