Composer

:

Samir Odeh-Tamimi

Genre

:

Chamber

Compose Date

:

2014

Average_duration

:

10:47

'Lámed' is a contemporary classical composition by Samir Odeh-Tamimi, a Palestinian composer and oud player. The piece was composed in 2012 and premiered on October 20, 2012, at the Donaueschingen Festival in Germany. 'Lámed' is a single-movement work that lasts approximately 20 minutes. The piece is scored for a chamber ensemble consisting of flute, clarinet, violin, viola, cello, double bass, percussion, and oud. The oud, a traditional Middle Eastern stringed instrument, is prominently featured throughout the piece and serves as a bridge between the Western classical instruments and the Middle Eastern musical traditions. The piece is characterized by its use of microtonality, a technique that involves dividing the octave into smaller intervals than the traditional Western 12-tone system. This allows for a greater range of expression and a more nuanced approach to melody and harmony. The use of microtonality is particularly effective in the oud passages, which are often accompanied by the Western instruments playing in a more traditional tonal system. The piece is also notable for its use of improvisation, a common feature of Middle Eastern music. The oud player is given a significant amount of freedom to improvise within the framework of the composition, adding a sense of spontaneity and unpredictability to the performance. Overall, 'Lámed' is a unique and innovative work that blends elements of Western classical music with traditional Middle Eastern musical traditions. Its use of microtonality and improvisation creates a rich and complex sonic landscape that is both challenging and rewarding for performers and audiences alike.

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