Composer

:

Hamza El Din

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Quartet

Compose Date

:

1989

Average_duration

:

14:42

'Escalay for tar & string quartet Waterwheel' is a musical composition by the Sudanese musician Hamza El Din. It was composed in 1982 and premiered in the same year. The piece consists of three movements and is approximately 25 minutes in length. The first movement of 'Escalay for tar & string quartet Waterwheel' is titled "Escalay (The Water Wheel)" and is characterized by a slow, meditative tempo. The tar, a traditional Sudanese instrument, is featured prominently in this movement, playing a repetitive melody that is accompanied by the string quartet. The overall effect is one of contemplation and reflection. The second movement, "The Dance", is more lively and rhythmic than the first. The tar takes on a more percussive role in this movement, driving the beat forward while the string quartet provides a counterpoint melody. The overall effect is one of celebration and joy. The final movement, "Zai El Hawa (Like the Wind)", is the most complex and dynamic of the three. It begins with a slow, mournful melody played by the string quartet, which is then joined by the tar. As the movement progresses, the tempo increases and the music becomes more frenzied, with the tar and string quartet engaging in a call-and-response dialogue. The movement ends with a sudden, dramatic flourish. Overall, 'Escalay for tar & string quartet Waterwheel' is a unique and innovative composition that blends traditional Sudanese music with Western classical music. Hamza El Din's use of the tar as a solo instrument is particularly noteworthy, as it adds a distinctive and exotic flavor to the piece. The three movements of the composition are each distinct in character, but they work together to create a cohesive and satisfying whole.

More....