The final contribution of visionary composer Baligh Hamdi to Umm Kulthum’s treasure chest of cherished melodies is the monumental Hakam Alaina El Hawa, a captivating exploration of the engrossing power of love. While Mohamed Abdel Wahab’s lyrics focus on uncomplicated romantic verses that evoke the elation of spiritual chants, Hamdi threads around them melodic twists and turns spanning Egyptian folk and the Farfisa organ, courtesy of the dexterous Hany Mehanna. Kulthum herself approaches the song with emotional grandeur, providing a potent anchor to the orchestra’s fascinating interplay.