Galilee String Quartet Review: A Blend of East and West

The Galilee String Quartet's Unique Sound

The Galilee String Quartet, composed of siblings Omar, Mostafa, and Gandhi Saad, and sister Tibah, has been perfecting their signature east-west blend of music. Formed in 2011, the quartet was forced into hiatus in 2013 when Omar was summoned for military conscription by Israel's IDF. They are currently based in Paris.

A Blend of Traditional and Improvised Music

Their performance began with Webern's Langsamer Satz, a classical work that showcased their ability to play traditional music. However, as the evening progressed, they incorporated more improvisation and unconventional instruments, such as microphones, voices, percussion, and oud.

The Power of Improvisation

By the final two pieces, the quartet had abandoned their music stands and began to improvise, sparking off each other's energy and mood. This approach allowed them to explore their "complicated story as musicians and human beings," as described by Gandhi.

A Work in Progress

While some parts of the performance felt like a work in progress, with tuning issues and ungrounded textures, other moments shone with beauty and vulnerability. The arrangements of Fairouz's and Asmahan's songs, sung by Tibah, were particularly striking.

A New Sound for the Future

The Galilee String Quartet's unique blend of east and west, combined with their improvisational approach, makes for a compelling and thought-provoking performance. As they continue to hone their sound, they are sure to captivate audiences with their innovative approach to music-making.