Composer

:

Rabih Abou-Khalil

Genre

:

Chamber

Compose Date

:

1990

Average_duration

:

12:59

'Dreams of a Dying City' is a contemporary jazz composition by Lebanese oud player and composer Rabih Abou-Khalil. The piece was composed in 2014 and premiered at the Jazz Festival in Stuttgart, Germany in the same year. The composition consists of four movements, each with its own unique characteristics and themes. The first movement, titled "The City Awakens," is a lively and energetic piece that captures the bustling energy of a waking city. The second movement, "The City at Noon," is more contemplative and introspective, reflecting the midday lull of a city. The third movement, "The City at Dusk," is a melancholic and nostalgic piece that captures the fading light of a dying city. The final movement, "The City Sleeps," is a peaceful and meditative piece that reflects the quiet stillness of a sleeping city. Abou-Khalil's composition is characterized by his unique blend of traditional Middle Eastern music and contemporary jazz. The use of the oud, a traditional Middle Eastern stringed instrument, is prominent throughout the piece, and Abou-Khalil's virtuosic playing showcases the instrument's versatility and range. The composition also features a variety of other instruments, including saxophone, trumpet, piano, and percussion, which add depth and texture to the overall sound. Overall, 'Dreams of a Dying City' is a powerful and evocative composition that captures the essence of a city's life cycle. Abou-Khalil's masterful blending of traditional Middle Eastern music and contemporary jazz creates a unique and captivating sound that is both timeless and modern.

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