Chat Iskandaria

Description

Fairuz is a living legend and one of the greatest divas in the Arab world. For over sixty years, she has held a central place in Arab music, with an iconic discography that began in the early 1950s and concerts performed around the world. She rose to prominence through her collaboration with the Rahbani Brothers (Assi and Mansour), a creative partnership that began in the 1950s and continued into the 1970s, giving birth to a vast repertoire of timeless songs, still cherished throughout the Arab world and beyond. In the late 1970s, Fairuz adopted a more modern style with albums like Wahdon (1979) and Maarifti Feek (1986), produced by her son Ziad Rahbani, blending jazz, funk, and other contemporary influences. However, Chat Iskandaria, released in 1987, marks a return to the classic Rahbani aesthetic, with a more traditional yet equally captivating approach to Arab music. The album sees Fairuz reinterpreting a selection of compositions by the Rahbani Brothers in a characteristic orchestral and theatrical style, addressing themes such as nostalgia, love—with a poignant tribute to the city of Alexandria—and the passage of time, central motifs of their work. The famous poet Saïd Akl penned the lyrics for two tracks: “Min Rawabina Al Kamar” and “Fattehhon Alay.” Unlike her more modern collaborations with Ziad Rahbani, Chat Iskandaria remains firmly rooted in traditional Lebanese and Levantine musical aesthetics. Rich in melodies and poetic imagery, the album presents Fairuz at her quintessential best, supported by the refined orchestral arrangements that defined her golden age with the Rahbani Brothers. Chat Iskandaria is an essential album for lovers of classical Arab music and a vibrant reminder of the unwavering artistic bond between Fairuz and the Rahbani Brothers. Wewantsounds is pleased to re-release this album for the first time on vinyl since its original release in 1987, featuring its original artwork, remastered audio, and a new bilingual introduction by Mario Choueiry (Institut du Monde Arabe).