His works:-

1) Moosho - It is a musical arrangement based on an Ethiopian traditional funeral song "Moosho". In this arrangement the arranger tried to express his deep sorrow for what is happening in his miserable, unfortunate country and in the world as a whole. It had been recorded and distributed for free...

2) Books - Using his musical education background, teaching experiences and continual study of Ethiopian traditional & modern music, currently he is writing two Ethiopian music theory and practice books.

3) Songs - He is composing and arranging vocal & instrumental songs for children and adults.

Moosho - It is one of an Ethiopian operatic and lamentable funeral songs and sways, in which people express their deep sorrow and grief by recalling a dead person's lifetime deeds, behavior, generosity..... As with most traditional songs, it has been handed down orally for many years among the people. Consequently, it is very difficult to get evidence, which help us to trace the composer.

This melancholic song and highly rhythmical sway is led by a naturally gifted singer or mourner and accompanied by women who gather to bury the dead . Using her incredible memory the mourner recalls the participant's dead parents or loved ones who have died before, in beautiful, melancholic melody and recitative secco, in order to make the funeral ceremony more emotional and to involve participation of everyone. Therefore, the sensitive and fragile nature of the women fills with lamentation, tears and then they begin swaying and beating their chests.

Performance

Depending on the mood of the gathered women, the lead mourner starts Moosho by singing or reciting, and the other women keep time, following and repeating after her. The amazing thing in Moosho is that all the women sing and sway rhythmically as if they are one.

• Some of the common Rhymes:-

The lead mourner ------------------- Women.......................

• Sway:- Moosho is played the same way as some other traditional songs and dances of the country in time:-

Here are some of the main rhythm patterns

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The women, who accompany the lead mourner, play also the rhythm part by beating their half-covered chests with both hands throughout Moosho. The most important and emotional part of Moosho occurs after a certain rhymes and recitative secco when all the women begin screaming rhythmically and melodically in a moderate tempo while beating their chests with both hands and jumping to the Right (85°) - Left (95°).

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Press the Play button to hear Moosho!

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