Description

The ‘Sounds’ series by Gio Israel offers a rare and immersive exploration into the ancient musical traditions of the world. This collection is deeply rooted in the history of Andalusian music, with its origins tracing back to the legendary Persian musician Ali Iben Nafiaa, also known as Zriab. After migrating from Syria to southern Spain (Andalusia), Zriab introduced a unique musical style, creating 24 Nubot or musical themes, each representing a different hour of the day. This musical tradition grew and influenced a wide range of North African countries, including Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya, and became deeply ingrained in the region’s cultural fabric.

The melodies featured in this collection have survived the test of time, largely preserved through religious practices, especially within old Jewish communities, who used them in prayers to maintain their oral traditions. These ancient melodies can still be heard in synagogues to this very day, echoing the timeless resonance of the Andalusian musical heritage.

This ‘Sounds’ series was recorded by Gilad Hazan, a renowned musician and scholar of Andalusian music, who brings both expertise and respect to this intricate musical art form.