1980
Taqsim: Instrumental Improvisation in Near Eastern Traditions
This recording presents traditional instrumental solo improvisations performed by Arab and Jewish musicians in Israel. All but one of the taqasim (= pl. form of taqsim, the genre of Middle Eastern instrumental improvisation) are in mainstream urban style, a pan-Middle Eastern style that owes its existence largely to Egyptian musical trends and the Arabic mass media. The cassette is accompanied by a booklet with program notes in Hebrew, Arabic, and English.
Sound Examples
Taisir Elias
Simon Shaheen, Taisir Elias and Ramzi Bisharat