Wadih Sabra
Encyclopedia
Wadih Sabra was a Lebanese
composer
and founder of the National Higher Conservatory of Music in Lebanon. As a composer his music is characterized as a blend of Western and Eastern musical languages, incorporating the strengths and charms of both traditions. He is best known today as the composer of the Lebanese National Anthem
, popularly known as Kulluna lil Watan (words by Rashid Nakhle), which was officially adopted by the Lebanese Government through a presidential decree on 12 July 1927. His other work includes three operas, a number of Protestant hymns, choral music, art songs, and an oratorio
among others. Unfortunately, most of Sabra's music has now been lost and only a few examples of his work remain in the performance repertoire.
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
composer
Composer
A composer is a person who creates music, either by musical notation or oral tradition, for interpretation and performance, or through direct manipulation of sonic material through electronic media...
and founder of the National Higher Conservatory of Music in Lebanon. As a composer his music is characterized as a blend of Western and Eastern musical languages, incorporating the strengths and charms of both traditions. He is best known today as the composer of the Lebanese National Anthem
National anthem
A national anthem is a generally patriotic musical composition that evokes and eulogizes the history, traditions and struggles of its people, recognized either by a nation's government as the official national song, or by convention through use by the people.- History :Anthems rose to prominence...
, popularly known as Kulluna lil Watan (words by Rashid Nakhle), which was officially adopted by the Lebanese Government through a presidential decree on 12 July 1927. His other work includes three operas, a number of Protestant hymns, choral music, art songs, and an oratorio
Oratorio
An oratorio is a large musical composition including an orchestra, a choir, and soloists. Like an opera, an oratorio includes the use of a choir, soloists, an ensemble, various distinguishable characters, and arias...
among others. Unfortunately, most of Sabra's music has now been lost and only a few examples of his work remain in the performance repertoire.
Choral music and art songs
- Souvenir of a Mother, soli and quartet words by Shibli Mallat (1876-1961)
- Our Mother Earth, soli and quartet, words by Rushdi Ma'louf (1915-1980)
- What ? All is Ended, words by Sa'id 'Aql
Operas
- The Shepherds of Canaan, opera in three acts, in Turkish, libretto by Halide Edib Hanun.
- The Two Kings, first opera in Arabic, libretto by Father Marun Ghusn, presented Beirut 1927
- L'émigré