An article by guest contributor Patricia Audrey Hakim (365 words, 2 min. read)
I soar on a magical carpet ride. I don’t need a lamp or a genie. Only musical flair and a heartbeat.
No, it wasn’t a dream. I wasn’t watching Disney’s Aladdin, and it wasn’t a reading of 1001 Nights with Scheherazade.
My oriental voyage begins on a warm spring evening. I hear the melodic rhythm of the oud, the pear-shaped lute, the king of Arabic instruments, which charms me with its deep vibrations and I am mesmerized.
It begins with a solo, the taqsim in Arabic orchestral music. We are transfixed by the nuance of its emotional depth. Soon, the oud is adorned with the micro-toned whispers of the nay, a piercingly soulful flute with a haunting, meditative sound. My ears listen, but I hear with my heart.
The music invites me to keep flying among melodious stars and I am eagerly enchanted.
Then come the agile fingers of the qanun, plucking strings with precision, each note bright and ringing. The instrument rests gently on the musician’s lap, like a treasure chest of golden light. As the music flows, my hair sways in rhythm with the waves of stars across the midnight sky.
The violin and cello join in, their universal colors gracefully blending into the harmonic embrace. They unite cultures and civilizations, weaving a shared tapestry of musical art.
The carpet glides on carrying this inspirational interlude for all to enjoy.
And now, my favorite part! The call and reply between the riq and derbeka, or the Arabic tambourine and goblet drum. Their rhythm pulses into my waist and hips. Attuned to the beat, my body and soul become one with the ensemble—lost in the beauty of this oriental symphony.
It feels like dancing among Arabic calligraphy. Every note is a flourish, every rhythm is a curve of grace, elegance, and infinity. The music playfully writes into me, weaving emotional hues that fulfill the moment.
My magical carpet ride of Arabic oriental orchestra flowed through the wonder of stories and emotions. One of many wonders from the 1001 tales to be serenaded again and again.
A Note To Think About
