A Journey into the Creative Backstage
‘The Master Craftsmen’ in the Making of Egyptian Song
Book ‘The Master Craftsmen’, authored by Maysara Salah El-Din, is not just an overview of the lives of ten poets, but a deep historical study that narrates the journey of Egyptian song and shows how it evolved over the decades
Egyptian song is not merely words and melodies that echo in the ears, but it is an integral part of the people’s soul and cultural identity. The song reflects the development of society, tells its stories, and reveals its dreams and struggles. In his book The Master Craftsmen, poet and playwright Maysara Salah El-Din offers a comprehensive picture of the Egyptian song industry, focusing on ten poets who left a clear mark on this ancient art, transforming it from folkloric simplicity to deeper, richer experiences.
The Poets: The Makers of Words and Masters of Egyptian Art
When looking at the history of Egyptian song, we find that the poets were not just lyricists; they were an essential part of the musical fabric, influencing and being influenced. They preserved the heritage and renewed it, creating a poetic language that directly connects with the listener’s heart. Since the early 20th century, poets have forged the glory of Egyptian song and played a key role in shaping its features. One such poet is Badi’ Khairy, who not only wrote songs but also witnessed an important political era through his famous song “Qom Ya Masri”, sung by Sayed Darwish, which became an anthem for the revolution. Then came a new generation of poets who added magical touches to the song, such as Ma’moun El-Shennawi and Hussein El-Sayed. The former wrote passionate love songs sung by Farid Al-Atrash, while the latter presented immortal works for Mohamed Abdel Wahab, like “The World is a Big Theater.” We also cannot overlook the role of popular poets, like Hassan Abu Etman, who used the simple language of the common folk in his songs, reflecting the pulse of the Egyptian street.
Behind the Song: Enduring Partnerships and Artistic Conflicts
Reading ‘The Master Craftsmen’, we realize that the relationship between poets and singers was not merely a collaboration but a shared creative journey. It was a fusion of artistic visions and personal experiences. For example, the relationship between Ma’moun El-Shennawi and Farid Al-Atrash was one of the most influential in the history of Egyptian song. El-Shennawi wrote songs that reflected his true emotions and embodied his deep feelings. Similarly, Hussein El-Sayed was an artistic companion to Mohamed Abdel Wahab, presenting him with lyrics that expressed the philosophy of life in a sweet musical form.
However, the behind-the-scenes story of the song was not always rosy. There was intense competition between poets and composers, with each trying to leave their own mark. For example, poet Hassan Abu Etman faced severe criticism from some critics, which led to a reduction in his works despite his major success with Mohamed Rushdi.
Hussein El-Sayed (Top Left), Essam Abdallah (Top Right), Hassan Abu Etman (Bottom Left), Ma’moun El-Shennawi (Bottom Right)
Innovation and Identity in Egyptian Song
What makes the poets of Egyptian song unique is their ability to blend tradition with innovation. They managed to present songs that carried the spirit of the past while addressing the emotions of the present. In this context, Abdel Rahim Mansour and Essam Abdallah emerged as poets who carried the banner of innovation. They wrote lyrics that resonated with the pulse of the youth and reflected their aspirations. The innovation was not limited to style but also extended to the diction and poetic structures that mirrored the transformations in Egyptian society.
On the other hand, some poets experienced radical shifts in their artistic careers, such as Abdel Fattah Mustafa, who moved from writing romantic songs to focusing on religious songs, offering profound spiritual works like Abdel Halim Hafez’s prayers and the film “Al-Shimaa.”
Egyptian Song and Social History
Through reading The Master Craftsmen, we understand that Egyptian song is not just an art form, but a historical document that records the events and phases the country has gone through. For instance, the songs of the 1919 Revolution motivated the masses to fight, while the songs of the October War expressed moments of victory and national pride, such as the song “Bismillah” by Abdel Rahim Mansour.
The Master Craftsmen—A Must-Read for Lovers of Egyptian Song
The Master Craftsmen is not just an overview of the lives of ten poets, but a deep historical study that narrates the journey of Egyptian song and shows how it evolved over the decades thanks to these poets who created and built an immortal artistic legacy. In a simple and engaging style, the book makes for an enjoyable read for all, whether they are experts in artistic criticism or merely lovers of authentic Arab music. It is a rich archive of information and artistic analysis, deserving to be a reference for anyone seeking to understand how the features of Egyptian song were shaped and how poets contributed to building this grand artistic edifice.
Read: Egyptian writer Maysara Salah Eddine: “Theatre shaped my poetry”
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