Concerts Blend Arab, American Musical Traditions

By Stephen Kaufman
Washington File Staff Writer

Washington -- A musical composition entitled "Harmonious Relations" aptly summarizes the recent collaborations American violinist Timothy Schwartz has made with musicians from Syria and Egypt.

The composition features the Egyptian melody "Zurooni Kul Sana Marra" interspersed with the American "Shenandoah," beautifully traded off by violins, viola and cello until the two themes are blended simultaneously at the conclusion.

Schwartz was in Washington February 13 to perform at the State Department and the Egyptian Embassy. The highlight of his program was two compositions by Joseph Goodrich that combine traditional Arab melodies with American songs.

"This concert is about dialogue and about bridging gaps," said Schwartz as he introduced himself and fellow musicians from the Chancellor String Quartet to the audience at the Egyptian Embassy.

Mohammad El-Zorkany, the Egyptian Deputy Chief of Mission, opened the evening's event by praising the musicians' contribution to the larger dialogue between civilizations.

"It's through dialogue, through art, that we can overcome problems that arise every now and then between nations, persons, peoples, regional groupings, and so on," said El-Zorkany.

The concept behind the two Goodrich pieces, "Harmonious Relations" and "The Juliet Quartet" came as a result of Schwartz's winning the Department of State's Artistic Ambassador competition in 1995.

As Artistic Ambassador, Schwartz was asked to share American musical culture abroad by playing American compositions to audiences in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

While in Syria, Schwartz met many talented musicians and wanted to perform a piece he could play with his Syrian counterparts using Arab and American melodies. He said he desired to perform a composition that "brings the two together, so that it's not just one-sided."

As a result, American composer Joseph Goodrich was commissioned to write the stunning "Juliet Quartet," which Schwartz first performed in Damascus in October 1998.

Named in honor of Juliet Wurr, the American Public Affairs Officer in Damascus who commissioned the piece, the "Juliet Quartet" blends the popular Syrian melody "Lamma Bada Yatahana" and the American "All the Pretty Little Horses." Schwartz said it was enthusiastically received by the Syrian audience.

"It was a wonderful expression of unity between the two countries, played by myself, an American pianist, a Syrian pianist and a Syrian viola. It was really incredible ... people were crying, saying to do it over and over. It was really the piece they wanted to hear," said Schwartz.

Hauntingly beautiful, the work features the blended melodies on viola and violin interspersed with rhythm and chords played by two pianists. "Everyone could relate to something in that piece. Not to mention, it's just a beautiful piece," commented Schwartz.

Goodrich then composed "Harmonious Relations" three years later so that Schwartz could repeat the experience with Egyptian musicians.

"It was a wonderful coming together. As musicians we spent about five days rehearsing and then another five days performing ... [The Egyptians] put everything into it that they had," said Schwartz.

The work premiered on April 25, 2001 in Alexandria, Egypt, and Schwartz described it as an "incredible performance."

"In my thirty years as a violinist I cannot recall a more meaningful concert. The talent and warmth of my new Egyptian friends will remain with me forever," Schwartz wrote in the press release to his February 2002 performances in Washington.

The Egyptian concert was also significant in that it attracted many Egyptians who normally did not attend events at the American embassy. "That to me is a sign of success," said Schwartz.

"Again it was just a unity of oneness that only music can really bring about in a way.... The Embassy said it was one of the first times they had more Egyptians than Americans in attendance," said Schwartz.

When asked about plans to return to the Middle East, the violinist's eyes brightened as he immediately replied, "I would love to."

"I love the Middle East," said Schwartz. "Since the first time I went there in 1996, I feel very much at home, and I love the musicians. They're wonderful people."

(The Washington File is a product of the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)