Illustration of the symphonic poem "La Libanaise" by Georges Farah accompanying the score published in 1988. Courtesy of the Farah family.
In the world of Lebanese classical music, rare are the discoveries that resonate like a true echo from the past. Still, Fady Jeanbart, a passionate researcher, brought to light a forgotten musical gem, only to find himself at the heart of an unexpected adventure. 'La Libanaise', a symphonic poem composed in 1944 by Georges Farah (1913-2001), is a monumental piece of art that celebrates Lebanon's independence, and a musical fresco that recounts the heroic fight of the Lebanese people in the face of the French mandate.It all started with a meeting with one of Jeanbart’s colleagues, Daisy Nohra — pianist and granddaughter of the composer Georges Farah. Nohra was thrilled by Jeanbart's research on Wadia Sabra, so she encouraged him to explore her grandfather's legacy. She gave him piano songbooks and melody collections, hoping that he could...
In the world of Lebanese classical music, rare are the discoveries that resonate like a true echo from the past. Still, Fady Jeanbart, a passionate researcher, brought to light a forgotten musical gem, only to find himself at the heart of an unexpected adventure. 'La Libanaise', a symphonic poem composed in 1944 by Georges Farah (1913-2001), is a monumental piece of art that celebrates Lebanon's independence, and a musical fresco that recounts the heroic fight of the Lebanese people in the face of the French mandate.It all started with a meeting with one of Jeanbart’s colleagues, Daisy Nohra — pianist and granddaughter of the composer Georges Farah. Nohra was thrilled by Jeanbart's research on Wadia Sabra, so she encouraged him to explore her grandfather's legacy. She gave him piano songbooks and melody collections, hoping that he...