Sabri al-Mudallal

Tarab is a concept of Arab culture that refers both to a heightened state of consciousness, an intensely pleasant experience or an intense state of emotion accompanied by awareness of a musical or poetic performance. Further, tarab has been applied to a style of music and musical performance in which such emotional states are evoked. Similar to the Western notion of ecstasy, tarab is a subjective experience of total involvement of the audience with the musical performance.

Connection to Damascus

Performed extensively in Damascus; part of the broader Damascene-Aleppine musical tradition that defined Syrian classical music.

Known for

Master of muwashshahat and Andalusian music; legendary cantor of Syria.