Amal al-Atrash (Arabic: آمال الأطرش)...better known by her stage name Asmahan (أسمهان Asmahān), was a Syrian singer and actress. Having immigrated to Egypt in childhood, her family knew the composer Dawood Hosni, and she sang the compositions of Mohamed El Qasabgi and Zakariyya Ahmad. She also sang the compositions of Mohammed Abdel Wahab and her brother Farid al-Atrash, a then rising star musician in his own right. Hers was the only voice in Arab music to ever pose a serious competition to that of Umm Kulthum,who is considered to be the Arab world's most distinguished singer of the 20th century. Her mysterious death in an automobile accident shocked the public. Journalists spread gossip about her turbulent personal life and an alleged espionage role in World War II. (Wikipedia)
Although her life was short her influence on Arabic singing will stil be felt for a long time. Whereas Ûm Kalsûm brought classical singing to a perfection surpassing that aimed at by hermasters such as Abû al-°Ila, Asmahan's style of interpretation has enriched Arabic song by opening a window to the music of the Western World, without obliterating the fundamental difference between the two sorts of music. (Asmahan.com)
Seriously sublime stuff. Will definitely be posting more from her as I aquire it. Many thanks to Tabbouche's for this one. 256kbps.
Download Link: Asmahan - Les Archives De La Musique Arabe
1. Aleik Salat Allah
2. Layta Lel Barqi
3. Farraq Ma Beinna
4. Naweit Adari
5. Layali El Bashar
6. Ash'inha
7. Layali El Ons
8. Ya Habibi Ta'ala
9. Dakhalt Marra
