This is a link to a newspaper article that discusses how the Iraqi military has tried to abolish secular music from Iraq. One of the main approaches the military is using is forbidding the making, teaching, and playing of the oud. With the threat of getting their oud confiscated, some citizens are opting to make and play these instruments secretly or choosing to leave the country. This article also covers the struggles Rahim Alhaj has experienced with playing the oud in Iraq and surrounding countries. This is the most recent article I could find regarding Iraq and ouds, so I do not know if secular music is still forbidden in Iraq. I hope Alhaj’s efforts to continue the tradition of playing the oud will encourage musicians in Iraq to continue playing.
After hearing the examples of music that was influenced by India, I became curious what other music was inspired by this culture. The first rock band to incorporate the sound of a sitar is the Yardbirds with the song “Heart Full of Soul.” The first recording of this song was in 1965, but a guitar was used to simulate the sound of a sitar. Nineteen years later, the song was re-recorded using an authentic sitar. Sitars have also been used by various jazz artists and in classical music. This article provides many examples in which western music has been influenced by Indian music.
This is the first recording of "Heart Full of Soul."
This is the recording with an actual sitar.
Indonesian gamelans are traditionally highly revered and believed to have supernatural powers. Both musicians and non-musicians offer incense and flowers to the gamelan because it is believed that the spirits guide each instrument. Players must remove shoes when playing and refrain from stepping over the instruments so that the spirits will not be offended. I found it very interesting that the gamelan is believed to be something so much more than simply an ensemble of musical instruments. It is as if playing the gamelan is ceremonial.
Emma, I had never heard about the basic persecution against secular music in Iraq, and I find it absolutely facinating. The defiance of oud players is rather inspiring. I mean, I don't think I would be brave enough to secretly disobey my government just to keep playing my instrument. (I would be one of the people to flee the country ;].)But that was espically interesting for me to learn.
ReplyDeleteEmma, thanks for sharing the Iraqi article. That might be something I can use for Model Programs. ;) I really enjoyed the videos you posted of the two variations of "Heart Full of Soul." The first video was so classically rock and roll with that blaring electric guitar. However, the second video was a lot more subtle with the timbre of the sitar. It's almost if the performers purposefully didn't place the sound of the sitar in the forefront. I loved reading your blog! :)
ReplyDeleteSome fun videos and links, Emma. Yes, it's kind of amazing how much the sitar was used in Western rock, especially back in the 1960s. And, you know, our Iraqi oud player really makes me think of Mohammad Sidiq, the pianist we worked with in Jordan that had been the conductor of the Iraqi symphony but then had to relocate to Jordan because of the wars. He's a really great guy and a wonderful musician.
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