Arabesque by Samuel Hazo, performed on 5/5/24, conducted by Johanna Anderson.

"Arabesque" by Samuel Hazo (b. 1966), conducted by Johanna Anderson, performed on 5/5/24, features drama and depth of sound, this 2008 work by Samuel Hazo will leave you spellbound. Its Middle Eastern sounds range from the dance of a delicate and sensual flute solo at the beginning and oboe solo near the end, to full-blown ensemble passages that use rapid-fire rhythms and percussive energy. Arabesque is made up of three parts: taqasim (the improvisational-style introduction), dabka (a traditional Arabic line dance performed at celebrations), and a final chorale, which Hazo describes as “a recapitulation of previous mystical themes in the composition, interwoven with a grandeur of a sparkling ending.” Hazo composes for all musical levels, from elementary to professional, as well as writing original scores for TV, radio and stage.