🎵Music of the Middle East Unit 1 – Music of the Middle East: Introduction

Key Concepts and Terminology

• Maqam refers to a system of melodic modes used in traditional Arabic music, each with a unique scale, melodic development, and emotional character
• Taqsim is a form of instrumental improvisation that explores the maqam, demonstrating the performer's creativity and technical skill
  • Typically performed as a solo introduction or interlude between composed pieces
• Iqa' represents the rhythmic modes or patterns in Arabic music, often played on percussion instruments like the riq (tambourine) and darbuka (goblet drum)
• Heterophony is a texture common in Middle Eastern music where multiple instruments or voices simultaneously perform variations of the same melody
• Ornamentation techniques such as trills, slides, and vibrato are extensively used to embellish the melodic line and convey emotional expression
• Microtones, intervals smaller than a semitone, are an essential feature of Middle Eastern music, adding subtlety and nuance to the melodies
• The oud, a pear-shaped stringed instrument, is central to Middle Eastern music ensembles and often associated with the region's musical heritage

Historical and Cultural Context

• Middle Eastern music has ancient roots, with evidence of musical traditions dating back to ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia and Egypt
• Islamic golden age (8th-13th centuries) witnessed significant developments in music theory, including the systematization of maqamat and rhythmic modes
• Cultural exchanges along trade routes (Silk Road) facilitated the spread and influence of musical ideas between the Middle East, Central Asia, and beyond
• Ottoman Empire's expansion (14th-20th centuries) played a crucial role in shaping the musical landscape of the region, particularly in areas under its control
• Colonialism and political upheavals in the 20th century had a profound impact on the evolution and modernization of Middle Eastern music
  • Introduction of Western instruments and musical concepts led to the emergence of new hybrid styles
• Middle Eastern music continues to be an essential part of cultural identity, social gatherings, and celebrations across the region
• Music serves as a means of preserving and transmitting cultural heritage, as well as a form of artistic expression and emotional catharsis

Geographical Regions and Musical Traditions

• Arab music encompasses the musical traditions of Arabic-speaking countries in the Middle East and North Africa, characterized by the use of maqamat and iqa'at
  • Prominent in countries such as Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq
• Persian music, associated with Iran and its surrounding regions, features the dastgah system, a collection of melodic modes and their associated gusheh (melodies)
• Turkish music, influenced by both Arabic and Persian traditions, has its own distinct makam system and rhythmic cycles known as usul
• Kurdish music, found in parts of Turkey, Iraq, Iran, and Syria, incorporates elements of Arabic, Persian, and Turkish music while maintaining its unique characteristics
• Andalusian music, originating from the Iberian Peninsula during the Islamic period, has left a lasting impact on the musical traditions of North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia)
• Sufi music, associated with Islamic mysticism, emphasizes spirituality and devotion through various forms such as qawwali (South Asia) and sema (Turkey)
• Regional folk music traditions, such as Egyptian baladi, Iraqi chobi, and Lebanese dabke, reflect the diversity of local cultures and dance forms

Instruments and Ensembles

• The oud, a pear-shaped stringed instrument, is the backbone of many Middle Eastern ensembles, known for its expressive capabilities and role in improvisation
• Qanun, a large trapezoidal zither, adds a shimmering texture to the ensemble with its distinctive tremolo playing technique
• Nay, an end-blown reed flute, is associated with Sufi music and known for its haunting, breathy timbre
• Violin and cello, introduced during the Ottoman period, have been adapted to perform Middle Eastern music, often used in takht (small ensemble) settings
• Riq, a small tambourine with five pairs of cymbals, is a primary rhythmic instrument in Arabic music ensembles
• Darbuka, a goblet-shaped hand drum, provides the foundational rhythms in various Middle Eastern music styles
• Takht, a small chamber ensemble typically consisting of oud, qanun, nay, violin, and riq, is common in Arabic classical music
• Large ensembles, such as the Egyptian firqa or the Syrian orchestra, incorporate a wider range of instruments, including Western ones, for a more orchestral sound

Melodic and Rhythmic Structures

• Maqamat (singular: maqam) are the melodic modes used in Arabic music, each with a unique scale, melodic progression, and emotional character
  • Examples include Maqam Bayati (associated with feelings of longing) and Maqam Hijaz (evoking a sense of nostalgia)
• Iqa'at (singular: iqa') are the rhythmic modes or patterns in Arabic music, often played on percussion instruments like the riq and darbuka
  • Common iqa'at include Maqsum (4/4 time) and Samai (10/8 time)
• Taqsim is a form of instrumental improvisation that explores the maqam, allowing the performer to showcase their creativity and technical skill
• Layali is a vocal improvisation style based on a set of poetic verses, demonstrating the singer's ability to embellish and interpret the lyrics
• Heterophony is a common texture in Middle Eastern music, where multiple instruments or voices simultaneously perform variations of the same melody
• Ornamentation techniques, such as trills, slides, and vibrato, are extensively used to embellish the melodic line and convey emotional expression
• Microtones, intervals smaller than a semitone, are an essential feature of Middle Eastern music, adding subtlety and nuance to the melodies

Religious and Secular Influences

• Islamic call to prayer (adhan) has influenced the melodic structures and ornamentation techniques in Middle Eastern music
• Quranic recitation (tajweed) has shaped the vocal techniques and melodic phrasing in religious and secular music
• Sufi music, such as Turkish sema and Egyptian dhikr, emphasizes spirituality and devotion through repetitive chanting and rhythmic patterns
• Devotional songs, like Egyptian ibtihalat and Persian naat, praise the Prophet Muhammad and express religious fervor
• Secular music, such as Egyptian tarab and Lebanese muwashshah, focuses on themes of love, longing, and nostalgia
  • Often performed in social gatherings, weddings, and celebrations
• Political and nationalist songs, particularly in the 20th century, have used music as a means of expressing identity and resistance
• Film and television music has played a significant role in popularizing Middle Eastern music and introducing it to wider audiences

Notable Composers and Performers

• Umm Kulthum (Egypt, 1898-1975), renowned singer known for her powerful voice and emotive performances of Arabic classical music
• Fairuz (Lebanon, b. 1934), iconic singer whose music combines traditional Arabic elements with Western influences, often addressing social and political issues
• Mohamed Abdel Wahab (Egypt, 1902-1991), influential composer and singer who introduced Western musical elements into Arabic music
• Farid Al-Atrash (Syria/Egypt, 1910-1974), singer, oud player, and composer known for his romantic and nationalistic songs
• Ravi Shankar (India, 1920-2012), sitar virtuoso who popularized Indian classical music in the West and collaborated with Western musicians
• Munir Bashir (Iraq, 1930-1997), oud master who played a crucial role in elevating the instrument's status and expanding its repertoire
• Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan (Pakistan, 1948-1997), legendary qawwali singer known for his powerful voice and spiritual performances
• Oum (Morocco, b. 1978), contemporary singer-songwriter who blends traditional Moroccan music with jazz, soul, and African influences

Contemporary Developments and Global Impact

• Fusion of Middle Eastern music with Western genres (jazz, rock, electronic) has given rise to new hybrid styles and cross-cultural collaborations
  • Bands like Natacha Atlas (UK/Egypt) and Transglobal Underground (UK) combine electronic beats with Arabic vocals and instruments
• World music festivals and international tours have increased the exposure of Middle Eastern music to global audiences
• Migration and diaspora communities have contributed to the spread and evolution of Middle Eastern music in new contexts
  • Arab, Turkish, and Iranian communities in Europe and North America have established their own music scenes and cultural events
• Sampling and remixing of Middle Eastern music in hip-hop and electronic dance music has introduced the sounds to new generations and audiences
• Social media and streaming platforms have made Middle Eastern music more accessible, allowing artists to reach listeners beyond their local regions
• Political and social movements in the Middle East have used music as a tool for expression, protest, and solidarity
  • Musicians have addressed issues such as the Arab Spring, Palestinian struggle, and women's rights through their songs and performances
• Collaborations between Middle Eastern and Western artists have fostered cultural exchange and understanding
  • Yo-Yo Ma's Silk Road Ensemble brings together musicians from diverse traditions, including the Middle East, to create innovative cross-cultural works