Arabic Maqam: Unraveling the Melodies of the 20th Century

Arabic maqam, the intricate system of melody used in traditional Arabic music, has long captivated listeners with its intricate scales and rich emotions. Originating in the Middle East, this musical tradition has evolved over centuries, adapting to technological advancements while preserving its essence. In the 20th century, maqam performance and theory experienced significant developments that propelled it into the modern era.

Maqam, derived from the Arabic word "maqama," meaning place, refers to a set of specific pitches within the octave, accompanied by melodic rules and ornamentation techniques. It is a vital component of Arabic music, capable of evoking a range of emotions and transporting listeners to different cultural landscapes.

Preserving Tradition: The Role of the Rahbani Brothers

In the early 20th century, the Rahbani brothers, Assi and Mansour, played a pivotal role in reintroducing and modernizing Arabic maqam. Combining Western influences with traditional Arabic music, they created compositions that showcased the beauty and versatility of maqam.

Inside Arabic Music: Arabic Maqam Performance and Theory in the 20th Century

by Johnny Farraj(Illustrated Edition, Kindle Edition)

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
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The Rahbani brothers' compositions were often featured in plays and performances. One of their most celebrated works, "Hala La Laya," seamlessly combined maqam with Western musical elements, showcasing their ability to bridge cultural gaps and appeal to a wider audience.

Thanks to the Rahbani brothers' efforts, Arabic maqam gained recognition as a sophisticated and expressive musical form, transcending traditional boundaries and captivating a broader range of listeners.

Shifting Paradigms: The Influence of Recording Technology

The advent of recording technology in the 20th century revolutionized music, including Arabic maqam. Recordings allowed musicians to share their performances with a wider audience, preserving their work for future generations.

Before the rise of recording technology, maqam performance was primarily limited to live performances and oral transmission. With recordings, artists could now reach audiences around the world, creating a global appreciation for Arabic maqam.

Recording technology also played a significant role in the preservation of maqam theory. By capturing performances and analyzing them, musicians and scholars could deepen their understanding of the intricate melodic patterns and ornamentation techniques that define maqam.

Expanding Horizons: The Impact of Globalization

The 20th century witnessed increased cultural exchange and globalization, which had a profound impact on Arabic maqam. Musicians from different parts of the world began to experiment with maqam, blending it with various genres and styles.

For example, the renowned Egyptian musician Farid El-Atrache incorporated maqam elements into his popular film compositions, attracting a wide international following. This fusion of maqam with other musical genres helped spread its influence beyond traditional Arab music circles.

Globalization also allowed for cross-cultural collaborations and the infusion of different musical traditions and instruments into Arabic maqam. These collaborations enriched the musical landscape, creating unique and innovative combinations.

Reviving Tradition: Contemporary Maqam Performance

In the 21st century, Arabic maqam continues to thrive, thanks to the efforts of dedicated musicians and scholars. The accessibility of online platforms and streaming services has made it easier than ever for audiences worldwide to discover and appreciate maqam.

Contemporary maqam performers, such as Naseer Shamma and Marcel Khalife, carry the torch passed down by their predecessors. They explore new possibilities while honoring the traditional foundations of maqam, ensuring its continuity for future generations.

Arabic maqam performance and theory in the 20th century underwent significant transformations, driven by the efforts of talented musicians, advancements in technology, and increased globalization. From the groundbreaking compositions of the Rahbani brothers to the fusion of maqam with diverse musical genres, Arabic maqam continues to captivate audiences with its intricate melodies.

As we embrace the 21st century, it is crucial to recognize and support the continued preservation and innovation of maqam, ensuring that this rich musical tradition remains a vibrant and cherished part of our global cultural heritage.

Inside Arabic Music: Arabic Maqam Performance and Theory in the 20th Century

by Johnny Farraj(Illustrated Edition, Kindle Edition)

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	17893 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	478 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

What makes hundreds of listeners cheer ecstatically at the same instant during a live concert by Egyptian diva Umm Kulthum? What is the unspoken language behind a taqsim (traditional instrumental improvisation) that performers and listeners implicitly know? How can Arabic music be so rich and diverse without resorting to harmony? Why is it so challenging to transcribe Arabic music from a recording? Inside Arabic Music answers these and many other questions from the perspective of two "insiders" to the practice of Arabic music, by documenting a performance culture and a know-how that is largely passed on orally.

Arabic music has spread across the globe, influencing music from Greece all the way to India in the mid-20th century through radio and musical cinema, and global popular culture through Raqs Sharqi, known as "Bellydance" in the West. Yet despite its popularity and influence, Arabic music, and the maqam scale system at its heart, remain widely misunderstood. Inside Arabic Music de-mystifies maqam with an approach that draws theory directly from practice, and presents theoretical insights that will be useful to practitioners, from the beginner to the expert - as well as those interested in the related Persian, Central Asian, and Turkish makam traditions. Inside Arabic Music's discussion of maqam and improvisation widens general understanding of music as well, by bringing in ideas from Saussurean linguistics, network theory, and Lakoff and Johnson's theory of cognition as metaphor, with an approach parallel to Gjerdingen's analysis of Galant-period music - offering a lens into the deeper relationships among music, culture, and human community.