The Oud

Hamza el-Din

Hamza el-Din was born in Nubia, amongst the people of the Upper Nile. While studying engineering in Cairo he took up the oud, and later went on to study the instrument at the Conservatory of Music in Cairo during his spare time. It was at this time, and while undertaking further study in Rome, that he began to develop his unique style, which blends themes from Nubian traditional music with the more structured framework of Arabic classical music. Hamza el-Din very sadly passed away in 2006. There is an excellent website with information on his life and work.

Music of Nubia
(Vanguard VMD 79164)

Hamza el-Din's debut CD was released in 1964 and on this recording he gives his interpretation of a number of traditional Nubian songs and religious melodies, as well as presenting several original pieces.

1. Fegir Nedan (Call to Worship) 5:26
2. Desse Barama (Peace) 4:30
3. Aiga Denos Ailanga (Give Back My Heart) 4:18
4. Hoi To Irkil Fagiu (The Message Bearer) 6:48
5. Kuto Fa Pattaroni (Children's Songs) 4:28
6. Shahadag Og (Believe!) 5:33
7. Nabra (Raw Gold) 6:35
8. Nubala (Nubiana) 4:24

Al Oud
(Vanguard 79194-2)

This is Hamza el-Din's second album and dates from 1965. It is a mixture of purely instrumental and vocal/oud tracks with all compositions by el-Din himself.

1. Childhood (Assaramessuga) 4:32
2. The Spirits (Shortunga) 4:51
3. Grandfathers' Stories (Annun Sira') 11:35
4. Did Nura Remember (Gillina Nura) 2:47
5. The Message Bearer (Hoi To Irkil Fa Giu) 4:17
6. The Gondola 4:32
7. Call for Unity (Nuban Uto) 4:00
8. The Fortune Teller (Kogosh) 4:13
9. Greeting Card (Abdin) 3:00

Escalay (The Water Wheel)
(Nonesuch 7559 72041 2)

The title of this album reflects the importance of water to the people of Nubia. The first extended piece represents the experiences of a boy who is responsible for the village water wheel. The second track features a melody composed by Mohammed Abdul Wahab for Um Kalthoum, whereas the final piece is drawn from the traditional folk music of Nubia.

1. The Water Wheel 21:30
2. I Remember 11:55
3. Song with Tar 4:45

Songs of the Nile
(JVC VICG 5007)

This CD was produced while Hamza el-Din was living in Japan, and features a mixture of reinterpreted earlier compositions and new pieces.

1. Oud Duo 8:55
2. Arafa 4:07
3. Samai 3:54
4. Amen 5:21
5. Hamayala 6:28
6. Anesigu 3:00
7. Hela Lisa 3:39
8. El Hilwatu 8:43

Eclipse
(Rykodisc RCD 10103)

This is the fourth album by Hamza el-Din, and again features a mixture of traditional Nubian melodies and classical Arab compositions. A particular highlight is the final track, which is a traditional piece used for teaching singing, which dates from the time of the Moors in Spain.

1. Helalisa (Nubian Song) 3:36
2. The Visitors 9:47
3. Ollin Arageed 8:00
4. Your Love is Ever Young 18:30
5. Mwashah 3:54

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