I selected “’Ud Solo (An Improvisation)” by Mamdouh El Gbaly specifically because it involves the ud instrument, which is a staple of Egyptian music. During the in-class concert, I was intrigued by the physical characteristics of the ud and how it is typically played. More specifically, I was interested in how the neck of the ud is angled backward, unlike what is typically seen with a common North American instrument such as the guitar. In terms of how it is played, I also liked how the strings were plucked using a risha, which is held differently from a typical guitar pick. Reflecting on “’Ud Solo (An Improvisation),” what first caught my attention was the speed at which the ud was played around the three-minute mark, following a subtle pause by Mamdouh El Gbaly that I believe was used to create a sense of desire. In terms of musical characteristics, I found the ud’s timbre distinctive because the instrument can produce different sounds depending on how it is played, whether slowly, quickly, or through intermittent plucking. This also contributes to the pitch and melody of “’Ud Solo (An Improvisation),” which vary throughout the piece. Overall, in my opinion, “’Ud Solo (An Improvisation)” exemplifies the musical culture of Egypt through its distinctive instrument and the range of techniques available to its performer.

Link to my song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnz3UjTY1GU