Since 1979 this intrepid troupe of singers, musicians, and dancers has worked to revive the folk music of Palestine. Far from being a dry academic exercise, El-Funoun have become a vital part of the cultural identity of th... more »e Palestinian people. Zaghareed is a concept album based on the music played during a traditional wedding ceremony. It subtly challenges the traditions of arranged marriages and of the woman's place in society, within a context of beautifully played Arabic music. Instrumental pieces feature qanun, oud, buzuq, flutes, and reed instruments, and various percussion. The vocal songs join the voices of women and men, at times singing in contrast to one another, at others raising their voices in unity, celebration, and perseverance. --Jeff Grubb« less
Since 1979 this intrepid troupe of singers, musicians, and dancers has worked to revive the folk music of Palestine. Far from being a dry academic exercise, El-Funoun have become a vital part of the cultural identity of the Palestinian people. Zaghareed is a concept album based on the music played during a traditional wedding ceremony. It subtly challenges the traditions of arranged marriages and of the woman's place in society, within a context of beautifully played Arabic music. Instrumental pieces feature qanun, oud, buzuq, flutes, and reed instruments, and various percussion. The vocal songs join the voices of women and men, at times singing in contrast to one another, at others raising their voices in unity, celebration, and perseverance. --Jeff Grubb
CD Reviews
Absolutely fantastic!
11/16/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Funun is an incredibly dance and music group, as well as an amazing bunch of people. Their music is an exactly portrayal of traditional Palestinian music without the synthesized sound so common these days. This is a great CD, highly recommended to anyone!"
Conserving Traditional Palestinian Folk Music
Yaser Abdelhamid | Kenmore, WA United States | 05/10/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have owned the 'Zaghareed' compact disc now for well over one year, and have been allowing its enchanted calls to enter my heart daily. As a Palestinian-American, I have found very little literature, video, and audio on the specific category of things-Palestinian. It was like a breath of fresh air blew into my soul as I stumbled upon this excellent production and recording of traditional Palestinian folk music. This is the music of the people of Palestine. I have always hoped that someone somewhere would devote much time and energy towards preserving and capturing---on the record---the unique dress, dance, and music of the still traditional people who call themselves Palestinians. This wonderful cd has done just that, and has further satisfied the thirst of this spirit in reclaiming a bit of its Palestinian heritage. Good listening to all who care about preserving the sounds of tradition wherever they may still exist."
I saw this performed in Palestine!
Yaser Abdelhamid | 04/07/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When you see the musicians playing the instruments and the dancers acting out the songs it just makes you come to life and want to dance. The performance they put on at the Annual Palestinian International Festival gives you an exact insight on Arabic culture weddings and the MUSIC expresses how happy everyone is and shares the closeness of family and friends in the culture's traditions."
Preserving a Beautiful and Enduring Culture
Yaser Abdelhamid | 01/01/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album helps to preserve the culture and history of Palestine and the Palestinians, Christian and Muslim alike. It is a straighforward album with strong and lilting vocals, emotional folk songs, and hypnotic rhythms. May the world become more aware and educated regarding this kind of music and the music and folk dance of the region, and more importantly, the symbolism,emotion, and history that created it."
Wonderful Wedding Music from Palestine, A Preservation Of Ou
HRM Deborah of Israel | 01/06/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Wonderful Wedding Music from Palestine, a pefect example of the beauty that is apart of the Palestinian culture. The preservation of anything to do with real Palestine is important because we as a people need to be heard and understood. We have a wonderful culture that is threatened everyday that our country is occupied. So many of us are refugee's in countries that are not our home and a CD like this teaches that we are a good people. And that what is happening to us, is a travesty to humanity.