"The purpose of the taqsim is to set a meditative mood. Its sound is so distinctive and its association with the mystical state so firm, that it invariably stills the audience, quiets conversation and spreads a pensive atm... more »osphere."
E.H. Waugh - Sufi Singers: The Munshidin of Egypt
Taqsim (s.) taqasim (pl.) - (n.) (Arabic), a short solo piece for an instrument (mus.), generally improvisational and according to a particular maqam, or note progression. From the root qasama: 1. to divide, distribute, share 2. to exorcise a devil or demon 3. to take an oath, swear.
Qamar - (n.) (Arabic), the moon.
The album was recorded in Cairo, Egypt and features Henkesh family members Sayed, Khamis, Reda and Karim, accompanied by their musical group. The CD includes an extensive 36 page color booklet about what is a taqsim, Arabic music in general, the instruments used, their history, translations and transliterations of all the lyrics and biographies of Om Kalthoum and Farid al-Atrash.« less
"The purpose of the taqsim is to set a meditative mood. Its sound is so distinctive and its association with the mystical state so firm, that it invariably stills the audience, quiets conversation and spreads a pensive atmosphere."
E.H. Waugh - Sufi Singers: The Munshidin of Egypt
Taqsim (s.) taqasim (pl.) - (n.) (Arabic), a short solo piece for an instrument (mus.), generally improvisational and according to a particular maqam, or note progression. From the root qasama: 1. to divide, distribute, share 2. to exorcise a devil or demon 3. to take an oath, swear.
Qamar - (n.) (Arabic), the moon.
The album was recorded in Cairo, Egypt and features Henkesh family members Sayed, Khamis, Reda and Karim, accompanied by their musical group. The CD includes an extensive 36 page color booklet about what is a taqsim, Arabic music in general, the instruments used, their history, translations and transliterations of all the lyrics and biographies of Om Kalthoum and Farid al-Atrash.
Excellent Resource for Belly Dance Professionals and Student
Bonita Oteri | Springfield, VA USA | 05/01/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I found the quality of this CD to be exceptional. The ethereal simplicity and purity of a few instruments was haunting and very fine. As a dancer, I found it to be that rare music that reaches out and not only inspires the body to dance, but somehow magically calls to the spirit as well. As a teacher and a professional performer who often writes scripts for professional troupe shows and student recitals, I found the notes to have a historical depth which would satisfy the intense, academia minded types. The notes also however included the personal, biographical "gossipy" Egyptian Silver Screen Stars' lifes and times to satisfy those of us who would on occasion rather read light hearted romance novels and eat godiva choclates. The historical facts, comprehensive research and the human interest story make the notes unparralleled in any CD I've ever bought with the exception of perhaps the earlier ZAR CD also produced by Serpentine productions, which I have not had a chance to hear yet. Thankyou, Serpentine Productions for giving us this museum archival like quality CD, which yet remains enchantingly danceable. The lure of this CD calls as surely to those belly dancers who love egyptian Silver Screen classic tunes as the flute charms the snake out of the basket in an Arabian Nights Tale."
A Wonderful Package Deal
Anne K. Apynys | 04/19/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A beautiful product from Serpentine Communications -- hopefully the first of many more to come. Cry to the Moon is more than just a CD -- it's an education for both dancers and musicians and for those interested in learning more about Middle Eastern music. The focus of this CD and the accompanying booklet is the Taqsim - one of the most challenging aspects of Middle Eastern music for westerners to comprehend.
The simplest definition of a Taqsim is that it is an improvised piece of music. But, as the author Yasmin explains, it is much more than that. Taqsim is the heart of Middle Eastern music and, as the author points out, can be "the glue that holds together an entire song." For a musician, playing a Taqsim takes an incredible amount of talent, experience, virtuosity, and soul. For a dancer, performing and interpreting a Taqsim requires artistry, finesse and the ability to understand the intense emotions this music will evoke in the listener.
This package has a CD with beautiful and mesmerizing selections of Taqsim played on a variety of instruments by master musicians. The booklet includes a history of ancient and contemporary Middle Eastern music, an explanation of the maqam, descriptions and illustrations of Middle Eastern instruments, a brief biography of two of Egypt's most beloved and revered artists Om Kalthoum and Farid al-Atrash, and English translations of the songs.
This package contains a bounteous amount of culture for those interested in Middle Eastern music. What a delight!"
It's not often you buy a CD that you can just press play and thoroughly enjoy the whole thing- this is one of those rare gems.
Beautiful taxsims, amazing music, haunting melodies, crisp percussion, all performed by master Egyptian musicians. What a treat!
This CD includes a 36 page, painstakingly researched booklet- so you KNOW what you are listening to.
For dancers- the drum solo at the end is perfect for class, practice and shimmy drills. The taxsims include some perfect length for performance. To top it all off, I think my heart breaks a-new each time I listen to their rendition of Ana-Fi Intizarak."
Amazing listening and educational!
S. Sied | Pacific NW, USA | 11/14/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This cd is lovely! It contains a collection of taqasim performances using a variety of instruments including flute, violin, drum and oud. They range in length from :47 to 8:13 so there is a nice taqasim for every "belly dance" routine. As described, the cd makes relaxing listening and it also contains some excellent music for a heartfelt taqasim dance performance.
The music is amazing, but the liner notes are the finishing touch. This cd comes with a well-written 33 page booklet that includes information on the structure of a taqasim, the instruments and translations of the songs included on the cd. There are also helpful tips on how to dance to a taqasim and short biographies of a couple noted musicians. All and all, this cd and booklet is an excellent educational tool for dancers!"
Cry to the Moon
Shaia | 08/18/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This collection of takasims is haunting. Whether a lone instrument or a lone voice, the songs resonate long after you have turned off the CD player. Traditional classics are treated gently, and can be listened to over and over. One wish: that the shorter takasims were lengthened. It would be so easy to lose oneselves in them, if only they did not end so abruptly. Overall, I am very glad that I purchased this CD and highly recommend it."
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1
