[.ca] Legendary (Lebanon)

From Amazon.com:
Her legend continues to dwell in the shadow of the great Um Kalthoum, but the voice and fame of this Lebanese legend are really just as potent, and after decades of immeasurable fame in the Arab world, her incredible body of work is beginning to get recognition everywhere else. This collection of her music is one of the best introductions you could ask for, given that it not only presents some of her most brilliant work, but it does so via live recordings before her adoring audiences. The works presented here are all major orchestral accompaniments written and directed by her long-lived partners, the Rahbani brothers. Lebanese and pan-Arabic folk instruments are mixed with a western orchestral arsenal of excessive strings and woodwinds. The sound is huge, but to contain a voice like this, maybe huge is what they needed. The voice of Fairuz is undeniable--rich, complex and soulful. --Louis Gibson

The Legendary Fairuz:
A vocalist of the caliber of Fairuz deserves far more sensitive accompaniment than that provided on "The Legendary Fairuz" CD. Also the applause should have been suppressed. A traditional backup consisting of oud, doumbek, perhaps clarinet, guitar, accordian of high quality and respectful of the soloist would have been immeasurably more satisfying. I have just "discovered" Fairuz and would like to acquire other CDs by this artist but the accompaniment must be much more respectful of the artist who is apparently a legend in the world of Arabic music.

The Lady Can Sing...:
Fairuz just has the most absolutely beautiful voice I have ever heard on a human being. I don't listen to a lot of Arabic music but I love Fairuz. As you might have guessed, all these songs are tributes to a particular Arab city, whether it's Beirut, Mina (in Egypt, Kuwait City, Amman or Baghdad.

Fantastic vocals, schmaltzy instrumentation:
Fairuz must have one of the best female voices in the Arab world, but the overly sentimental instrumentation seems inappropriate and distracting. I would have loved to hear her beautiful voice with a more traditional, non-Western orchestra. If a recording of that nature exists, someone please let me know about it!

Fairouz, the diva of the Arab song:
This CD by the legendary Fairouz contains very beautiful songs, great vocal performance, and wonderful music and lyrics. This is an album that everyone should not miss. In fact all of Fairouz's albums are not to miss. She is simply the BEST!

A voice like honey & rose water:
I'm a Fairuz fan, so somewhat biased..........but this is a wonderful album. Her voice is wonderfully dramatic & sweet.

• Beirut Hal Zarafat
• Ya Mina El Habayeb
• Amman
• Al Kuwait
• Hamaltu Beirut
• Misr Adat
• Baghdad Wal Chouarra