Bakrī al-Kurdī

Biography

Bakri al-Kurdi, a singer and composer from Jisr al-Shughur, learned oud from Sami Sunduq and notation from Ali Darwish.

Christian Poché recalled meeting him in Aleppo in 1972, hearing the vocal trio he led and his detailed explanations of the music. Days later, Poché visited him at the Great Mosque, where he served as chief muezzin. Maison des Cultures du Monde identifies Muhammad Qadri Dalal as his student.

Faisal Khartash’s review of Muhammad Qadri Dalal’s book places Sabri Mudallal’s radio performances of Eb’atli Jawab and Yiji Youm wa-Tirja Tani in 1949, crediting al-Kurdi’s music and Husam al-Khatib’s lyrics.

Dar al-Watha’iq’s written history names Muhammad Khayri’s performances of Tarfoha Sahm wa-Qalbi Hadaf and Kalima Wahida, crediting al-Kurdi’s music and Husam al-Din al-Khatib’s poetry. It also describes his meetings with Umar al-Batsh, when they listened to one another’s muwashshahat.

Syrian Cassette Archives preserves a handwritten sleeve naming him at a private oud session and listing muwashshahat, poems and a dawr. This specific performer credit does not date the recording or establish that he composed every item.