Description

Maurice Farouk Shehata is the son of Farouk Shehata, the famous Egyptian master of the oud, the Arab lute. As a child, his father taught him the art of oud making professionally until he mastered the art. His father was truly the best oud maker, to the point of being considered, when he was at the peak of his art, as the fourth pyramid of Egypt. Farouk practiced the art of lutherie for over forty years. He set the standard in oud-making for the most eminent musicians, including Om Kolthoum, El Sonbaty, El Kasabgy, El Mougy, Baleegh Hamdy, Ammar El Shere'y, Sayed Mekkawy, Talal Maddah, Mohammed Abd El Wahab and Serag Omar. As the "artists' oud maker", his work was at the cutting edge of technology and distinguished by refined, precise construction, giving his instruments melodious tones and great solidity. All the invaluable technical experience he acquired throughout his life was naturally passed on to his son. Following in his father's footsteps, Maurice was able to learn and develop this art. His passion for lutherie helped him unleash his creative abilities to such an extent that he too has earned the title of artist's oud maker. The oud offered here is a model of refinement. The soundboard is made of rosewood and the body of rosewood. It is beautifully finished. What's more, it's in excellent condition, just as it left the workshop. Its musical qualities are also exceptional. It was selected from dozens of ouds, in Cairo, directly in Maurice Farouk Shehata's workshop by my friend Mohamed Abou Zeid, virtuoso oud player and doctor of musicology. This instrument has all the characteristics of traditional Egyptian ouds, with a single mouth and no additional resonators, giving it excellent sound projection. It will satisfy the most demanding musicians, as well as lovers of exceptional instruments.