Mohammed El-Bakkar & His Oriental Ensemble

Lebanese Tarab Music Virtuoso and His Traditional Ensemble

Mohammed El-Bakkar was a Lebanese tenor and bandleader who gained prominence in the mid-20th century for his performances and recordings of Middle Eastern music. He was known for his rich voice and his ability to convey the emotional depth of the songs he performed. El-Bakkar and His Oriental Ensemble produced a series of albums in the 1950s and 1960s that were designed to introduce Western audiences to the sounds of Middle Eastern music. These albums often featured traditional instruments such as the oud, darbuka, and qanun, and included both vocal and instrumental pieces. The music captured on these records ranged from belly dance rhythms to classical Arabic tunes, showcasing the diversity of Middle Eastern musical traditions. El-Bakkar's work played a significant role in popularizing this genre outside of its native region, leaving a lasting impact on world music.