The ud, or oud, is a bit like a lute, sonically. The musical modes are very different from the lute played by guitarist Julian Bream, of course...but the instrument does resemble the lute somewhat. Yurdal Tokcan is my absolute favorite oud player. He's stunningly great! This 11-minute video's from Yurdal's February 2009 concert.
Most piyutim (sacred Jewish song poems) are chanted "a cappela." This one is accompanied by Tunisian oud music. The oud (ud) is similar to a lute. You'll hear traces of tambourines, too. And some kind of percussion; perhaps boot heels, perhaps knocking on wood...
The oud consists of a large soundbox connected to a short neck, distinguishing it from the long-necked lute family (tanbur, saz, baglâma, setar, tar). The body has a pear shape (the modern ones manufactured in Egypt accentuate this even more). Arabic tuning: D G A d g c
Old English lute tuning: A D G b e a
Yair Dalal, born in 1955; composer, violinist, oud player and singer; is probably the most prolific Israeli ethnic musician and plays an important role in shaping the global world music scene. Over the last decade he has put 11 albums, covering wide and varied cultural territory, and authentically representing Israel's cultures and fusing them through music as whole.
Much of Dalal's work reflects his extensive musical skills in both classical and Arabic music and also reflects a strong affinity he has for the desert and its habitants. Dalal's family came to Israel from Baghdad and his Iraqi roots are embedded in his musical work.
