Beyond the Classroom: Asia and the Middle East


 1. The Chehade Brothers 

L to R: Rami Chehade, Farid Chehade.

The Chehade Brothers

I was researching modern middle eastern music and found The Chehade Brothers. I found them to be very interesting so I wanted to share them with you all. Rami and Farid Chehade are Palestinian-Lebanase musicians and singers. They grew up in Jordan where their childhood was surrounded by music and art which inspired the brothers to pursue a career in music. They both play many Arabic and other instruments like the oud, bouzok, violin, cello, riq, and many more. In this video they are accompanied by many other instruments this website lists: bouzoq, a bouzouki, a oud, a violin, an accordion, a clarinet, a kanoun, a double-bass and three percussionists. I love this video, everyone seems to be having so much fun. 


2. The Erhu

RIVERSIDE: UCR graduate student plays rare ancient Chinese instrument – Press Enterprise

The Erhu

The Erhu is commonly known as the Chinese Violin. It originated in Central Asia during the Tang Dynasty. It is a two stringed vertical fiddle. The strings of the Erhu are stretched over a wooden resonator with a snake skin membrane. The Erhu is usually held on the player's thigh. The Erhu is known for expressing sadness because of its resemblance to the human voice. Today, Chinese orchestras can contain more than twenty Erhu. The first video below gives some more information on the Erhu, and the other is an  Erhu performance. There are so many good performances on Youtube. It's hard to pick just one.  I really love the sound of the Erhu. 
More about the Erhu



3. Holi

Holi | LearnEnglish

Holi

Holi is a Hindu festival celebrating the eternal and Divine love of Radha Krishna. Holi celebrates the triumph of good over evil, the arrival of Spring, and the end of Winter. It is celebrated mostly in India and other parts of Asia. People gather on the streets and celebrate Holi by throwing colored powders, singing, and dancing. The streets are full of colors and music mostly performed on drums. The night before Holi is used for religious traditions, and the day of Holi is full of celebration. One video shows more of what Holi is like, and the other are people singing a traditional Holi song.
More about Holi 














Comments

  1. Colbie PerryMay 8, 2022 at 12:25 PM

    Great post! I really enjoyed learning more about the musical culture of Asia and the Middle East. My favorite part was learning about Holi. I think it is so cool the way they celebrate it with many colors, singing, and dancing. It reminds me of a color run with the color powder.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sean GiovannettiMay 8, 2022 at 7:56 PM

    I like how you explored areas that other might not. I liked the energy of the Chehade Brothers' concert, it seemed like fun. I also think learning about Holi was interesting. I've seen it before but didn't know much about it.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Beuanna TylerMay 9, 2022 at 12:40 AM

    The Holi festival seems so fun! I would love to go someday. It's interesting that they have a traditional song. I never knew that. Great job! :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Daishaque WhitesideMay 10, 2022 at 2:19 PM

    I really enjoyed reading and learn about Asia and the Middle East in your blog. My favorite part was learn and listening to the Erhu violin. I find it beautiful and enjoyed listening to it.

    ReplyDelete

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