Live in Dubai

Natacha Atlas made a good impression in 2008 with the sound developed from the 1960s onwards by singer Fairuz and her regular composers, the Rahbani brothers. Fairuz has now reached retirement age, but she still performs from time to time. This DVD, directed by daughter Rima, is a recording of a concert that the singer gave in 2001 in Dubai. The interpretation of her orchestra is illustrative of her cross-border approach. In addition to the usual string instruments (all played by Armenian musicians), there is also room for an Arabic choir and instruments such as ney, úd and kanun. A striking centerpiece is the Fairuz singer with her pale skin and large black expressive eyes, her lifelong trademark. Especially the orchestra is in excellent shape, but her voice seems to have lost some of its strength at the age of almost 70. The ovational applause proves that the public in Dubai hardly cares about it. (PdK)