6.1 Historical Development of Arab Classical Music
3 min read•august 6, 2024
Arab classical music blossomed during the , a time of cultural growth. became an artistic hub, attracting talent from across the Islamic world. The music spread, especially to Muslim-ruled Spain, where it evolved further.
Key figures like and made huge contributions. Al-Farabi's music theory laid the foundation for Arab classical music. Ziryab introduced new forms and techniques, spreading the music throughout .
Early Development and Golden Age
Emergence and Spread of Arab Classical Music
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- Arab classical music originated and flourished during the Abbasid Caliphate (750-1258 CE) which was a period of great cultural and intellectual growth in the Islamic world
- The Abbasid capital of Baghdad became a center for the arts and sciences attracting scholars, musicians, and artists from across the Islamic world
- Arab classical music spread to other parts of the Islamic world, particularly to Al-Andalus (Muslim-ruled Spain) where it underwent further development and refinement (Ziryab)
- The (8th-13th centuries) saw significant advancements in music theory, composition, and performance
- Treatises on music theory were written by scholars like Al-Farabi who codified the modal system and established the foundations of Arab classical music
- Court patronage supported the development of sophisticated forms of music and poetry (muwashshahat)
Key Figures and Contributions
- Al-Farabi (870-950 CE) was a renowned philosopher and music theorist who wrote the influential treatise "" (The Great Book of Music)
- He codified the modal system () and established the foundations of Arab music theory
- His work influenced subsequent generations of musicians and theorists in the Arab world and beyond
- Ziryab (789-857 CE) was a Persian musician who settled in Cordoba, Al-Andalus and is credited with introducing new musical forms, instruments, and performance practices
- He established a music school that trained many prominent musicians and helped to spread Arab classical music throughout Al-Andalus
- He is said to have added a fifth string to the oud (lute) and developed new playing techniques that expanded its expressive range
- He popularized the form which became a staple of Andalusian classical music
Later Influences and Modernization
Ottoman Influence and Nahda Movement
- The (1299-1922) had a significant influence on Arab classical music particularly in the Levant and North Africa
- (Turkish classical music) introduced new instruments, forms, and styles that were absorbed into Arab classical music
- The (improvisation) and (prelude) forms were adapted from Ottoman music and became important elements of Arab classical performance
- The (19th-early 20th century) was a period of cultural and intellectual revival in the Arab world that sought to modernize and reform Arab culture
- Nahda thinkers advocated for the preservation and development of Arab classical music as a symbol of Arab cultural identity
- New musical institutions were established, such as the in Cairo (1929) which aimed to codify and standardize Arab classical music theory and pedagogy
Cairo Congress of Arab Music (1932)
- The was a landmark event that brought together musicians, scholars, and composers from across the Arab world to discuss the future of Arab music
- The congress aimed to preserve and promote Arab classical music in the face of Westernization and modernization
- Participants debated issues such as notation, tuning, and the use of Western instruments in Arab music
- The congress resulted in the publication of a large collection of transcriptions and recordings of Arab classical music
- The congress had a lasting impact on the development of Arab classical music in the 20th century
- It helped to establish a canon of Arab classical repertoire and performance practice
- It also sparked a renewed interest in the study and performance of Arab classical music among younger generations of musicians and scholars
Key Terms to Review (16)
Abbasid Caliphate: The Abbasid Caliphate was the third caliphate in Islamic history, established in 750 CE after the overthrow of the Umayyad Caliphate. It marked a golden age of Islamic culture, scholarship, and trade, with Baghdad as its capital, which became a major center for arts and learning, influencing the historical development of Arab classical music.
Al-Andalus: Al-Andalus refers to the territories on the Iberian Peninsula that were under Muslim rule from the early 8th century until the late 15th century. This historical period saw the flourishing of cultural and intellectual exchange, heavily influencing the development of music, art, and science in Europe, particularly in Arab classical music and its various forms and genres.
Al-farabi: Al-Farabi was a prominent Islamic philosopher and music theorist of the 10th century, known for his contributions to the fields of philosophy, political theory, and music. He is often referred to as the 'Second Teacher' after Aristotle and is significant in bridging Greek philosophical thought with Islamic teachings, particularly through his writings on music which explored the emotional and ethical dimensions of musical practice.
Baghdad: Baghdad is the capital city of Iraq and has historically served as a central hub for trade, culture, and learning in the Middle East. Known as the 'City of Peace', it became the epicenter of the Islamic Golden Age, significantly influencing the development of Arab classical music and various cultural practices during its prime.
Cairo Congress of Arab Music: The Cairo Congress of Arab Music was a landmark event held in 1932, aimed at promoting and preserving Arab music traditions while fostering collaboration among musicians and scholars. This congress not only marked a significant moment in the historical development of Arab classical music but also served as a platform to address contemporary issues faced by musicians in the Arab world, leading to greater recognition and standardization of musical practices.
Golden Age of Islamic Civilization: The Golden Age of Islamic Civilization refers to a period from the 8th to the 14th century when the Muslim world experienced remarkable advancements in various fields, including science, philosophy, art, and music. During this era, the Arab world became a center for intellectual and cultural achievements, significantly influencing global culture and knowledge, particularly in the context of Arab classical music development.
Kitab al-musiqa al-kabir: The kitab al-musiqa al-kabir, often translated as 'The Great Book of Music', is a seminal work by the 9th-century Arab scholar Al-Farabi that systematically explores the theory and practice of music in the Islamic world. This text is significant as it not only documents musical theory but also reflects the cultural and philosophical context of its time, marking a crucial point in the historical development of Arab classical music.
Maqamat: Maqamat are the system of melodic modes used in Middle Eastern music, characterized by specific sets of pitches and distinct emotional qualities. Each maqam provides a framework for improvisation and composition, influencing the structure and expressiveness of musical pieces across various genres.
Nahda movement: The nahda movement, also known as the Arab Renaissance, was an intellectual and cultural revival that emerged in the 19th century, aiming to reform Arab society and revive interest in its cultural heritage. This movement was marked by a flourishing of literature, arts, and education, along with a push for modernization and political reform in response to Western influences.
Nawba suite: The nawba suite is a structured form of Arab classical music characterized by a series of instrumental and vocal pieces, typically performed in a specific sequence that showcases various modes or maqamat. This suite plays a crucial role in the historical development of Arab classical music, embodying both cultural traditions and the evolution of musical styles across different regions.
Oriental Music Institute: The Oriental Music Institute is an educational institution dedicated to the study and preservation of traditional Middle Eastern music, particularly focusing on Arab classical music. Established in the mid-20th century, it plays a crucial role in promoting the understanding and appreciation of the rich musical heritage of the region, offering programs in performance, theory, and ethnomusicology.
Ottoman Court Music: Ottoman court music is a refined genre of music that flourished in the imperial courts of the Ottoman Empire, characterized by its complex structures, sophisticated melodic lines, and use of specific instruments. This style of music played a crucial role in the cultural life of the empire, influencing both social gatherings and formal ceremonies while serving as a bridge between diverse musical traditions within the region.
Ottoman Empire: The Ottoman Empire was a significant Islamic empire that spanned from the late 13th century until the early 20th century, encompassing parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. This empire had a profound impact on the development of music in the Middle East and shaped cultural exchanges between diverse regions, influencing various musical traditions.
Peşrev: A peşrev is an instrumental composition that serves as an introduction to a larger suite in Turkish classical music. It typically features a structured melodic and rhythmic framework, showcasing the unique modalities and ornamentation characteristic of Turkish music. Peşrevs play a crucial role in establishing the mood and context for performances, often serving as a prelude to more complex forms like the fasil.
Taksim: Taksim refers to a form of instrumental improvisation in Middle Eastern music, particularly within the contexts of Arab and Turkish classical traditions. This technique allows musicians to showcase their virtuosity and express emotional depth, often serving as an introduction to a larger composition or performance, and is characterized by its free rhythm and melodic development.
Ziryab: Ziryab was a renowned musician, singer, and composer of the 9th century, credited with significant contributions to the development of music in the Arab world, particularly in Andalusia. He is often associated with the introduction of new musical styles, the refinement of existing forms, and the establishment of practices in improvisation and ornamentation, which became essential elements in maqam-based music.