Seigneur Kanoun/ Lord Kanun
World
| Nov 2011
Reviews
Abu Ramses
Reviewed 2011-11-07
Reviewed 2011-11-07
Imane Homsy, Seigneur Kanoun /Lord Kanun
Instutut du Monde Arabe/Harmonia Mundi (2008)
ALL TRACKS FCC CLEAN Reviewed by Abu Ramses
In her debut CD as an ensemble leader, Lebanese-born Imane Homsy plays the kanun (zither with a narrow trapezoidal soundboard related to the dulcimer). Solo & ensemble instrumentals & vocals in several maqams (modes). Traditionally the kanun accompanies singing, following the song line. Its 72-plus strings are plucked with plectra, attached to the 2 index fingers. Homsy pioneered a 10-finger technique, giving it a broader range as a solo instrument highlighted in 2, 3, 4, 8, 10. Ensemble: Antoine Khalife, violin; Angela Hounainian, cello; “Craicun,” clarinet, Abboud El Saadi accoustic bass, Ali El Khatib, Tony Anka & Ibrahim Jaber, Arabic percussion; Tania Saleh & Jawhara Elias, vocals; plus choir.
Try 1, 2, 8, 11
Tracks
1. Taqâssîm in 'Ajam Ushayrân – improvisations in ‘Ajam mode; in parts the kanun is played like an oud with bass drone – 2:37
2. al-Rabi'; (Spring) – lively with lots of chords and embellishments – 5:01
3. Sara – mid-tempo with the entire ensemble including vocal chorus; cello is prominent. Dedicated to Homsy’s daughter – 5:02
4. Samâ'î Suzdâl – instrumental with kanun, acoustic bass guitar, riq, darbuka, katem – 9:42
5. Taqâssîm Rast – improvisation in Rast mode (the basic one in Arabic music) using traditional 2 finger technique; starts slow, then allegro – 4:01
6. Entre maman et papa (Between Mom and Dad) – mainly kanun & violin describes a Sunday family scene- 5:37
7. Taqâssîm Nahawand – improvisation in Nahawand mode (C minor-ish); 2 finger technique; continues the scene in 6. Kanun & violin drone – 6:27
8. Yâ Layla–sweet mid-tempo; vocal by Jawhara Elias & acoustic bass - 4:07
9. Taqâssîm Bayâtî – solo improvisation in Bayati mode using 2 fingers – 5:51
10. Serviko – begins as a Greek dance and ends in allegro improv; uses 2 and 10 finger technique – 8 :58
11. Cycle de danses (Dance Cycle) – Bulgarian folk dance in Hijaz mode using 2 finger technique; Tanieh Saleh on vocal & the ensemble; prominent klezmerish clarinet elements; up tempo – 5 :56
Instutut du Monde Arabe/Harmonia Mundi (2008)
ALL TRACKS FCC CLEAN Reviewed by Abu Ramses
In her debut CD as an ensemble leader, Lebanese-born Imane Homsy plays the kanun (zither with a narrow trapezoidal soundboard related to the dulcimer). Solo & ensemble instrumentals & vocals in several maqams (modes). Traditionally the kanun accompanies singing, following the song line. Its 72-plus strings are plucked with plectra, attached to the 2 index fingers. Homsy pioneered a 10-finger technique, giving it a broader range as a solo instrument highlighted in 2, 3, 4, 8, 10. Ensemble: Antoine Khalife, violin; Angela Hounainian, cello; “Craicun,” clarinet, Abboud El Saadi accoustic bass, Ali El Khatib, Tony Anka & Ibrahim Jaber, Arabic percussion; Tania Saleh & Jawhara Elias, vocals; plus choir.
Try 1, 2, 8, 11
Tracks
1. Taqâssîm in 'Ajam Ushayrân – improvisations in ‘Ajam mode; in parts the kanun is played like an oud with bass drone – 2:37
2. al-Rabi'; (Spring) – lively with lots of chords and embellishments – 5:01
3. Sara – mid-tempo with the entire ensemble including vocal chorus; cello is prominent. Dedicated to Homsy’s daughter – 5:02
4. Samâ'î Suzdâl – instrumental with kanun, acoustic bass guitar, riq, darbuka, katem – 9:42
5. Taqâssîm Rast – improvisation in Rast mode (the basic one in Arabic music) using traditional 2 finger technique; starts slow, then allegro – 4:01
6. Entre maman et papa (Between Mom and Dad) – mainly kanun & violin describes a Sunday family scene- 5:37
7. Taqâssîm Nahawand – improvisation in Nahawand mode (C minor-ish); 2 finger technique; continues the scene in 6. Kanun & violin drone – 6:27
8. Yâ Layla–sweet mid-tempo; vocal by Jawhara Elias & acoustic bass - 4:07
9. Taqâssîm Bayâtî – solo improvisation in Bayati mode using 2 fingers – 5:51
10. Serviko – begins as a Greek dance and ends in allegro improv; uses 2 and 10 finger technique – 8 :58
11. Cycle de danses (Dance Cycle) – Bulgarian folk dance in Hijaz mode using 2 finger technique; Tanieh Saleh on vocal & the ensemble; prominent klezmerish clarinet elements; up tempo – 5 :56
Recent airplay
Improvisations In The Ajam Ushayran Mode
Mediterraneans — May 30, 2013
Improvisations In The Ajam Ushayran Mode
Mediterraneans — May 09, 2013
Improvisations In The Ajam Ushayran Mode
Mediterraneans — Feb 13, 2013
Improvisations In The Ajam Ushayran Mode
Mediterraneans — May 08, 2012
Improvisations In The Ajam Ushayran Mode
Arabology — Jan 26, 2012
Improvisations In The Ajam Ushayran Mode
Mediterraneans — Jan 24, 2012
Charting
2011-11-27 — 2012-01-29
Reggae/World
| Week Ending | Airplays |
|---|---|
| Jan 29 | 1 |
| Jan 8 | 2 |
| Jan 1 | 1 |
| Dec 25 | 1 |
| Dec 18 | 1 |
| Dec 11 | 2 |
| Dec 4 | 1 |
Track listing
| 1. | Improvisations In The Ajam Ushayran Mode | ||
| 2. | Al-Rabi' (Spring) | ||
| 3. | Sara | ||
| 4. | Instrumental Music In The Suzdal Mode | ||
| 5. | Improvisation In The Rast Mode | ||
| 6. | Between Mom And Dad | ||
| 7. | Improvisations In The Nahawand Mode | ||
| 8. | Ya Layla (Oh Layla) | ||
| 9. | Improvisations In The Bayati Mode | ||
| 10. | Serviko | ||
| 11. | Dance Cycle |