Composed by Wajdi Abou Diab
Performed by An Vedi
Video and Artwork by Wajdi Abou Diab
Mastering engineer: Charbel Barq
THE AWFAR DANCE (رقصة الأوفر) (2021)
For solo Violon – ca. 7’30
BEST CLASSICAL MUSIC VIDEO Award from the Euro Music Video Festival.
Officially selected for the Europe Music Video Awards.
June 16, 2023 Youtube premiere by violinist An Vedi
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AL Awfar Dance
Opus 13D, for solo violin
“The Awfar Dance” – Opus 13D, is a solo violin piece that draws its inspiration from Arabic traditional music and rhythm. It portrays the eternal human theme of chasing an illusionary paradise and wasting one’s life in pursuit of dreams that may never come true. The piece evokes the image of a camel caravan in the vast Sahara desert, endlessly chasing the mirage of a legendary oasis that had never existed.
The music is characterized by Arabic scales such as “Bayati” and “Rast”, and rhythmic patterns inspired by the 19/4 rhythm cycle titled “Al Awfar”, accentuated by different expressive techniques on the violin. The piece begins with a slow, mournful character that represents the endless struggle of seeking something that may never be found. As the piece progresses, the music gradually builds up, signifying the growing urgency and desperation of the caravan’s quest.
Towards the end of the piece, the music reaches a climax that represents the caravan’s final, frenzied attempt to reach the oasis. But the sound abruptly dies away, conveying the tragic realization that what they had been searching for was nothing but a mirage. The piece ends by recalling materials from the opening bars, closing the circle of the endless chase.
Al Awfar Dance is an evocative piece that explores the universal theme of human desire and ambition and the price we often pay for pursuing them.
About the performer
An Vedi has won 35 international awards and contests as a violinist, composer, chamber music performer, singer-songwriter, and conductor. She is the youngest recipient of the Edward Elgar Medal (2019, the UK). An graduated from the Conservatory and Post-graduate studies with honors. She has been performing on stage for over 25 years.
She is a Member of the Recording Academy (Voting Member and Mentor), BMI, the Boston New Music Initiative, the International Singer-Songwriters Association, Indie Collaborative, the International Society for Jazz Arrangers and Composers, Musical Explorers by Carnegie Hall, International Association for Music and Medicine, Sisters In Music, International Conductors Guild, Modern Conducting Academy.
An is a judge at several international music competitions and awards. As a violinist and conductor, she has over 700 works in her performing repertoire.
As a composer, she has composed over 100 works for orchestra, choir, chamber ensembles, and individual instruments. As a songwriter, she has written over 300 songs.
Since 2018, she has been conducting master classes for young musicians according to her individual method, which has been approved by music teachers from schools, colleges, and universities. An Vedi actively collaborates with members of the Recording Academy, as well as Grammy®-nominated and winning artists.
wajdiaboudiab.com 