‘ORS (عرس) (2023)
For two violas – ca. 11′
Suite for two violas, commissioned by Talla Rouge Duo.
May 3, 2024 Premiered by Talla Rouge Duo, Dumbarton Oaks, Washington, USA.

Program note

About the piece

” ‘irs – عِرْس ” (means wedding in the Lebanese Arabic dialect) is a suite of six movements, all inspired by the Levantine traditional wedding music, describing the stages of the wedding from the gathering to the final ceremony before the brides leave their parents’ home.

The first movement titled “Yawmil ‘irs” (يَوْمِ العِرْسْ) which means “the wedding day” is a preparatory movement expressing all the pre-wedding preparation that happens for a long time before the wedding date.

The second movement “Hida” (حِدى) is inspired by the men’s songs performed when accompanying the groom to the bride’s house, usually sung loudly in a slowly festive mood, with the accompaniment of dance and loud percussion instruments.

The third movement is a miniature titled “Zalghouta” (زلغوطة) which is practiced all over the Middle East and in some parts of Africa, and it consists of an ululation, a high-pitched tongue trill, a physical skill that involves the throat and tongue. It is a distinct ability as not many people can hit such high notes, mainly performed by mothers and grandmothers at the wedding to welcome the brides and their families.

The fourth movement “Zaffih” (زفّة) is the dance song that accompanies the brides whenever they move from one place to another, like from the pride house to their final place, and it is a highly energetic song and dance which all the presence participate by singing, dancing, or clapping.

The fifth movement “Nostalgy” (حنين) is a quite emotional movement that describes the sadness and worries of the brides of stepping into a new stage of their lives, leaving their parent’s home and starting their own family.

The sixth and last movement titled “At-Tabel” (الطبل) which is the name of the folk drum instrument, which is essential for all weddings, especially in accompanying all folk dances.