Add/Update Information: Mohammed Al Qasabji - Music Composer

An Egyptian composer, born in 1892 in Cairo. He grew up in a musical environment. His father was an outstanding oud player and composer. Umm Kulthum was his protege, while Riad El Sonbati was very clearly influenced by him, especially in the films which they composed their songs together, such as: Chant of Hope, O, Glory, and Rejoice, My Heart. He mentored many singers, including Layla Mourad, and Asmahan. He worked on renewing Arabic music in the same years that Sayed Darwish did, starting in 1917, as they both were influenced the classical European heritage in music, and introduced expression into singing. He also introduced harmony and polyphony to Arabic music without distorting the mood of this music or making it lose its spirit, character and national style.