14-15. Ala al-Firash al-Danna

Ezra Aharon’s first Egyptian-style composition, “Ala al-Firash al-Danna” (“On the Sickbed” i.e. lovesick), performed in maqam bayat. Aharon composed both the lyrics and the music, and performed as the singer and ud player. He was accompanied by an ensemble featuring Salah al-Kuwaiti (violin), Salah Baqal (cello), Yusuf Zarour (qanun), and Hussein Abdallah (percussion).

The piece was originally recorded in Iraq in 1933s on a 78 RPM record (two sides) and later re-recorded in Aharon’s home using a microphone connected to a 78 record player. The recording is cataloged as His Master’s Voice 30-11380-11381, Cat. No. G.D. 167 (1933). Tape reference: 12 A, item 2.

Track 15 is a continuation of Track 14, presenting the second side of the recording.