Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind,
flight to the imagination, and life to everything.
-Plato
The Artist
Sadek Malaeb was born on September 1, 1964, in Baissour, Mount Lebanon, and grew up in a family immersed in the arts, surrounded by music, poetry, and visual expression. His family is renowned for its artistic talents, with his uncle, Fares Malaeb, being a musician and craftsman specializing in the creation of musical instruments such as the Oud, Qanun, and Violins. His father was also a respected musician.
From an early age, Sadek developed a deep passion for music, particularly the Qanun, a traditional Middle Eastern string instrument. He began his formal training in 1979 under the guidance of Professor Mohammad Al-Sabsabi, and he studied music theory with Professor Shafiq Abu Chakra. Throughout his career, he has performed with local and international bands and accompanied many prominent artists. He has participated in numerous Arabic and international music concerts and conferences, performing with renowned orchestras and artists for over 35 years.
In addition to his performing career, Sadek has held significant roles in the music industry. He served as the director of the music sector at a private radio station in Lebanon and is a member of the Syndicate of Professional Musicians in Lebanon. As an educator, he has taught the Qanun at various conservatories, sharing his knowledge and passion for the instrument. Moreover, he now crafts the Qanun himself, applying his deep understanding and creativity to produce unique, finely crafted pieces.
QANUN instrument
The Qanun is a prominent string instrument in Eastern music ensembles (Takht) and solo performances. It has earned its prestigious place due to its wide sound range, covering three and a half octaves. This allows the Qanun to encompass all the maqams of Arabic music. It is often referred to as the “law” or foundation of Arabic music, as it is the primary instrument in Eastern traditions.
Research suggests that the Qanun evolved from an Assyrian string instrument dating back to the ninth century BC. There is evidence of the Qanun in Greece as far back as 1600 BC. Additionally, the philosopher Al-Farabi played a major role in its development, both as a player and a manufacturer.
FABRICATION AND CRAFTSMANSHIP
At Atelier Sadek Malaeb, the Qanun is meticulously handcrafted, with every step of the process completed in-house. This approach guarantees exceptional quality and attention to detail at every stage.
Sadek Malaeb, a renowned artist and craftsman, applies his vast expertise to each instrument he creates. His travels to Egypt and Turkey, both known for their excellence in Qanun fabrication, have deepened his understanding of the instrument. As a result, he specializes in producing Qanuns that are both precise and beautiful.
Each detail of the Qanun’s design is carefully analyzed. The wood used is always natural and handpicked by Sadek himself. Every cut is made in-house using state-of-the-art CNC machines, ensuring unmatched accuracy. This precision is also evident in the pegs, which are laser-cut for exact measurements. The result is a clear and distinctive sound that sets these instruments apart.
Product
At Atelier Sadek Malaeb, we create Qanun instruments for musicians at all levels, from beginners to professionals. We also offer custom-made Qanuns to meet the unique needs of each client.
To ensure the longevity of each instrument, we provide tuning services and maintenance packages. This helps keep each Qanun in perfect condition long after it leaves the atelier.