(b al-Qrayya, Syria, 18 Oct 1915; d Beirut, 26 Dec 1974). Syrian singer, composer, ‘ūd player and film actor and producer. In 1924 political circumstances forced his family to move to Egypt. His mother, the noted singer ‘Aliyya al-Munther, taught him singing in the Syrian style. He studied the ‘ūd (lute) at the Cairo Institute for Arab Music. His professional work began as an ‘ūd player and singer at the national radio station and in Badī ‘a Masabnī's variety show saloon.
In 1941, through his sister Asmahān, he entered the cinema industry, and for the rest of his life was involved in films as a composer, singer actor, and producer. His singing of Syrian mawwāl (popular songs), tangos and rumbas achieved great popularity, and his work laid the foundations for Arab variety show films, cinematic operetta, orchestral musical overtures and comic and sad songs. His 31 films are mostly autobiographical and provide valuable insight into the role of the musician in society.
His skilful solo ‘ūd playing moved listeners to ecstasy. He combined abstract conceptualism with a deep understanding of the instrument's artistic traditions, and was widely imitated. In 1962 he received a prestigious Turkish award for his playing.
He composed songs many of which were inspired by the emotional difficulties and health problems which he suffered, and instrumental pieces (some for dance performances by his lover Sāmīa Gamāl). Influences were his mother's Syrian songs, the Lebanese composer Farīd Ghuson, and the Egyptian composers Zakariyyā Ahmad, Muhammad al-Qasabjī and Muhammad ‘Abd al-Wahhāb (the latter also being a rival). He wrote for famous female singers (Asmahān and others) and some songs achieved fame in Europe. He headed the Association of Egyptian Songwriters and Composers for many years, and received numerous medals from all over the Arab world.
He promoted Arab nationalism and held Syrian, Lebanese, Egyptian and Sudanese nationalities. He suffered several strokes (the first aged 37) and eventually died from a heart attack.
SAADALLA AGHA AL-KALAA