Rahim AlHaj, Iraqi oud virtuoso, records "Rast"

The oud, a traditional Middle Eastern string instrument, is over 5,000 years old and the ancestor of many other string instruments. In this video, Rahim AlHaj, Iraqi oud virtuoso and composer plays, accompanied by master percussionist Souhail Kaspar. It is a glimpse into recording sessions for AlHaj's "When the Soul is Settled: Music of Iraq" CD, SFW-CD-45033, released October 2006. AlHaj is one of a very few professional oudists who are actively re-vitalizing and thereby preserving the Iraqi art music tradition. Explore more oud music from around the world at www.smithsonianglobalsound.org.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• smithsonian
• global
• sound
• folkways
• international
• world
• music
• Iraq
• oud

[jerryfugate]

I love this music so much! Thanks you Rahim, thank you Souhail, for sharing it with us!

ma'salaam

[houndofwinter]

I love the simplicity of the song and how easily you can get lost just by listening to it, much less playing it. Rahim is main reason I decided to start learning the Oud and this song is what got me to start listening to him in the first place.

[rrpawluk2]

Rock on Iraqi brother... your music makes me feel so good...

[iAmJush]

long live iraq !

[coptictimtim]

Simply amazing! Well done :)

[lbpirard]

The University of New Mexico.

[faysalalqassab]

Which University do you go to?

[luobin458]

greaf vid - beautiful playing!

[lbpirard]

I feel extremely privileged to say that Rahim teaches the Intro to Middle Eastern Music class at my university. I had such a wonderful time learning from him, and his emphasis on music as something that comes straight from the soul has had a profound impact on my own playing as a classical musician. He's a great person and a fantastic artist; it's always a treat to hear him play!

[killrlj]

awesome...

[karbal58]

Rahim Alhaj , great Iraqi musician. God bless Iraq and his people

[lucybean975]

it really is joyful to listen to.