Alf Leila wa Leila

The song was written by poet Morsi Jamil Aziz and composed by Baligh Hamdi, who had a long-standing relationship with Umm Kulthum.

The themes of love, fantasy, and storytelling that are woven into the original tales are mirrored in the song's lyrics and structure.

[3] Umm Kulthum was known for her live performances, during which she often extended her songs to over an hour by repeating lines and stanzas in new, emotionally charged ways, responding to audience reactions in real-time.

When performed live, Umm Kulthum would engage in spontaneous improvisation, modifying the song's structure and rhythm based on the atmosphere of the venue and the interaction with the audience.

In the final part of the introduction, which includes the accordion and saxophone, composer Baligh Hamdi incorporates elements of folk music.

The first part features a romantic melody, beginning with the phrase "O Lord, keep the sweetness of the first meeting's greeting in our hands."

[3] However, the composition by Baligh Hamdi incorporates elements of Western orchestral arrangements, blending classical Arabic music with contemporary sounds.

The introduction features orchestration with strings, setting a dramatic tone, followed by more intimate sections where Umm Kulthum's vocals become the focus.

[2] Hamdi's use of crescendos, instrumental solos, and complex rhythmic patterns creates a mix of traditional and modern influences, distinguishing the song from some of Umm Kulthum's earlier, more conventional works.

[7][8][9][10] The song continues to be performed at events in the Arab world, and was even featured during the wedding of Jordanian Crown Prince Hussein at Al Husseiniya Palace.