Pieces for a "classical entrance"

Which pieces are cataloged as "classical entrance"?

Just fund a reference about a piece called "Hani" from the CD Egyptian Cabaret Music [Judy Jihan Reda (Performer)], but need more.

In the Egyptian style, a classical entrance piece, or majensi, usually runs through a particular pattern.

Usually they start with an intro to catch the audience's attention, often pretty dramatic and sometimes quite lengthy. The dancer is of course offstage at this point, so after the intro you generally get the drum rhythm played for a phrase or two on its own to act as a cue for the dancer, who will enter as the full orchestra comes in. I have heard entrance pieces that don't have this cue though. This opening section is normally classical in style and often the rhythm will be the 2/4 malfuf - Dum tak tak - as this is great for travelling steps hence good for entrances.

You'll then usually have a number of different sections, signified by changes in rhythm and/or feel and/or pace. These sections might be in different styles - baladi, saidi, khaleegi or whatever, or maybe you'll get a taqsim (improvisation on single instrument) or maybe even a mini drum solo. Usually it will then return to the initial classical theme before finishing.

Good examples of a majensi can often be found on CDs produced by dancers, for dancers. I can recommend "Aheb Masr" from Yasmina, "Sukara" by Leila and "Al Amoura" by Outi. Entrances can be pretty long but you can find edits or shorter pieces. For example the version of Escape from Cairo on the Belly Dance Superstars Vol 5 is an edit and comes in at under 5 minutes.

Hope that helps!

Of course it helps! thank you very much!