Exploring Music in Context Adaption Piece Analysis.

Exploring Music in Context Adaption Piece Analysis

Medium: Zahrat el-Madaen introduces the listener into the song using the orchestra- giving specific spotlight to the violin, and the drum, then adding an organ melody, continued by the addition of some sort of air or wind instrument. The song also sounds like it includes the oud, a classical Arabic string instrument, and during the fiery parts sounds as though there is a symbol or striking material added as well. These instruments continue to play without vocal accompaniment for around 1:29 minutes, something which is unusual in western music but common throughout the Arab songs of the time. The lead singer, Fairuz's, voice begins at 1:29, but a choir of men and women intermittently join her as well. 

Melody: Throughout the eight minute song the melody varies greatly, sounding more as though different songs have been compiled together rather than a continuous and recurring motif. There are 4 different melodies throughout Zahrat el-Madaen, a somber and grieving motif, a mellow and almost jovial section, then fiery and anger filled music before a grand sweeping end. The melodic ideas are mostly conjunct and take smaller steps despite the occasional leap between intervals.  

Harmony: For the first part of the song, the harmony is almost nonexistent, Fairuz's vocal melody being the center of the piece. The harmony changes throughout the song, sometimes a key component and sometimes fading away as to focus on the melody. (specific examples?)

Texture: Zahrat el-Madaen is a mix of both monophonic and homophonic sections, as well as having an imitation component, one example being at 2:08-2:36 when Fairuz sings verses, which is then repeated from 2:38-3:05 by a choir of men and women.

Meter: The tempo of Zahrat el-Madaen starts off as slow and adds to the somber theme of the beginning, before picking up gradually the more the song moves away from grief and towards anger.  

Form: The form of Zahrat el-Madaen can be hard to follow along with, but it generally starts more on the simplistic side before a sharp uptake and the addition of many layers to intrigue the listener. 

Style: Many stylistic elements of the song showcase traditional Arabic music, such as the Byzantine church hymns that are included and the deep and soothing style in which Fairuz sings.

Context: Zahrat el-Madaen was written in response to the Naksa, or the third Arab-Israeli war, during which Israel seized many pieces of land including part of Jerusalem or "Zahrat el-Madaen" (city of flowers), as referenced in the song. The war resulted in 20,000 Arab casualties, and the fleeing of 280,000-350,000 Palestinians from their homeland. This song could be seen as a manifestation of Palestinians grief for Jerusalem, as a love letter to the 'city of flowers' and their 'splendid home', as well as a sign of resilience, vowing that Palestinians will someday return to their homes. 

Vocals: Fairuz's vocals in Zahrat el-Madaen capture the song's somber and haunting melody perfectly, Fairy's ability to sing in the lower registry and with vibrato, especially present in the beginning, juxtaposed with her ability to sing in a staccato manner with piercingly high notes is what is able to represent all the emotions present within the song.  

Expression: Said Akl writes with great expression, almost moving the reader to feel what the song is trying to convey even without having to understand Arabic. The dynamics, starting off slow, not different from what would be heard during an anthem, paired with the immediate juxtaposition of a dynamic that would usually be paired with a festive and joy filled song, getting louder and louder the more the song shifts towards anger conveying the emotions that the listener can feel, especially through the use of a powerful choir.