by Bruno DeschênesThe Iraqi oud player Munir Bachir -- or Bashir -- (1930-1997) is considered one of the greatest oud players of the 20th century. He is credited for restoring the oud to its former glory. He was an ardent defender of Arab music against its misrepresentation in terms of usage and perception. A great composer and improviser, he had an in-depth knowledge of all Arab repertoires and music theory. Munir Bachir explored the limits of the Arab modal system in all its purity. The oud he used was made to his personal specification, with five double strings and an additional bass string, adding grandeur to his beautiful music. On this CD, Bachir proposes three traditional maqams alongside two of his own works. Pure meditative pleasure.