3 cases of safeguard

Al-la, Moroccan arab-andalucian classical musicYakshagana, string puppets from Karnataka, IndiaMua roi nuoc, water puppet from Vietnam

Pierre Bois bois@mcm.asso.fr

Al-Brihi Orchestra from Fez. In the middle, playing the rebab, master Hajj Abdelkrim al-Rais.All the performers are both singers and instrumentalists.

Why safeguarding this music?A living classical heritage, but threatened.Built in the 12th centuryPermanent transformation since then, until early 20th century11 works or nbat (vocal & instrumental suites) Each complete nba performance lasts 5 to 10 hours. Therefore never performed as such.The repertory includes several regional variants.Oral transmission.Few masters only knew the full repertory:- Moulay Ahmed Loukili, 1909-1988 - Hajj Abdelkrim al-Ras, 1912-1996 - Mohamed Larbi Temsamani, 1918-2001 - Ahmed Zaytouni Sahraoui, 1934-

Originally sung with a light instrumental accompaniement (lute, rebab, percussion).Introduction of the Western viola (18th century) and violin (19th c.) Introduction of Middle Eastern instruments (qnn, ny) in the 20th century, and other Western instruments (cello, piano, clarinet).The orchestras become bigger and that affects the interpretation.

Method

Establishment of a national commission of expertsChoice of the orchestrasWhat about a canonic repertory?Confidence to the practitioners (i.e. the masters)Acceptance of the regional versions.Dispatching of the nbat among the 4 orchestrasTransmission of the full repertory from the masters to their musicians

1989-1991 : 10 recording sessions (a week to 15 days each)1992 : Full release of a 73 CD-boxset

Questions

How should we consider this work?As a testimony of a stage of Al-Ala evolution?As a final and fixed reference?Have we (our generation) confiscated this heritage?What about its further evolution?Will the next generations of musicians appropriate this work?Conservating vs safeguarding

A group of traditional actors of Yakshagana, Karnataka State, South India

Yakshagana puppets, saved in extremisKogga Kamath and his son.

Mua Roi Nuoc, water puppets from Northern Vietnam. In the village

Mua Roi Nuoc, water puppets from Northern Vietnam. On stage.