Sharara, Attia (Hassan)

(b Cairo, 15 Nov 1923). Egyptian violinist and composer. He studied at the Fuad I Music Institute (1941–5) and, proving a proficient violinist, was engaged to play with several composers. He conducted the Radio Music Ensemble and later the Reda Folkdance Troupe (1982–6).

His earliest compositions, from 1948, are instrumental monodic works employing traditional forms. But in 1950, after becoming acquainted with Western classical music through a private recording collection, he decided to compose Arabic music in a Western idiom. He studied with two Italians residing in Egypt, Menato and Isaiga, and now divides his time between playing and composing. He formed the Sharara Sextet (which includes his two sons Hassan and Ashraf), with which he has toured the Arabian countries, England, France and Germany. From 1956 to 1979 he travelled to Tunisia, Libya, Lebanon and Jordan to teach and help found ensembles of traditional music. Since 1984 he has been teaching violin and traditional song at the Cairo Conservatory. He was awarded a state prize for composition (1983) and an Order of Merit (1985).

His non-monodic works consist largely of concertos, including one for the nāy (a wind instrument), one for the ’ūd (lute) and three for the violin, the first of which draws on folk tunes. His Western-style works are conservative and simple, with short development sections containing frequent sequences. They employ Arabic rhythmic patterns such as the Masmūdī (in 4/4 time) and the Dārij (in 3/4 time).

WORKS

SAMHA EL KHOLY