🎵Music of the Middle East Unit 6 – Arab Classical Music Traditions
Arab classical music traditions have deep roots in Middle Eastern, North African, and Mediterranean cultures. Developed over centuries, this rich musical heritage flourished during the Islamic Golden Age and continued to evolve under Ottoman influence. Key elements include distinctive instruments like the oud and qanun, intricate melodic structures based on maqamat, and complex rhythmic patterns called iqa'at. Performances feature improvisation, emotional expression, and a strong connection between musicians and audiences.
Study Guides for Unit 6
Historical Context
- Arab classical music traditions developed over centuries, with influences from ancient Middle Eastern, North African, and Mediterranean cultures
- Islamic Golden Age (8th-13th centuries) saw a flourishing of arts and sciences, including music theory and practice
- Scholars such as Al-Kindi, Al-Farabi, and Ziryab made significant contributions to music theory and performance
- Ottoman Empire (14th-20th centuries) further shaped Arab classical music, with the development of the Ottoman court music tradition
- 20th century saw a revival of interest in traditional Arab music, with the rise of influential composers and performers (Umm Kulthum, Mohamed Abdel Wahab)
- Contemporary Arab classical music continues to evolve, incorporating elements of Western classical music and popular music styles
Key Instruments
- Oud: pear-shaped, fretless lute, considered the "king" of Arab classical music instruments
- Played with a plectrum, has a deep, rich sound
- Used for both solo performances and ensemble playing
- Qanun: trapezoidal zither with 72-78 strings, played with finger picks
- Provides a shimmering, harp-like sound in ensembles
- Nay: end-blown reed flute, one of the oldest instruments in Arab classical music
- Requires advanced breathing techniques and embouchure control
- Violin: adopted into Arab classical music in the 19th century, often played in a distinctive style with ornamentations and microtonal inflections
- Riq: small tambourine with five pairs of cymbals, used for rhythmic accompaniment
- Darbuka: goblet-shaped hand drum, provides the foundation for many rhythmic patterns in Arab classical music
Melodic Structures
- Arab classical music is primarily melodic, with intricate improvisations and ornamentations
- Melodies are built around maqamat (singular: maqam), which are modal systems that define the pitch content and melodic development
- Taqasim: improvised instrumental solo that explores the melodic possibilities of a maqam
- Demonstrates the skill and creativity of the performer
- Layali: improvised vocal solo, often performed as an introduction to a composed piece
- Melodies often feature microtonal intervals, which are smaller than the half-steps used in Western classical music
- These microtonal inflections give Arab classical music its distinctive sound and emotional expressiveness
Rhythmic Patterns
- Arab classical music features a wide variety of rhythmic patterns, known as iqa'at (singular: iqa')
- Iqa'at are based on combinations of long and short beats, often with complex syncopations and polyrhythms
- Some common iqa'at include:
- Maqsum: 4/4 time, with a distinctive syncopated pattern (dum-tak-dum-tak)
- Sama'i Thaqil: 10/8 time, with a 3+2+2+3 beat pattern
- Wahda: 4/4 time, with a simple, steady beat (dum-tak-tak-tak)
- Rhythmic patterns are typically played on percussion instruments (riq, darbuka) and provide the foundation for the melodic instruments and vocals
- Skilled musicians can create intricate rhythmic interplay and improvisation within the structure of the iqa'at
Modal Systems (Maqamat)
- Maqamat (singular: maqam) are the modal systems that form the basis of Arab classical music
- Each maqam has a unique scale, with specific intervals and microtonal inflections
- These intervals and inflections give each maqam its distinctive character and emotional quality
- Maqamat are not just scales, but also include rules for melodic development and modulation
- Compositions and improvisations in a specific maqam will typically explore the melodic possibilities within that modal framework
- Some common maqamat include:
- Rast: a maqam with a bright, uplifting character
- Bayati: a maqam with a melancholic, introspective quality
- Hijaz: a maqam with a dramatic, intense character, featuring a distinctive augmented second interval
- Modulation between maqamat is an important aspect of Arab classical music, allowing for a wide range of emotional expression within a single piece
Performance Practices
- Arab classical music is traditionally performed in small ensembles, known as takht
- A typical takht includes an oud, qanun, nay, violin, and percussion (riq and/or darbuka)
- Performances often begin with a taqasim, an improvised instrumental solo that sets the mood and introduces the maqam
- Vocal music is a central part of Arab classical music, with lyrics drawn from classical Arabic poetry
- Singers are expected to have a deep understanding of the poetry and to convey its emotional content through their performance
- Improvisation is a key element of Arab classical music, with musicians expected to demonstrate their creativity and skill within the framework of the maqam and iqa'
- Live performances often feature a high level of interaction between musicians, with moments of call-and-response and collective improvisation
- Audiences play an active role in performances, showing their appreciation through applause, verbal encouragement, and even dancing
Influential Composers and Musicians
- Ziryab (9th century): Andalusian musician and theorist, credited with establishing the foundations of Arab classical music
- Al-Farabi (10th century): philosopher and music theorist, wrote influential treatises on music and developed a system of notation
- Safi al-Din al-Urmawi (13th century): music theorist, developed a systematic approach to the classification of maqamat
- Umm Kulthum (20th century): legendary Egyptian singer, known for her powerful voice and emotional performances
- Her concerts could last for hours, with audiences deeply engaged in the music
- Mohamed Abdel Wahab (20th century): Egyptian composer and singer, known for his innovative approach to traditional Arab music
- Incorporated elements of Western classical music and popular styles into his compositions
- Farid al-Atrash (20th century): Syrian-Egyptian composer, singer, and oud player, known for his virtuosic performances and romantic lyrics
Cultural Significance and Legacy
- Arab classical music is deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual traditions of the Middle East and North Africa
- Music has played a central role in religious practices, with Quranic recitation and devotional songs drawing on the modal and rhythmic principles of classical music
- Classical music has also been an important part of secular life, with performances in courts, cafes, and public spaces
- Music has been a means of celebrating important occasions (weddings, festivals) and expressing shared cultural values
- Arab classical music has influenced and been influenced by other musical traditions, including Persian, Turkish, and Andalusian music
- In the 20th century, Arab classical music has faced challenges from the rise of popular music and the impact of globalization
- However, there has also been a renewed interest in preserving and promoting traditional music, with the establishment of music schools, festivals, and cultural organizations
- Today, Arab classical music continues to evolve, with young musicians exploring new ways of engaging with the tradition and bringing it to new audiences
- The legacy of this rich musical tradition continues to inspire and inform contemporary musical practices in the Middle East and beyond
