Search - Asmahan :: Legends of 20th Century

A Legend Who Might Be Unfamiliar

albert_andalous | Philadelphia, PA United States | 08/16/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Asmahan, who died in a mysterious car crash in 1944 at the age of 26, is widely regarded as one of the greatest Arabic singers of the 20th century. It is a cliche in the Arab world that she was perhaps the only singer who could have competed with Oum Kalthoum. Indeed, one of the two songs included on this disc, "Hadith Ainean" was originally written for Oum Kalthoum (music by Riad el-Sunbati), but was offered to Asmahan instead after Oum Kalthoum had difficulties with certain aspects of it. (Source: "Asmahan's Secrets" by Sherifa Zuhur.)Both pieces display Asmahan performing more extended pieces than I have heard before by her. The sound quality on these recordings is not great, and the instrumental introductions are not particularly captivating, but Asmahan's singing is wonderful, both technically masterful and deeply expressive. There may be better entrees into Arabic music for those unfamiliar with it, but those who already appreciate classic Arabic popular music are likely to enjoy this recording very much. The Arab world's achievement in music during the 20th century is not well known in the west; here is a glimpse."