3.1 Maqam system and modal structures in Middle Eastern music

Middle Eastern music is built on the maqam system, a melodic framework for composition and improvisation. Each maqam has unique notes, intervals, and phrases, creating distinct musical characters and emotional expressions. Mastering this system is key to understanding the region's music.

Maqam-based compositions often start with an instrumental intro, followed by improvised or semi-improvised melodies. Rhythmic patterns provide structure, while modulation between maqamat adds variety. Ornamentation and soloist-ensemble interaction are crucial elements in bringing these pieces to life.

The Maqam System

Structure and Components

Top images from around the web for Structure and Components

• 

  Mugham - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Maqam bayati and 'ushshaq turki tone row.PNG - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Interval ‹ OpenCurriculum View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Mugham - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Maqam bayati and 'ushshaq turki tone row.PNG - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Structure and Components

• 

  Mugham - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Maqam bayati and 'ushshaq turki tone row.PNG - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Interval ‹ OpenCurriculum View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Mugham - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Maqam bayati and 'ushshaq turki tone row.PNG - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• The maqam system is a melodic framework used in traditional Middle Eastern music, serving as a basis for composition and improvisation
• Each maqam is defined by a unique set of notes, intervals, and melodic phrases, creating a distinct musical character and emotional expression
• Maqamat are built upon a scale of seven primary notes, with the possibility of using additional microtones or embellishments
• The structure of a maqam consists of a lower tetrachord (jins), an upper tetrachord, and a central note (tonic or starting note) that establishes the maqam's identity

Classification and Melodic Progression

• Maqamat are classified into families based on their lower tetrachord, such as Rast, Bayati, Sikah, and Hijaz
• The melodic progression within a maqam follows specific rules and conventions, including:
  • Emphasis on certain notes
  • Use of characteristic melodic motifs
  • Resolution to the tonic
• Mastering the maqam system requires understanding the unique qualities and conventions of each maqam family (Rast, Bayati, Sikah, Hijaz)

Maqam-Based Composition

Structural Elements

• Maqam-based compositions typically begin with an instrumental introduction (taqsim) that establishes the maqam and sets the mood for the piece
• The melodic development in maqam-based compositions is often improvised or semi-improvised, allowing the performer to showcase their creativity and technical skills within the framework of the maqam
• Rhythmic patterns (iqa'at) play a crucial role in maqam-based compositions, providing a temporal framework for the melodic development and creating a sense of groove and momentum

Modulation and Ornamentation

• Modulation between maqamat is a common feature in Middle Eastern music, with composers and performers transitioning from one maqam to another to create a sense of variety and emotional contrast
  • Modulation usually occurs at specific points in the composition, such as the end of a phrase or section, and follows established pathways between related maqamat
• The use of ornamentation, such as trills, slides, and vibrato, is an essential aspect of maqam-based music, adding expressiveness and emphasizing the unique qualities of each maqam
• The interaction between the soloist and the ensemble is a key feature of maqam-based music, with the ensemble providing a supportive role and responding to the soloist's improvisations

Common Maqamat

Maqamat with Bright and Joyful Character

• Maqam Rast: A fundamental maqam with a bright and optimistic character, often associated with feelings of joy and celebration
• Maqam Ajam: A maqam with a major scale character, often used in festive and celebratory contexts, conveying a sense of joy and enthusiasm

Maqamat with Contemplative and Nostalgic Character

• Maqam Bayati: A versatile maqam with a contemplative and introspective mood, frequently used in religious and spiritual contexts
• Maqam Sikah: A maqam with a melancholic and nostalgic character, known for its expressive power and emotional depth
• Maqam Nahawand: A maqam with a minor scale character, conveying feelings of sadness, longing, and romanticism
• Maqam Kurd: A maqam with a bittersweet and nostalgic character, frequently used in Kurdish and Persian music

Maqamat with Distinctive Intervals

• Maqam Hijaz: A maqam with a distinctive augmented second interval, creating a sense of tension and yearning, often associated with Arabic and Turkish music

Maqamat and Melodic Development

Emotional and Musical Expression

• The choice of maqam sets the emotional tone and musical character of a composition, influencing the melodic development and improvisation
• The melodic phrases and motifs used in a maqam-based composition are derived from the maqam's unique set of notes and intervals, creating a sense of coherence and unity
• The use of microtones and embellishments in maqam-based music allows for a high degree of expressiveness and nuance in the melodic development

Compositional Structure and Interaction

• The progression of a maqam-based composition often follows a specific arc, with the melody gradually unfolding and building towards a climax before resolving to the tonic
• The modulation between maqamat within a composition creates a sense of variety and contrast, allowing for a range of emotional expressions and musical textures
• The interaction between the soloist and the ensemble in maqam-based music contributes to the dynamic and improvisatory nature of the melodic development, with the ensemble responding to and supporting the soloist's musical ideas
• The study of maqamat and their relationship to melodic development is essential for understanding the aesthetics and cultural significance of Middle Eastern music