9.3 Music of the Middle East and North Africa
3 min read•august 15, 2024
Middle Eastern and North African music is a vibrant tapestry of sounds and traditions. From the haunting call to prayer to the intricate melodies of the , these regions offer a rich musical landscape shaped by diverse cultures and spiritual practices.
At the heart of this music lies the system, a unique approach to melody and improvisation. Religious influences, like Qur'anic recitation, have deeply impacted vocal styles, while instruments like the and create the distinctive sounds that captivate listeners worldwide.
Musical Traditions of the Middle East and North Africa
Diverse Musical Styles
Top images from around the web for Diverse Musical Styles
THE VIEW FROM FEZ: Turkish Whirling Dervishes ~ Tariqa Khalwatiyya at Fez Sufi Festival View original
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THE VIEW FROM FEZ: Turkish Whirling Dervishes ~ Tariqa Khalwatiyya at Fez Sufi Festival View original
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THE VIEW FROM FEZ: Fes Festival of Sufi Culture ~ Day Seven View original
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THE VIEW FROM FEZ: Turkish Whirling Dervishes ~ Tariqa Khalwatiyya at Fez Sufi Festival View original
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THE VIEW FROM FEZ: Turkish Whirling Dervishes ~ Tariqa Khalwatiyya at Fez Sufi Festival View original
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Top images from around the web for Diverse Musical Styles
THE VIEW FROM FEZ: Turkish Whirling Dervishes ~ Tariqa Khalwatiyya at Fez Sufi Festival View original
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THE VIEW FROM FEZ: Turkish Whirling Dervishes ~ Tariqa Khalwatiyya at Fez Sufi Festival View original
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THE VIEW FROM FEZ: Fes Festival of Sufi Culture ~ Day Seven View original
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THE VIEW FROM FEZ: Turkish Whirling Dervishes ~ Tariqa Khalwatiyya at Fez Sufi Festival View original
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THE VIEW FROM FEZ: Turkish Whirling Dervishes ~ Tariqa Khalwatiyya at Fez Sufi Festival View original
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- Middle East and North Africa encompass varied musical traditions (Arab, Persian, Turkish, Berber)
- Maqam system forms basis for composition and improvisation in traditional Arabic music
- Tarab induces emotional state central to Arabic music aesthetics and performance
- Andalusian classical music remains influential in North African countries (Morocco, Algeria)
- features devotional songs and meditative rhythms (Qawwali)
- Folk music traditions reflect regional cultural identities (Chaabi in Algeria and Morocco)
Religious and Spiritual Influences
- Islamic call to prayer () exemplifies melodic recitation in religious practice
- Influences vocal techniques in secular music
- Qur'anic recitation () shapes melismatic singing styles
- Concept of halal (permissible) and haram (forbidden) historically influences attitudes towards music
- Sufi orders preserve and develop musical traditions through spiritual practices (, )
Music in Islamic Culture
Historical Developments
- Islamic golden age (8th-13th centuries) advanced music theory and instrument design
- Influenced both Eastern and Western musical traditions
- Contemporary Islamic pop music genres () negotiate religious values and musical expression
- Sufi music associated with Islamic mysticism integrates devotional elements
Cultural Significance
- Music plays crucial role in religious and social contexts
- Reflects diverse interpretations of Islamic teachings on music
- Serves as medium for spiritual expression and cultural identity
- Demonstrates ongoing adaptation to modern musical trends while preserving traditional elements
Key Elements of Middle Eastern Music
Instruments and Ensembles
- Oud (short-necked lute) considered king of Arabic instruments
- Qanun (trapezoidal zither) essential in classical and popular ensembles
- (end-blown flute) holds spiritual significance in Sufi music
- Percussion instruments create complex polyrhythmic patterns
- Darbuka (goblet drum)
- (tambourine)
Melodic and Rhythmic Structures
- Maqam system uses and specific intervallic relationships
- Creates distinctive scales absent in Western music
- form rhythmic modes or patterns
- Basis of percussion, often using varying length cycles
- demonstrates musician's mastery of maqam and ornamentation techniques
- Form of melodic improvisation
Influence of Middle Eastern Music on the World
Cross-Cultural Musical Exchange
- Microtones and complex ornamentation influence Western classical and avant-garde composers
- Middle Eastern rhythmic patterns incorporated into world music fusion and electronic dance music
- Middle Eastern string instruments inspire development of European instruments (lute, guitar)
- music from Algeria impacts French popular music and global world music scenes
Global Musical Innovations
- Middle Eastern scales and modes adopted by jazz musicians
- Contributes to modal jazz and ethno-jazz subgenres
- music increases global exposure of Middle Eastern rhythms and instrumentation
- Collaborations between Middle Eastern and Western artists create innovative cross-cultural projects
- Expands vocabulary of world music
Key Terms to Review (26)
Adhan: The adhan is the Islamic call to prayer, traditionally announced from a mosque's minaret five times a day. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to stop their daily activities and engage in prayer, marking the importance of communal worship in Islam. The adhan not only signifies the time for prayer but also embodies religious devotion and unity among the Muslim community.
Belly dance: Belly dance is a traditional Middle Eastern dance form characterized by intricate movements of the torso, hips, and abdomen. This expressive dance style is often performed to live music and incorporates a variety of cultural influences from the Middle East and North Africa, reflecting the region's rich history and diverse musical traditions.
Berber Traditions: Berber traditions refer to the cultural practices, beliefs, and artistic expressions of the Berber people, an indigenous ethnic group primarily found in North Africa. These traditions encompass a rich array of music, dance, oral literature, and handicrafts that reflect their historical experiences and social structures. Central to Berber identity, these traditions are often passed down through generations and serve as a means of preserving their unique cultural heritage amid external influences.
Call and response: Call and response is a musical form where one voice or instrument (the call) is answered by another voice or instrument (the response). This technique fosters interaction, creating a conversational dynamic in music, and it plays a vital role in various genres, enhancing the emotional depth and communal aspect of performance.
Dabke: Dabke is a traditional folk dance that originated in the Levant region of the Middle East, particularly in countries like Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine. It involves a line or circle of dancers who perform synchronized steps and stomps, often accompanied by lively music and singing, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of these communities.
Darbuka: The darbuka is a goblet-shaped hand drum traditionally used in Middle Eastern and North African music. Known for its distinct, sharp sound, it is often played in various musical styles, accompanying dance and celebrations. The drum has a rich cultural significance, being integral to both folk traditions and contemporary performances across the region.
Dhikr: Dhikr is an Arabic term that translates to 'remembrance' and refers to the practice of invoking and remembering God in Islam, often through the recitation of specific phrases or prayers. This practice can involve repetitive chanting, meditation, and sometimes music, creating a spiritual atmosphere that fosters a deeper connection to faith. Dhikr plays a significant role in the religious and cultural practices of various communities across the Middle East and North Africa.
Fairuz: Fairuz is a renowned Lebanese singer and cultural icon known for her powerful voice and significant contributions to Arabic music. She is often referred to as 'The Nightingale of Lebanon' and is celebrated for her emotive performances and the ability to blend traditional and modern musical styles.
Ghazal: A ghazal is a poetic form originating from Arabic literature, characterized by a series of couplets that often express themes of love, loss, and longing. Each couplet typically stands alone, with a refrain that adds musicality and emotional depth, making it a prominent feature in both Middle Eastern and South Asian music and poetry traditions.
Iqa'at: Iqa'at are rhythmic patterns in Middle Eastern music that provide structure and organization to musical compositions. These patterns are crucial for the performance of traditional music, serving as a foundation for both melodic and improvisational elements. Understanding iqa'at is essential for grasping how rhythm interacts with melody and texture in various musical forms across the region.
Maqam: Maqam is a system of melodic modes used in traditional Middle Eastern and North African music, providing a framework for composition and improvisation. Each maqam has its own unique set of notes, specific intervals, and emotional character, creating distinct musical identities. This system is foundational in the musical traditions of the region, influencing various styles and genres, and shaping the cultural expressions of the communities that utilize it.
Maqam singing: Maqam singing is a vocal performance style rooted in the Arabic musical system that utilizes maqamat, which are specific modes or scales characterized by distinct intervals and melodic structures. This form of singing emphasizes improvisation and emotional expression, often featuring microtones and unique ornamentation that are essential to the cultural identity of Middle Eastern music.
Melismatic ornamentation: Melismatic ornamentation refers to the musical technique where a single syllable of text is sung with multiple notes. This practice is a prominent feature in many forms of Middle Eastern music, adding expressiveness and complexity to vocal performances. Melismatic ornamentation enhances the emotive quality of music, often showcasing the virtuosity of the performer and contributing to the overall aesthetic experience.
Nasheed: Nasheed refers to a genre of Islamic vocal music that is typically sung a cappella or accompanied by simple percussion instruments. These songs often focus on themes of devotion, spirituality, and social issues, serving both as a form of worship and a means of cultural expression in various Muslim communities.
Ney: The ney is a traditional Middle Eastern musical instrument that is a type of end-blown flute, typically made from cane or reed. It has been a vital part of the music of the Middle East and North Africa, known for its unique, ethereal sound that evokes deep emotions and spiritual resonance. The ney is commonly used in various musical genres, from classical Persian music to Sufi ceremonies, making it a symbol of cultural expression in these regions.
Ottoman Influence: Ottoman influence refers to the cultural, musical, and social impacts of the Ottoman Empire on regions it governed or interacted with, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa. This influence is evident in various music forms, instruments, and styles that were shaped by the empire's diverse population and traditions. The blending of local customs with Ottoman musical elements resulted in unique regional variations that reflect the empire's rich cultural tapestry.
Oud: The oud is a pear-shaped stringed musical instrument commonly used in Middle Eastern and North African music. It has a short neck and no frets, allowing for a wide range of pitch and expressiveness, making it a central feature in traditional and contemporary music across the region.
Oum Kalthoum: Oum Kalthoum was a renowned Egyptian singer, songwriter, and actress, often hailed as the 'Star of the East.' Her powerful voice and emotive performances captured the hearts of millions in the Arab world and beyond, making her one of the most influential figures in Arabic music. She is closely associated with the modern Arabic musical style known as tarab, which emphasizes emotional expression and improvisation.
Qanun: The qanun is a traditional Middle Eastern stringed musical instrument that resembles a large zither, featuring a flat, trapezoidal shape and played by plucking its strings with the fingers or using plectra. It plays a central role in the music of the Middle East and North Africa, often providing melodic support in both solo performances and ensembles.
Quarter tones: Quarter tones are intervals that are half the size of a semitone, making them one of the smallest divisions of pitch in Western music theory. While Western music typically divides the octave into 12 equal parts (semitones), many musical traditions, particularly those in the Middle East and North Africa, utilize quarter tones to create unique scales and melodic structures. This distinctive use of pitch allows for a greater range of expression and nuance in musical compositions.
Raï: Raï is a popular music genre that originated in Algeria during the early 20th century, blending traditional folk music with modern influences such as jazz and rock. This genre reflects social issues, cultural identity, and the struggles of the youth, becoming a significant voice for change in North African society.
Riq: The riq is a traditional Middle Eastern percussion instrument similar to a tambourine, characterized by its wooden frame and jingles. It plays an important role in the music of the Middle East and North Africa, providing rhythm and enhancing the overall texture of musical performances. The riq is often used in various styles of music, including folk and classical genres, and is integral to the art of ensemble playing in these regions.
Sama: Sama is a spiritual and musical practice often associated with Sufism, characterized by listening to music and poetry to achieve a heightened state of spiritual awareness and connection with the divine. This practice emphasizes the transcendental nature of music and is central to certain rituals, fostering deep emotional and spiritual experiences through rhythmic movement and sound.
Sufi music: Sufi music is a genre of music associated with Sufism, the mystical Islamic belief system, focusing on spiritual themes and the pursuit of divine love. This music often incorporates rhythmic patterns, devotional lyrics, and unique instrumental arrangements to create an emotional atmosphere that facilitates spiritual connection and meditation. It serves as a form of worship and is integral to Sufi practices such as dhikr, which is the remembrance of God.
Tajwid: Tajwid refers to the set of rules governing the proper pronunciation and recitation of the Quran, ensuring that each letter is articulated correctly and in accordance with traditional phonetic standards. This practice is vital in Islamic culture, as it not only affects the aesthetic quality of recitation but also preserves the intended meaning and spiritual significance of the sacred text.
Taqsim: Taqsim is an instrumental improvisation in Middle Eastern music, typically performed on traditional instruments. This practice showcases the musician's skill and creativity, allowing them to express emotions and explore different melodies within the framework of a specific maqam, or musical mode. Taqsim serves as a bridge between structured compositions and spontaneous performance, playing an essential role in the cultural fabric of music in the Middle East and North Africa.