Ghada Shbeir - Syriaques Chants Vol 3

The Syriac chant is deeply rooted in the civilizations of the Near East before Christianity. It is simple and austere and was transmitted orally, as no annotations existed. The same words can have several melodies and the same melody can have different words.
The independent strophic Syriac Hymn is attributed to Saint Ephrem Syrus (306-373), the Syrian Saint, Doctor of the Church and hymnographer. Born in Edessa, Saint Ephrem countered the hymns of Bardaisan (154-222), a Syrian hymnographer astrologer philosopher from Edessa.
The Syriac melody has limited range. It is performed with 3, 4, or 5 notes. It has a free varied rhythm and a simple structure. Singing it professionally means singing it with free rhythm by improvising, without altering the structure of the melody.
To be sung correctly, this unique melody requires technical excellence and deep passion for the music. In style, the Syriac chant does not belong to the Arabic music system, nor the eight Byzantine types, not the Gregorian, but is a special pleasure to be enjoyed in its own rite.
Usually it is sung a capella and sometimes it is accompanied by percussion instruments: The naqus (hand bell), the marwaha (rattle) and the small and large Cymbals.

Related Album : http://www.kamanjaat.com/2011/07/blog-post_03.html