cameron
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Whence this phrase?
Hi All—
There's a phrase that Simon Shaheen plays
(1) at around 0:56—1.06 of this video:
https://youtu.be/78HXAvMKT_4?feature=shared&t=56
(2) with some variations, throughout the first 70 or so seconds of this performance of "ooli haga":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjpT74c4VMM
Forgive me if this is an especially daft question, but is this phrase *from something* in particular (a quotation, a playful citation of something, a
bit of standard improvisatory vocabulary...)?
Thanks!
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Brian Prunka
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This is Simon's variation on a standard phrase. With slight variations, versions of this phrase are heard in Rast, Jiharkah, and 3ajam.
Simon has created a specific interpretation with regards to rhythm annd ornamentation, but it is a common phrase.
You can hear a version here from Mounir Bashir:
https://youtu.be/MCCda6BCpP8?si=rM8x9dmzxxpm0Xja&t=220
Here is Hikmat Shaheen, Simon's father, playing a version that starts in Rast and modulates to Jiharkah (it's mostly the Jiharkah version, which is a
little different but similar enough to see the resemblance I think).
https://youtu.be/5Yx1IzeBm5g?si=HFhBHvUOyIK64GMm&t=133
Here is a version by Abraham Salman on qanun, this shares some similarities to Simon's version - they played together when Simon was younger:
https://youtu.be/CuqtieOyZy4?si=tAtWYUDkyyaUDqPg&t=86
You can find lots of examples if you listen to taqasim in rast/ajam/jiharkah
To my knowledge, this isn't a reference to a specific song, but is common maqam vocabulary. A similar phrase occurs in the Jiharkah part of Ya Mal
i-Sham.
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cameron
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Thank you, Brian, for your reply and the examples!
I learned a ton by listening to these on the premise that they were variations. It's much appreciated.
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Brian Prunka
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Quote: Originally posted by cameron  | Thank you, Brian, for your reply and the examples!
I learned a ton by listening to these on the premise that they were variations. It's much appreciated. |
You're welcome. I find it interesting that in order to internalize maqam vocabulary, we tend to benefit from more specific rhythmic iterations, but
then ultimately it is generalized to a wider idea of what is a 'possible' version of the vocabulary. At least that has been my experience.
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