A new recording was released of my piece ” ‘irs – عِرْس “, for two violas, originaly written for the viola Duo Talla Rouge, and premiered on May 3d, 2024, at Dumbarton Oaks – Washington, USA.

The recording was beautifully done by Noemie Chemali (Viola I) and Carrie Frey (Viola II), and recorded at Skillman Music Studio, NewYork.

” ‘irs – عِرْس ” (means wedding in the Lebanese Arabic dialect) is a suite of six movements, all inspired by 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 slow, 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 bride’s house to their final place, and it is a highly energetic song and dance in which all in attendance participate by singing, dancing, or clapping.
The fifth movement, “Nostalgy” (حنين), is quite an emotional movement that describes the sadness and worries of the brides as they step into a new stage of their lives, leaving their parents’ home and starting their own family.
The sixth and last movement is titled “At-Tabel” (الطبل), which is the name of the folk drum instrument that is essential for all weddings, especially for accompanying all folk dances.