Role

:

Composer Performer

Country

:

Lebanon

Birth

:

August 17, 1957 in Beirut, Lebanon

Genre

:

Avant-Garde

 

Rabih Abou-Khalil is a Lebanese composer and oud player who has gained international recognition for his unique blend of traditional Arabic music with jazz and classical influences. He was born on August 17, 1957, in Beirut, Lebanon, into a family of musicians. His father was a well-known oud player, and his mother was a singer. Abou-Khalil grew up surrounded by music and began playing the oud at a young age. He was also exposed to a wide range of musical styles, including Arabic classical music, jazz, and rock. In 1978, he moved to Munich, Germany, to study classical flute at the Academy of Music and Drama. However, he soon became disillusioned with the rigid structure of classical music and began to explore other genres. Abou-Khalil's breakthrough came in 1981 when he released his debut album, "Bitter Harvest," which featured his own compositions for the oud. The album was a critical success and established him as a leading figure in the world music scene. He went on to release a series of albums that blended Arabic music with jazz and classical influences, including "Between Dusk and Dawn" (1987), "Nafas" (1994), and "Yara" (1998). One of Abou-Khalil's most notable works is his 1990 album "Arabian Waltz," which features a fusion of Arabic music with jazz and classical elements. The album was a commercial success and received widespread critical acclaim, earning Abou-Khalil a nomination for the German Jazz Award. The album's title track, "Arabian Waltz," has become one of Abou-Khalil's signature pieces and is often performed in his live shows. Abou-Khalil has also collaborated with a number of other musicians and artists throughout his career. In 1995, he worked with the Kronos Quartet on the album "Al-Jadida," which featured his compositions for the oud and string quartet. He has also collaborated with jazz musicians such as Charlie Mariano, Kenny Wheeler, and Steve Swallow. In addition to his work as a composer and performer, Abou-Khalil is also a respected educator. He has taught master classes in oud and composition at universities and music schools around the world, including the Berklee College of Music in Boston and the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris. Abou-Khalil's music is characterized by its fusion of Arabic and Western musical traditions. He often incorporates elements of jazz and classical music into his compositions, while still maintaining a strong connection to his Arabic roots. His use of the oud, a traditional Arabic instrument, is a central feature of his music and gives it a distinctive sound. Overall, Rabih Abou-Khalil is a pioneering figure in the world music scene who has pushed the boundaries of traditional Arabic music. His unique blend of Arabic music with jazz and classical influences has earned him international recognition and a dedicated following of fans. His contributions to the world of music have been significant, and his legacy as a composer and performer will continue to inspire future generations of musicians.

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