Thread: Umm Kulthum Studio Recordings. 1st Movements Intro Samples.

Many of Umm Kulthum's songs which were recorded between 1964 and 1973 are very popular dance pieces. The 1st movements intro's of these songs are particularly in demand. Very few however seem to use cuts from the original recordings. Instead, most dancers tend to use reproductions. It has become clear that one of the reasons is that most dancers are unaware of the availability of good quality studio recordings (not Haflah recordings) which can be easily cut and edited. Unlike Haflah recordings which are 45-60 minutes long, studio recordings run anywhere from 23-33 minutes in total and the average time of the 1st movements intro's is about 4 minutes.

Here are sample intro's from eight of these songs which I picked at random. These mp3's were converted from my original LP's. As I only carried out these conversions a couple of years ago, some of these LP's were not in the best of condition by the time the conversion took place. I have recently repurchased most of these 40 or so songs on fresh new LP's and will eventually do a new conversion. Nevertheless, these samples should provide an idea of the level of musicianship such original recordings offer. In most cases, the composers themselves conduct the legendary band. Most, if not all, of these recordings are now available in CD format and can be purchased in Egypt or online.

Originally Posted by Alexandrian

Many of Umm Kulthum's songs which were recorded between 1964 and 1973 are very popular dance pieces. The 1st movements intro's of these songs are particularly in demand. Very few however seem to use cuts from the original recordings. Instead, most dancers tend to use reproductions. It has become clear that one of the reasons is that most dancers are unaware of the availability of good quality studio recordings (not Haflah recordings) which can be easily cut and edited. Unlike Haflah recordings which are 45-60 minutes long, studio recording run anywhere from 23-33 minutes in total and the average time of the 1st movements intro's is about 4 minutes.

Here are sample intro's from eight of these songs which I picked at random. These mp3's were converted from my original LP's. As I only carried out these conversions a couple of years ago, some of these LP's were not in the best of condition by the time the conversion took place. I have recently repurchased most of these 40 or so songs on fresh new LP's and will eventually do a new conversion. Nevertheless, these sample should provide an idea of the level of musicianship such original recordings offer. In most cases, the composers themselves conduct the legendary band. Most, if not all, of these recordings are now available in CD format and can be purchased in Egypt or online.

Nothing can compare to that musicianship.

Can you repost with the name of the song? I recognized most of the clips but not all. I'm sure others will want to know as well.

yummm i love the lp sounds for bd music *sigh* any cds anyone recommends for that?

It would also be really useful to repost the source of the new CDs in Egypt, as I am sure people are more likely to remember this thread and check back for the info!

Beautiful sounds.

I would buy these recordings on a cd in a second if I knew where to buy them. Nothing beats these versions wow

WANT!

Originally Posted by norma

Can you repost with the name of the song? I recognized most of the clips but not all. I'm sure others will want to know as well.

My apologies for the unintentional mistake.

The songs, in order, are:

Aghadan Alqak
Alf Leilah W'Leilah
Amal Hayati
Daret El Ayyam
El Hobb Kolloh
Enta Omri
Fakkarouni
Hathihi Laylati

Originally Posted by Zumarrad

It would also be really useful to repost the source of the new CDs in Egypt, as I am sure people are more likely to remember this thread and check back for the info!

Yes. Thank you.

Here's the previous post as per Zumarrad's recommendation.


From: Best versions of Leylet Hob?

You can now get CD copies of nearly all of these LP's.

We've been trying to get SONO CAIRO to put up a workable website for a while. They've done an excellent job providing an English version as well and have nearly completed digitizing their entire collection (to CD format). The online purchase process still needs improvement but they're working on that as well. Meanwhile, overseas buyers have had good success executing a purchase order by using the "contact us" link on the page first to make their wishes known and then ask for direction to finalize the purchase.

The main website is here: Sono Cairo - Main Page

The Umm Kulthum (or Om Kalsoum as per their spelling) product page is here: Sono Cairo Products

They have both concert and studio versions of most her songs so make sure you indicate that you're interested in the studio version.

If any are interested in reading their "about us" bit, it's here: Company History

How lovely! I wish they were purchasable in MP3 format. Thank you for sharing them.