Beladi Balady 4|4

Beledi 4/4 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + | D D T D T | midi D D tkT D tkT tk| midi filled

Egyptian term meaning ‘village’ or ‘countryside’ ‘folk’. Used to describe music that is ‘naive’ ‘honest’. Robust yet sensual earthy urban folkloric style, more refined than folk, but deep seated and earthier than classical dance. Usually performed in a kaftan or dress with a hip scarf and/or head scarf. Aissuit dress (black with silver embossing) is popular attire for baladi. Downward hip moves are prominent. Beladi is used to describe many rhythms, and there is little consensus on the precise definition.  Beladi rhythm is sometimes called Masmoudi Saghir by some people.

Masmoudi Saghir — The 8th count is silent; the musician counts it in her head but does not play it.

1   2   3 + 4   5   6 + 7

A minor variation fills in this space, and uses the 8 as a connector to the next phrase:

1   2   3 + 4   5   6 + 7   8 +