The Moonlight

Jandali composed The Moonlight for piano and orchestra in 2015 and recorded it in Moscow on April 4, 2016, with the Russian Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Sergey Kondrashev. The composer also made a version for piano, oud, and cello, which the Malek Jandali Trio recorded in New York on November 15, 2015, and released on The Jasmine Tree album in 2018.

The Moonlight is based on one of the oldest songs in Islamic culture, “Tala’al-Badru ‘alaynā” (The full moon rose over us), dating back more than 1,400 years. The people of Madinah received Prophet Muhamad with this song, a sign of the value that the first Muslims placed on art and music in their daily lives. Featuring the Nahawand maqam, the piece begins quietly with steady rhythmic patterns that accumulate and subside but eventually wind up to a powerful conclusion.

The full moon rose over us
From the valley of Wada’
And it is incumbent upon us to show gratitude.
For as long as anyone in existence calls out to God Oh our Messenger (Emissary) amongst us
Who comes with the exhortations to be heeded You have brought nobility to this city.
Welcome you who call us to a good way.