Posted on YouTube: December 5, 2019
Arab culture in Latin America has produced a wealth of music. The most well-known musician was Mario Kirlis, an Argentine composer, band leader whose fame has spread world-wide. Oddly, though an admirer of Arab music, Mario Kirlis was not himself of Arab ancestry, but rather the son of Greek immigrants to Argentina.
He is probably most famous for what is called bellydance music. Yet, a lot of his tunes are much more than that.
I want you to listen to the tune Awal Suhur (morning meal before the daytime fast of Ramadan), on the top video.
Just close your eyes. This music is truly beautiful, above and apart from the women who might dance to it.
Source: Stars of Bellydance
TRANSLATED BY GOOGLEMario Kirlis was the [chief] exponent of Arabic music in Latin America. His music is heard in Chile, Peru, Colombia, Brazil, Venezuela, the United States, Mexico, countries that he had already visited and had had an excellent reception from the public.
Born and raised in Buenos Aires, he is the son of Nicolás Kirlis, a Greek violinist who was one of the first exponents of Arabic music in Argentina. At the age of 7 he began to study piano, harmony, counterpoint and composition.
He carried out in-depth research on Arabic music, with musicians who emigrated from the Middle East and arrived in Argentina.
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He was famous and had performed all over Latin America and the Arab world. He had even performed in China.
Mario Kirlis: Lat Jaf
Posted on YouTube: December 5, 2019
Of course, there is a lot more Latin Arab music in South America than just Mario Kirlis, but as he was world famous, and a maestro, I figured that I should give you the best.
February 14, 2024 – Corrected an ambiguity. Kirlis passed away in 2023.