Mohammed Mohsen Revives the Masterpieces of the Golden Age in 'Al Maghni: Life of the Soul'

The Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center hosted, last Thursday, a concert by Al-Jabriya Al-Hurra Company titled “Singing Is the Life of the Soul,” featuring singer Mohammed Mohsen. The event was among the most enchanting nights of musical delight, taking the audience on a journey through time to the strings of a collection of timeless melodies that memory cannot forget, offering attendees a unique musical experience that blends authentic musical charm with the revival of the most beautiful memories from the golden age of art.

With a large turnout and a striking vocal talent, Mohsen delighted his audience at a concert celebrating the immortal Arab musical heritage. Drawing inspiration from the masterpieces of authentic classical music that shaped the sensibilities of successive generations for over 100 years, he succeeded in presenting a curated evening of works by prominent Arab composers and singers, reflecting his personal passion for the rich musical legacy of the most iconic figures in Arab music.

Accompanying Mohsen and the audience on their journey was a musical band no less creative or passionate, led by Maestro George Takla. Despite their small number, they delivered a first-class professional musical night in an experience reminiscent of a traditional Eastern ensemble blended with contemporary instruments, presenting the audience with an evening of musical charm that illustrates how “singing is the life of the soul,” as the Nightingale of the East, Umm Kulthum, proclaimed 80 years ago.

Mohsen was not merely selective; he delved into the archives of memories, the intricacies of the musical library, and the masterpieces of authentic music, surprising the audience with an unparalleled concert program. The audience found themselves recalling parts of the past with each melody, then wondering how he assembled this curated selection in such a delightful order. The program included famous songs by the People’s Artist Sayed Darwish, which successive generations have repeated, such as “Aha da li sar” (Is this what happened?) with lyrics by Badi’ Khairi and Muhammad Al-Qadi; “Wallah tistaheel ya qalbi” (By God, you deserve it, my heart) by poet Abdulhamid Al-Dib; “Al-hulwa di” (This beautiful one) and “Salima ya salama” (Safe and sound), both written by Badi’ Khairi; and “Zuruni kull sana marra” (Visit me once a year) and “Ana hayyit” (I fell in love), both written by Muhammad Al-Qadi.

A concert of such splendor could not have omitted the works of the composer of generations, Mohammed Abdel Wahab, whose pieces delighted the audience: “Ya musafir wahdak” (O traveler, alone) with lyrics by Hussein Al-Sayed; “Kan ajmal yawm” (It was the most beautiful day) by Hussein Al-Sayed; “Khayef aqoul li fi qalbi” (Afraid to say what is in my heart) by Ahmed Abdelmajid; and “Kul da kan liye” (All of this was for it) by Mamoun Al-Shenawi. Meanwhile, fans of composer Sayed Mekawi had the opportunity to enjoy his most immortal works: “Ma tafutinish ana wahdi” (Don’t leave me alone) by Hussein Al-Sayed, and “Leilat embarah” (Last night) by Salah Jahin.

The highlight of the concert was a medley of songs featuring works by the composer of musical charm and joy, Mohammed Fawzi, including “Mal al-qamar malu” (The moon’s wealth is its wealth) with lyrics by Fathi Qoura; “Teir beina ya qalbi” (Fly with us, my heart) by Hussein Al-Sayed; and “Ay wallah” (By God) by Morsi Jamil Aziz. These works received a strong response from the audience, who expressed their happiness with the curated program and the singer’s superb performance alongside his band.

Mohsen also presented a medley of songs by singer Karim Mahmoud, featuring works composed by him, such as “Amanat ‘alayk” (A trust upon you) with lyrics by Fathi Qoura, and “Samra” (Dark-skinned) by Ahmed Mansour. Other works included collaborations with composer Mahmoud El-Sharif and poet Ali Al-Shirazi, such as “‘ala shat’ bahr al-hawa” (On the shore of the sea of love), and “‘Anabi” (Grapes), written by Kamal Al-Isnaoui and composed by Helmy Amin.

The great composer Zakariya Ahmed was represented by two of his most famous folk songs, both written for him by Birtaq Al-Tunisi: “Ya salaat al-zayn” (O prayer of beauty) and “Al-ward jamil” (The rose is beautiful). The concert’s surprise was the presence of Ahmed Fouad Negm and Sheikh Imam performing their most famous works: “Ana atoub ‘an hubbak” (I repent of loving you) by Sheikh Imam and poet Naguib Serour, and “Al-bahr bi-dahik liye” (Why does the sea laugh?) by Sheikh Imam and poet Naguib Serour.

Despite the extended concert and the diverse array of authentic tarab songs, the audience was eagerly anticipating Mohamed Mohsen’s own compositions. Although these works are relatively recent, they are not devoid of the tarab that particularly captivates him, a quality that shines through in every piece he has undertaken in collaboration with poet Mustafa Ibrahim: “Nashabbah Leih” and “Min Zaman Jiddan,” as well as his famous song “Fi Qalbi Makan,” with lyrics by Nour Abdullah and music by Mohamed El-Nady.