Ghazi Mikdashi - El Kalam
Ghazi Mikdashi is a composer from Beirut, Lebanon known for his unique and emotive style. With a career beginning in the 1960’s, Mikdashi has crafted music that spans generations and his skillful music is both memorable and resonant. We have previously covered Ghazi Mikdashi and his wonderful Suite No. 1 “Journey” and today we take a look at another of his splendid songs, “El Kalam”.
“El Kalam” translates as “the talk” and the track itself is much like a conversation between the instruments that comprise the tune. A piano takes the lead in “El Kalam” with its melody leading the “conversation” the instruments are having, guiding us along multiple emotional shifts throughout the track. That said, each instrument has its own voice and the way in which the other instruments - especially the violin and percussion - interact with the piano and each other really enriches the experience. Brief moments where the other instruments take the spotlight from the piano really succeed in giving off a conversational element and this is accomplished by either mirroring the piano work or pushing back against it.
“El Kalam” really does sound like a conversation between the instruments, as if they are going through a persuasive conversation where sometimes they agree and sometimes they disagree with each other. Perhaps my favorite aspect of Ghazi Mikdashi’s music is the sense of storytelling his songs bring; although his work is instrumental, Mikdashi always takes us on an enjoyable and insightful musical adventure. As always we have “El Kalam” embedded below!
