Malek Jandali Performs His Adaptation of “Hurrian Hymn no. 6”

In May of 2017, the Aga Khan Museum welcomed musician-composer Malek Jandali to perform his adaptation of “Hurrian Hymn no. 6,” the oldest known written piece of music. The performance was recorded on a modern Disklavier, an acoustic piano outfitted with sensors that recognize the movements of the keys, hammers, and pedals during a performance. On playback, the keys and pedals of the Disklavier reproduce Jandali’s interpretation of the piece, retaining the tone and energy of his original performance — and demonstrating art’s ability not only to endure, but to also remain relevant century after century, generation after generation. Jandali’s adaptation of the piece now fills the gallery space of the Aga Khan Museum’s special exhibition “Syrian Symphony: New Compositions in Sight and Sound,” on from May 20 to August 13, 2017. For details, please visit: