🪇World Music Unit 3 – Middle Eastern Music: Modes and Islamic Roots

Historical Context

• Middle Eastern music dates back to ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Persia
• Islamic Golden Age (8th-13th centuries) saw significant developments in music theory and practice
• Trade routes (Silk Road) facilitated cultural exchange and musical influences between regions
• Ottoman Empire (14th-20th centuries) played a crucial role in preserving and spreading Middle Eastern musical traditions
  • Patronage of court musicians and composers
  • Establishment of music schools (meşkhane) for training and education
• Colonial era and political upheavals in the 20th century impacted musical landscapes and led to new forms of expression
• Preservation efforts and scholarly research have helped maintain and document traditional Middle Eastern music

Fundamentals of Middle Eastern Music

• Monophonic texture predominates, with a single melodic line and rhythmic accompaniment
• Melodic embellishments (melisma) and ornamentation are integral to the musical expression
• Improvisation plays a central role, allowing musicians to showcase their skills and creativity
• Rhythmic patterns (iqa'at) are complex and varied, often featuring asymmetrical meters and syncopation
  • Examples include samai (10/8), awfar (19/4), and mukhammas (16/4)
• Microtonal intervals smaller than a semitone are used, creating distinctive melodic flavors
• Heterophony occurs when multiple instruments or voices perform the same melody with slight variations
• Call-and-response between a soloist and ensemble is a common musical device

Maqam System Explained

• Maqam is a melodic framework that guides improvisation and composition in Middle Eastern music
• Each maqam has a unique scale, melodic progression, and emotional character
• Maqamat (plural of maqam) are based on a system of seven primary notes and five secondary notes
• The tonic (starting note) and dominant (emphasized note) play crucial roles in establishing the maqam's identity
• Modulation between maqamat within a piece is common, creating a sense of journey and transformation
• Maqamat are often associated with specific times of day, seasons, or emotional states
  • Examples include Rast (mid-morning, happiness), Bayati (afternoon, nostalgia), and Saba (late night, sorrow)
• Mastery of the maqam system requires extensive training and understanding of its nuances and conventions

Islamic Influences on Music

• Islam's spread in the Middle East profoundly influenced musical practices and aesthetics
• Quranic recitation (tajwid) and call to prayer (adhan) showcase the importance of melodic chanting in Islamic tradition
• Sufi mysticism and devotional practices (dhikr, sama) incorporate music as a means of spiritual expression and connection with the divine
  • Whirling dervishes of the Mevlevi order use music and dance as a form of meditation and worship
• Islamic legal opinions (fatwas) have varied regarding the permissibility of music, leading to debates and diverse interpretations
• Islamic art and architecture (arabesque patterns, calligraphy) have inspired musical forms and ornamentation
• Religious festivals and celebrations (Eid, Ramadan) feature special musical performances and traditions

Key Instruments and Ensembles

• Oud: pear-shaped, fretless lute that serves as the backbone of many Middle Eastern ensembles
• Ney: end-blown reed flute known for its ethereal and expressive tone
• Qanun: trapezoidal zither played with finger picks, capable of producing intricate melodies and ornamentations
• Violin: adapted to Middle Eastern music with modified tuning and playing techniques
• Riq: small tambourine with five pairs of cymbals, used for rhythmic accompaniment and solos
• Darbuka: goblet-shaped drum played with the hands, providing complex rhythms and tonal variations
• Takht: small ensemble typically consisting of oud, ney, qanun, violin, and riq, used for chamber music and accompaniment
• Firqa: larger ensemble that includes additional instruments (clarinet, accordion, percussion) and performs for weddings and festivals

Notable Composers and Performers

• Ziryab (9th century): Andalusian musician credited with introducing the oud and establishing music conservatories in Spain
• Al-Farabi (10th century): philosopher and music theorist who wrote extensively on the science of music and the emotional effects of maqamat
• Sayed Darwish (1892-1923): Egyptian composer who pioneered the use of colloquial Arabic in his songs and operas, reflecting social and political issues
• Umm Kulthum (1904-1975): legendary Egyptian singer known for her powerful voice, emotional depth, and lengthy live performances
  • Her songs, such as "Enta Omri" and "Al-Atlal," are considered masterpieces of Arabic music
• Fairuz (born 1934): Lebanese singer and cultural icon whose music combines Middle Eastern and Western influences, often addressing themes of love, nostalgia, and patriotism
• Marcel Khalife (born 1950): Lebanese oud player and composer who has pushed the boundaries of traditional Middle Eastern music, incorporating political and social commentary in his works

Regional Variations

• Arabic music: encompasses a wide range of styles from North Africa to the Arabian Peninsula, with distinct regional flavors and dialects
  • Egyptian music is known for its rich vocal tradition and use of large orchestras
  • Levantine music (Lebanon, Syria) often features intricate instrumental arrangements and poetic lyrics
• Persian music: characterized by the dastgah system, a collection of modal scales and melodic motifs used in improvisation and composition
  • Radif: repertoire of melodic figures and phrases that serve as a basis for improvisation
• Turkish music: heavily influenced by Ottoman court music, with a strong emphasis on instrumental virtuosity and ensemble playing
  • Fasıl: suite form that showcases different compositions and improvisations within a specific makam
• Andalusian music: originated in medieval Islamic Spain and later developed in North Africa, featuring a unique blend of Arabic, Berber, and European influences
  • Nawba: suite form that includes instrumental and vocal sections, poetry, and rhythmic cycles

Modern Interpretations and Global Impact

• Fusion with Western genres (jazz, rock, electronic) has created new musical expressions and collaborations
  • Example: oud player Anouar Brahem's work with jazz musicians and orchestras
• Film soundtracks and television series have popularized Middle Eastern music and introduced it to wider audiences
  • Example: the use of Middle Eastern elements in the score of "Lawrence of Arabia" and "Game of Thrones"
• World music festivals and international tours have provided platforms for Middle Eastern artists to showcase their talents and engage with diverse audiences
• Diaspora communities have played a crucial role in preserving and promoting Middle Eastern musical heritage, while also fostering cross-cultural dialogue and understanding
• Online platforms and streaming services have made Middle Eastern music more accessible, enabling artists to reach global audiences and connect with fans
• Scholarly research and academic programs in ethnomusicology have deepened the understanding and appreciation of Middle Eastern music's historical, cultural, and artistic significance