RobF -> Simon Shaheen Documentary (Jan. 30 2020 2:46:24)
I think this was just released. It’s a documentary on the Palestinian-American violinist and Oud player, Simon Shaheen. I started watching thinking it might be an exposition of his musical releases, but the focus is on his pedagogical work at the Berklee College of music in Boston.
It turned out to be an informative and enjoyable watch. I was left with a deep respect for the work he has done to disseminate Arabic music not just to the western world but also to classically trained students from Palestine, Lebanon, and other countries of the Levant (not sure if that’s the proper term).
It’s in English and Arabic and subtitled in both, as well.
rombsix -> RE: Simon Shaheen Documentary (Jan. 30 2020 5:48:43)
He's a cool dude.
BarkellWH -> RE: Simon Shaheen Documentary (Jan. 30 2020 18:31:04)
Thanks for posting, Rob. He is a very interesting and extremely talented musician and teacher.
Bill
Richard Jernigan -> RE: Simon Shaheen Documentary (Feb. 1 2020 22:18:32)
A fascinating story, with lots of wonderful music. Thanks RobF!
Ramzi—
I noticed that the english subtitle of the first part of the words of the woman singer’s dramatic extended piece near the end of the documentary (1:12:58) duplicates early lines of Garcia Lorca’s “Baladilla de los Tres Rios.”
Clearly the Valderrrama version is in tangos/tientos/milonga territory. I thought maybe the chord change at the beginning of the refrain, "Ay amor..." (first time at 1:12) might give the palo a distinctive name.
