| |
Walid
Gholmieh, left, and Tarek Mitri |
The Anis K. Makdisi
Program in Literature and the Zaki Nassif Program in Music invited Lebanese
Minister of Culture Tarek Mitri to give a lecture at Bathish Auditorium on
November 28, entitled “The Role of Music in Building the Citizen.”
Professor Maher Jarrar, director of the Makdisi Program, in explaining the
nature of the Zaki Nassif Program in Music, said its most important purpose
was to serve and archive the musical reservoir of Lebanon. It also hopes to
foster further studies in music, spread awareness of the importance of
music, and eventually establish the Zaki Nassif Museum. Dr. Walid Gholmieh,
director of the Lebanese National Conservatory, moderated the debate that
followed the lecture.
Tarek Mitri, who has a PhD in social sciences from the Université de Paris
10, is also an AUB graduate, with a BS in chemistry and an MA in philosophy.
He began his lecture by describing his admiration for the music of Zaki
Nassif and enumerating the rich and diverse musical tradition that Nassif
pioneered.
“Despite my lack of experience in music, I want to give a talk about it…,”
said the minister. “Music is unique in that it addresses the psyche and is
indicative of either the advancement or underdevelopment of a culture. In
Lebanon, four ministries are involved with music: the Ministry of Tourism,
which has been busy organizing summer musical festivals; the Ministry of
Information, which promotes music by broadcasting it; the Ministry of
Education, which oversees the inclusion of music in curricula; and the
Ministry of Culture, which sponsors music in Lebanon.”
According to Minister Mitri, music is instrumental in building a civilized
and disciplined citizen. Religion, moreover, needs music to pacify the soul.
For example, the ancient Egyptians incorporated music in their religious
rituals. The history of Christian liturgy includes music; and in Islam,
religious schools teach tajwid, a musical form of reciting the Quran. He
pointed out that some of the most famous Egyptian singers and composers have
attended religious schools and learned the tajwid.
“Music can help formulate awareness of one’s identity and culture. It can
also help expand one's knowledge of other cultures…. Finally, music can
teach a citizen to function in harmony with the rest of his fellow citizens,
since music itself is the product of a harmonious act. This is my call to
all the Lebanese: do not act against each other. If you act in harmony, the
result will be as beautiful as music.”
Dr. Gholmieh, commented on the remarks made by the minister, and agreed that
teaching tajwid is essential in giving students a strong background in
eastern music.
|
|
