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Rahim AlHaj - "Rast" [Behind the Scenes Documentary]

3,001 views · Published 23 March 2009 · 2:46 · Indexed 3 October 2026

Channel: Smithsonian Folkways · 2009 · Music

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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 performs "Rast," accompanied by master percussionist Souhail Kaspar. It is a glimpse into the recording sessions for AlHaj's 'When the Soul is Settled: Music of Iraq,' released October 2006 on Smithsonian Folkways. AlHaj is one of the very few professional oudists who are actively re-vitalizing and thereby preserving the Iraqi art music tradition.

'When the Soul Is Settled: Music of Iraq' is available on CD and digital.

Stream/download/purchase:
Smithsonian Folkways: https://folkways.si.edu/rahim-alhaj-with-souhail-kaspar/when-the-soul-is-settled-music-of-iraq/islamica-world/album/smithsonian
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/1nrXiht7W9DiKX8elvMybD?si=rXH0lGDSSiS2H5W-KBtfmw

As received from his teachers and transformed by his considerable musical gifts and life experience, Rahim AlHaj carries on a significant strand of Iraqi musical tradition toward future generations—in his own way, in his own time. AlHaj studied music in Baghdad with Munir Bashir and other great teacher-performers. His extended improvisations on the oud, accompanied on Near Eastern percussion by Souhail Kaspar, include uniquely Iraqi pieces. Together they represent a proud tradition's meeting with modernity. Extensive bilingual notes, 32-page booklet. 73 minutes.

Rahim AlHaj: https://www.rahimalhaj.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RahimAlHajOfficial
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rahim_alhaj
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rahim_alhaj

Smithsonian Folkways: https://folkways.si.edu
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smithsonianfolkwaysrecordings
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Folkways
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©2008 Smithsonian Institution

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