Middle Eastern music: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Music of the Middle Eastern region}} |
{{Short description|Music of the Middle Eastern region}} |
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The various nations of the region include the [[List of countries where Arabic is an official language|Arabic-speaking countries]] of the [[Middle East]], the Iranian traditions of [[Persia]], the Jewish music of [[Music of Israel|Israel]] and the [[Jewish diaspora|diaspora]], [[Music of Armenia|Armenian music]]. [[Music of Azerbaijan|Azeri Music]], the varied traditions of [[Music of Cyprus|Cypriot music]], the music of [[Turkey]], traditional [[Assyrian/Syriac folk music|Assyrian music]], [[Coptic music|Coptic ritual music]] in [[Egypt]] as well as other genres of [[Music of Egypt|Egyptian music]] in general. It is widely regarded that some Middle-Eastern musical styles have influenced [[Central Asia]], as well as the [[Balkans]] and [[Spain]] |
The various nations of the region include the [[List of countries where Arabic is an official language|Arabic-speaking countries]] of the [[Middle East]], the Iranian traditions of [[Persia]], the Jewish music of [[Music of Israel|Israel]] and the [[Jewish diaspora|diaspora]], [[Music of Armenia|Armenian music]]. [[Music of Azerbaijan|Azeri Music]], the varied traditions of [[Music of Cyprus|Cypriot music]], the [[Turkish language|Turkish]] music of [[Turkey]], traditional [[Assyrian/Syriac folk music|Assyrian music]], [[Coptic music|Coptic ritual music]] in [[Egypt]] as well as other genres of [[Music of Egypt|Egyptian music]] in general. It is widely regarded that some Middle-Eastern musical styles have influenced [[Central Asia]], as well as the [[Balkans]] and [[Spain]]. |
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Throughout the region, religion has been a common factor in uniting peoples of different languages, cultures and nations. |
Throughout the region, religion has been a common factor in uniting peoples of different languages, cultures and nations. |
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The predominance of Islam allowed a great deal of [[Arabic music|Arabic]], and [[Byzantine empire|Byzantine]] influence to spread through the region rapidly from the 7th century onward. The Arabic scale is strongly melodic, based on various [[Arabic maqam|maqamat]] (sing. maqam) or modes (also known as [[Turkish makam|makam]] in Turkish music). The early Arabs translated and developed [[Greek language|Greek]] texts and works of music and mastered the [[music theory|musical theory]] of the [[music of ancient Greece]] (i.e. ''Systema ametabolon, enharmonium, chromatikon, diatonon'').<ref>[[Habib Hassan Touma]] - Review of ''Das arabische Tonsystem im Mittelalter'' by Liberty Manik. {{doi|10.2307/}}</ref> This is similar to the [[dastgah]] of Persian music. While this originates with classical music, the modal system has filtered down into [[Folk music|folk]], liturgical and even [[popular music]], with influence from the West. Unlike much western music, [[Arabic music]] includes [[quarter tone]]s halfway between notes, often through the use of [[String instrument|stringed instruments]] (like the [[oud]]) or the human voice. Further distinguishing characteristics of '''Middle Eastern''' and [[Music of North Africa|North African music]] include very complex rhythmic structures, generally tense vocal tone, and a [[monophony|monophonic texture]]. Traditional Middle Eastern music does not use [[chord (music)|chord]]s, or [[harmony]] in the Western sense. |
The predominance of Islam allowed a great deal of [[Arabic music|Arabic]], and [[Byzantine empire|Byzantine]] influence to spread through the region rapidly from the 7th century onward. The Arabic scale is strongly melodic, often [[Phrygian dominant scale|Phrygian Dominant]] and based on various [[Arabic maqam|maqamat]] (sing. maqam) or modes (also known as [[Turkish makam|makam]] in Turkish music). The early Arabs translated and developed [[Greek language|Greek]] texts and works of music and mastered the [[music theory|musical theory]] of the [[music of ancient Greece]] (i.e. ''Systema ametabolon, enharmonium, chromatikon, diatonon'').<ref>[[Habib Hassan Touma]] - Review of ''Das arabische Tonsystem im Mittelalter'' by Liberty Manik. {{doi|10.2307/}}</ref> This is similar to the [[dastgah]] of Persian music. While this originates with classical music, the modal system has filtered down into [[Folk music|folk]], liturgical and even [[popular music]], with influence from the West. Unlike much western music, [[Arabic music]] includes [[quarter tone]]s halfway between notes, often through the use of [[String instrument|stringed instruments]] (like the [[oud]]) or the human voice. Further distinguishing characteristics of '''Middle Eastern''' and [[Music of North Africa|North African music]] include very complex rhythmic structures, generally tense vocal tone, and a [[monophony|monophonic texture]]. Traditional Middle Eastern music does not use [[chord (music)|chord]]s, or [[harmony]] in the Western sense. |
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Often, more traditional Middle-Eastern music can last from one to three hours in length, building up to anxiously awaited, and much applauded climaxes, or ''tarab'', derived from the [[Arabic language|Arabic]] term طرب ''tarraba''.<ref>Pappé, I. ''The Modern Middle East'', (London, 2005), p. 166-171.</ref> |
Often, more traditional Middle-Eastern music can last from one to three hours in length, building up to anxiously awaited, and much applauded climaxes, or ''tarab'', derived from the [[Arabic language|Arabic]] term طرب ''tarraba''.<ref>Pappé, I. ''The Modern Middle East'', (London, 2005), p. 166-171.</ref> |
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== Instruments used == |
== Instruments used == |
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===Strings=== |
===Strings=== |
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[[File:Umm Kulthum4.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Umm Kulthum]]]] |
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Many instruments originate in the [[Middle East|Middle East region]]. Most popular of the stringed instruments is the [[oud]], a pear-shaped [[lute]] that traditionally had four strings, although current instruments have up to six courses consisting of one or two strings each. Legend has it that the oud was invented by [[Lamech (descendant of Cain)|Lamech]], the sixth grandson of [[Adam (Bible)|Adam]]. This is stated by [[Al-Farabi]], and it is part of the Iraqi folklore relating to the instrument. Legend goes on to suggest that the first oud was inspired by the shape of his son's bleached skeleton.<ref>{{cite news|title=A Fabled Instrument, Suppressed in Iraq, Thrives in Exile|date=May 1, 2008|work=[[New York Times]]|author=Erica Goode|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/01/world/middleeast/01oud.html?_r=1&hp=&oref=slogin&pagewanted=all}} (citing [[Grove Music Online]])</ref> |
Many instruments originate in the [[Middle East|Middle East region]]. Most popular of the stringed instruments is the [[oud]], a pear-shaped [[lute]] that traditionally had four strings, although current instruments have up to six courses consisting of one or two strings each. Legend has it that the oud was invented by [[Lamech (descendant of Cain)|Lamech]], the sixth grandson of [[Adam (Bible)|Adam]]. This is stated by [[Al-Farabi]], and it is part of the Iraqi folklore relating to the instrument. Legend goes on to suggest that the first oud was inspired by the shape of his son's bleached skeleton.<ref>{{cite news|title=A Fabled Instrument, Suppressed in Iraq, Thrives in Exile|date=May 1, 2008|work=[[New York Times]]|author=Erica Goode|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/01/world/middleeast/01oud.html?_r=1&hp=&oref=slogin&pagewanted=all}} (citing [[Grove Music Online]])</ref> |
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Used mostly in court music for royals and the rich, the [[harp]] also comes from [[ancient Egypt]] c. 3500 BC.<ref>The Oxford Journals: Music and Letters 1929 X(2):108-123; {{doi|10.1093/ml/X.2.108}}. Oxford University Press ©1929 [https://archive.today/20120724154618/http://ml.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/pdf_extract/X/2/108]</ref> |
Used mostly in court music for royals and the rich, the [[harp]] also comes from [[ancient Egypt]] c. 3500 BC.<ref>The Oxford Journals: Music and Letters 1929 X(2):108-123; {{doi|10.1093/ml/X.2.108}}. Oxford University Press ©1929 [https://archive.today/20120724154618/http://ml.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/pdf_extract/X/2/108]</ref> |
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The widespread use of the oud led to many variations on the instrument, including the [[Saz (musical instrument)|saz]], a Turkish long-necked lute that remains very popular in Turkey. |
The widespread use of the ''oud'' led to many variations on the instrument, including the [[Saz (musical instrument)|saz]], a Turkish long-necked lute that remains very popular in Turkey.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Bates |first=Eliot |date=2012 |title=The Social Life of Musical Instruments |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.5406/ethnomusicology.56.3.0363 |journal=Ethnomusicology |volume=56 |issue=3 |pages=363–395 |doi=10.5406/ethnomusicology.56.3.0363 |issn=0014-1836}}</ref> |
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Another popular string instrument is the [[Kanun (instrument)|qanoun]], developed by [[Farabi]] during the [[Abbasids]] era. Legend has it that Farabi played qanoun in court and alternately made people laugh, cry, or fall asleep. The qanoun developed out of string instruments described in inscriptions that date to the [[Assyria]]n period.<ref>Dr. Rashid, Subhi Anwar: ''The musical Instrument of Iraqi Maqam''</ref> It has about 26 triple-string courses, plucked with a piece of horn. The musician has the freedom to alter the pitch of individual courses from a quarter to a whole step by adjusting metal levers. |
Another popular string instrument is the [[Kanun (instrument)|qanoun]], developed by [[Farabi]] during the [[Abbasids]] era. Legend has it that Farabi played qanoun in court and alternately made people laugh, cry, or fall asleep. The qanoun developed out of string instruments described in inscriptions that date to the [[Assyria]]n period.<ref>Dr. Rashid, Subhi Anwar: ''The musical Instrument of Iraqi Maqam''</ref> It has about 26 triple-string courses, plucked with a piece of horn. The musician has the freedom to alter the pitch of individual courses from a quarter to a whole step by adjusting metal levers.{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}} |
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[[File:عزيزة جلال.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Arabic pop singer [[Aziza Jalal]] ]] |
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Middle Eastern music also makes use of the [[violin]], which is European in origin. The [[violin]] was adopted into Middle Eastern music in the 19th century, and it is able to produce non-Western scales that include [[Quarter tone|quarter-tones]] because it is fretless.<ref>{{cite web|title=Arabic Musical Instruments|url=http://www.maqamworld.com/instruments.html|website=Maqam World|access-date=4 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060507020054/http://www.maqamworld.com/instruments.html|archive-date=7 May 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
Middle Eastern music also makes use of the [[violin]], which is European in origin. The [[violin]] was adopted into Middle Eastern music in the 19th century, and it is able to produce non-Western scales that include [[Quarter tone|quarter-tones]] because it is fretless.<ref>{{cite web|title=Arabic Musical Instruments|url=http://www.maqamworld.com/instruments.html|website=Maqam World|access-date=4 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060507020054/http://www.maqamworld.com/instruments.html|archive-date=7 May 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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===Percussion=== |
===Percussion=== |
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Percussion instruments play a very important role in Middle Eastern music. The complex [[rhythm]]s of this music are often played on many simple [[percussion instrument]]s. The [[riq]] {{lang|ar|الرق}} (a type of [[tambourine]]) and [[finger cymbals]] add a higher rhythmic line to rhythm laid down with [[Percussion stick|sticks]], [[Clapper (musical instrument)|clappers]], and other [[drum]]s. |
Percussion instruments play a very important role in Middle Eastern music. The complex [[rhythm]]s of this music are often played on many simple [[percussion instrument]]s. The [[riq]] {{lang|ar|الرق}} (a type of [[tambourine]]) and [[finger cymbals]] add a higher rhythmic line to rhythm laid down with [[Percussion stick|sticks]], [[Clapper (musical instrument)|clappers]], and other [[drum]]s. |
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===Winds=== |
===Winds=== |
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The [[Armenian music|Armenian]] [[duduk]] is a very popular double reeded, oboe-like instrument made out of Apricot tree wood. The [[Moroccan music|Moroccan]] oboe, also called the [[rhaita]], has a double-reed [[Mouthpiece (brass)|mouthpiece]] that echoes sound down its long and narrow body. A similar instrument is called the [[sorna]]. Equivalent to the [[Mizmar (instrument)|mizmar]] and [[zurna]], it is used more for festivals and loud celebrations. A Turkish influence comes from the [[Mey (instrument)|mey]], which has a large double reed. Bamboo reed pipes are the most common background to belly dancing and music from Egypt. Flutes are also a common woodwind instrument in ensembles. A [[kaval]] is a three-part flute that is blown in one end, whereas the [[ney]] is a long cane flute, played by blowing across the sharp edge while pursing the lips. |
The [[Armenian music|Armenian]] [[duduk]] is a very popular double reeded, oboe-like instrument made out of Apricot tree wood. The [[Moroccan music|Moroccan]] oboe, also called the [[rhaita]], has a double-reed [[Mouthpiece (brass)|mouthpiece]] that echoes sound down its long and narrow body. A similar instrument is called the [[sorna]]. Equivalent to the [[Mizmar (instrument)|mizmar]] and [[zurna]], it is used more for festivals and loud celebrations. A Turkish influence comes from the [[Mey (instrument)|mey]], which has a large double reed. Bamboo reed pipes are the most common background to belly dancing and music from Egypt. Flutes are also a common woodwind instrument in ensembles. A [[kaval]] is a three-part flute that is blown in one end,<ref>{{Cite web |title=EOL 4: Kavals article, p 3 |url=https://www2.umbc.edu/eol/4/tammer/tammer3.html |access-date=2024-09-08 |website=www2.umbc.edu}}</ref> whereas the [[ney]] is a long cane flute, played by blowing across the sharp edge while pursing the lips.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Aydemir |first=Alanur |date=2014-03-13 |title=Ney, the 'absolute' instrument of the human soul |url=https://www.dailysabah.com/feature/2014/03/13/instrument-of-the-human-soul-absolute |access-date=2024-09-08 |website=Daily Sabah |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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==International music== |
== International music == |
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[[File:Lydia Canaan MTVE concert Beirut Lebanon.jpg|thumb|Lebanese singer-songwriter [[Lydia Canaan]] performing at [[MTV Global]] concert in [[Beirut]], Lebanon, 2000]] |
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Music pervades Middle Eastern societies.<ref name="MusicLP">{{Cite book|last=Carter|first=Terry|author2=Dunston Lara|others=Thomas Amelia|title=Lonely Planet Syria & Lebanon|publisher=Lonely Planet|date=15 July 2008|edition=3|series=[[Lonely Planet]]|pages=254–255|chapter=Arts|isbn=978-1-74104-609-0|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_R-I_Gx5OgQC&pg=PA255|access-date=19 September 2009}}</ref> While traditional music remains popular in the Middle East, modern music reconciling Western and traditional Middle Eastern styles, pop, and [[Fusion (music)|fusion]] are rapidly advancing in popularity.<ref name="Traditional">{{Cite book|last=Sheehan|first=Sean|author2=Latif Zawiah|title=Lebanon|publisher=Marshall Cavendish Children's Books|date=30 August 2007|edition=2|series=Cultures of the World|page=105|chapter=Arts|isbn=978-0-7614-2081-1|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cA-RDzlwVVAC&pg=PA105|access-date=19 September 2009}}</ref> |
Music pervades Middle Eastern societies.<ref name="MusicLP">{{Cite book|last=Carter|first=Terry|author2=Dunston Lara|others=Thomas Amelia|title=Lonely Planet Syria & Lebanon|publisher=Lonely Planet|date=15 July 2008|edition=3|series=[[Lonely Planet]]|pages=254–255|chapter=Arts|isbn=978-1-74104-609-0|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_R-I_Gx5OgQC&pg=PA255|access-date=19 September 2009}}</ref> While traditional music remains popular in the Middle East, modern music reconciling Western and traditional Middle Eastern styles, pop, and [[Fusion (music)|fusion]] are rapidly advancing in popularity.<ref name="Traditional">{{Cite book|last=Sheehan|first=Sean|author2=Latif Zawiah|title=Lebanon|publisher=Marshall Cavendish Children's Books|date=30 August 2007|edition=2|series=Cultures of the World|page=105|chapter=Arts|isbn=978-0-7614-2081-1|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cA-RDzlwVVAC&pg=PA105|access-date=19 September 2009}}</ref> |
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Lebanese [[ |
Lebanese singer-songwriter and diplomat [[Lydia Canaan]], who performs in [[English language|English]], is listed in the catalog of the [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum]]'s Library and Archives (in Cleveland, Ohio, [[United States|USA]]) as the first [[wikt:rockstar|rock Star]] of the [[Middle East]]<ref name="rock hall">[http://catalog.rockhall.com/catalog/RG-0009/ref707 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Library and Archives – Lydia Canaan Subject File]</ref><ref name="Daily Star Rock Hall">O'Connor, Tom. [https://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2016/Apr-27/349450-lydia-canaan-one-step-closer-to-rocknroll-hall-of-fame.ashx "Lydia Canaan One Step Closer to Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame"], ''[[The Daily Star (Lebanon)|The Daily Star]]'', Beirut, April 27, 2016.</ref> as the first rock star of the [[Middle East]].<ref name="Daily Star Rock Hall" /><ref>Salhani, Justin. |
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[http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2014/Nov-17/277842-lydia-canaan-the-mideasts-first-rock-star.ashx? "Lydia Canaan: The Mideast’s First Rock Star"], ''[[The Daily Star (Lebanon)|The Daily Star]]'', Beirut, November 17, 2014.</ref><ref>Livingstone, David. [https://myspace.com/lydiacanaan/mixes/streammix-705381/photo/372420906 "A Beautiful Life; Or, How a Local Girl Ended Up With a Recording Contract in the UK and Who Has Ambitions in the U.S."], ''Campus'', No. 8, p. 2, Beirut, February 1997.</ref><ref>Ajouz, Wafik. [https://myspace.com/lydiacanaan/mixes/705381/photo/372420909 "From Broumana to the Top Ten: Lydia Canaan, Lebanon's 'Angel' on the Road to Stardom"], ''Cedar Wings'', No. 28, p. 2, Beirut, July–August 1995.</ref><ref>Aschkar, Youmna. [https://myspace.com/lydiacanaan/mixes/705381/photo/372420911 "New Hit For Lydia Canaan"], ''Eco News'', No. 77, p. 2, Beirut, January 20, 1997.</ref> Canaan fused [[Middle Eastern]] [[quarter tone]]s and [[Microtonal music|microtones]] with [[English language|anglophone]] rock, innovating a unique style of [[world music]].<ref>Sinclair, David. [https://books.google.com/books?id=Kg8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA49 "Global Music Pulse"], ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'', New York, May 10, 1997.</ref> |
[http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2014/Nov-17/277842-lydia-canaan-the-mideasts-first-rock-star.ashx? "Lydia Canaan: The Mideast’s First Rock Star"], ''[[The Daily Star (Lebanon)|The Daily Star]]'', Beirut, November 17, 2014.</ref><ref>Livingstone, David. [https://myspace.com/lydiacanaan/mixes/streammix-705381/photo/372420906 "A Beautiful Life; Or, How a Local Girl Ended Up With a Recording Contract in the UK and Who Has Ambitions in the U.S."], ''Campus'', No. 8, p. 2, Beirut, February 1997.</ref><ref>Ajouz, Wafik. [https://myspace.com/lydiacanaan/mixes/705381/photo/372420909 "From Broumana to the Top Ten: Lydia Canaan, Lebanon's 'Angel' on the Road to Stardom"], ''Cedar Wings'', No. 28, p. 2, Beirut, July–August 1995.</ref><ref>Aschkar, Youmna. [https://myspace.com/lydiacanaan/mixes/705381/photo/372420911 "New Hit For Lydia Canaan"], ''Eco News'', No. 77, p. 2, Beirut, January 20, 1997.</ref> Canaan fused [[Middle Eastern]] [[quarter tone]]s and [[Microtonal music|microtones]] with [[English language|anglophone]] rock, innovating a unique style of [[world music]].<ref>Sinclair, David. [https://books.google.com/books?id=Kg8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA49 "Global Music Pulse"], ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'', New York, May 10, 1997.</ref> |
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{{div col end}} |
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== Geographical varieties of |
== Geographical varieties of non-Arabic Middle Eastern music == |
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{{Div col|colwidth=22em}} |
{{Div col|colwidth=22em}} |
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*''[[Armenian music]]'' |
*''[[Armenian music]]'' |
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*''[[Assyrian/Syriac folk music]]'' |
*''[[Assyrian/Syriac folk music]]'' |
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*''[[Coptic music|Coptic Christian Ritual music]]'' |
*''[[Coptic music|Coptic Christian Ritual music]]'' |
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⚫ | |||
*''[[Music of Iran|Iranian music]]'' |
*''[[Music of Iran|Iranian music]]'' |
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⚫ | |||
*''[[Israeli music]]'' |
*''[[Israeli music]]'' |
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*''[[Jewish music]]'' |
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*''[[Kurdish music]]'' |
*''[[Kurdish music]]'' |
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*''[[Turkish music]]'' |
*''[[Turkish music]]'' |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{Reflist |
{{Reflist}} |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Middle Eastern Music}} |
{{DEFAULTSORT:Middle Eastern Music}} |
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[[Category:Middle Eastern music| ]] |
[[Category:Middle Eastern music| ]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Culture of the Middle East|Music]] |
Latest revision as of 15:24, 9 October 2024
The various nations of the region include the Arabic-speaking countries of the Middle East, the Iranian traditions of Persia, the Jewish music of Israel and the diaspora, Armenian music. Azeri Music, the varied traditions of Cypriot music, the Turkish music of Turkey, traditional Assyrian music, Coptic ritual music in Egypt as well as other genres of Egyptian music in general. It is widely regarded that some Middle-Eastern musical styles have influenced Central Asia, as well as the Balkans and Spain.
Throughout the region, religion has been a common factor in uniting peoples of different languages, cultures and nations. The predominance of Islam allowed a great deal of Arabic, and Byzantine influence to spread through the region rapidly from the 7th century onward. The Arabic scale is strongly melodic, often Phrygian Dominant and based on various maqamat (sing. maqam) or modes (also known as makam in Turkish music). The early Arabs translated and developed Greek texts and works of music and mastered the musical theory of the music of ancient Greece (i.e. Systema ametabolon, enharmonium, chromatikon, diatonon).[1] This is similar to the dastgah of Persian music. While this originates with classical music, the modal system has filtered down into folk, liturgical and even popular music, with influence from the West. Unlike much western music, Arabic music includes quarter tones halfway between notes, often through the use of stringed instruments (like the oud) or the human voice. Further distinguishing characteristics of Middle Eastern and North African music include very complex rhythmic structures, generally tense vocal tone, and a monophonic texture. Traditional Middle Eastern music does not use chords, or harmony in the Western sense.
Often, more traditional Middle-Eastern music can last from one to three hours in length, building up to anxiously awaited, and much applauded climaxes, or tarab, derived from the Arabic term طرب tarraba.[2]
Instruments used
[edit]Strings
[edit]Many instruments originate in the Middle East region. Most popular of the stringed instruments is the oud, a pear-shaped lute that traditionally had four strings, although current instruments have up to six courses consisting of one or two strings each. Legend has it that the oud was invented by Lamech, the sixth grandson of Adam. This is stated by Al-Farabi, and it is part of the Iraqi folklore relating to the instrument. Legend goes on to suggest that the first oud was inspired by the shape of his son's bleached skeleton.[3]
Historically, the oldest pictorial record of the oud dates back to the Uruk period in Southern Mesopotamia over 5000 years ago. It is on a cylinder seal currently housed at the British Museum and acquired by Dr. Dominique Collon,[4] Editor of Iraq at the British Institute for the Study of Iraq.[4]
Used mostly in court music for royals and the rich, the harp also comes from ancient Egypt c. 3500 BC.[5]
The widespread use of the oud led to many variations on the instrument, including the saz, a Turkish long-necked lute that remains very popular in Turkey.[6]
Another popular string instrument is the qanoun, developed by Farabi during the Abbasids era. Legend has it that Farabi played qanoun in court and alternately made people laugh, cry, or fall asleep. The qanoun developed out of string instruments described in inscriptions that date to the Assyrian period.[7] It has about 26 triple-string courses, plucked with a piece of horn. The musician has the freedom to alter the pitch of individual courses from a quarter to a whole step by adjusting metal levers.[citation needed]
Middle Eastern music also makes use of the violin, which is European in origin. The violin was adopted into Middle Eastern music in the 19th century, and it is able to produce non-Western scales that include quarter-tones because it is fretless.[8]
Percussion
[edit]Percussion instruments play a very important role in Middle Eastern music. The complex rhythms of this music are often played on many simple percussion instruments. The riq الرق (a type of tambourine) and finger cymbals add a higher rhythmic line to rhythm laid down with sticks, clappers, and other drums.
An instrument native to Egypt, the darbuka (both "tabla" and "darbuka" are its names in Egyptian Arabic), is a drum made of ceramic clay, with a goatskin head glued to the body. The darbuka is used primarily in Egypt, and it has its roots in ancient Egypt. It is also used in other countries in the Middle East.
Winds
[edit]The Armenian duduk is a very popular double reeded, oboe-like instrument made out of Apricot tree wood. The Moroccan oboe, also called the rhaita, has a double-reed mouthpiece that echoes sound down its long and narrow body. A similar instrument is called the sorna. Equivalent to the mizmar and zurna, it is used more for festivals and loud celebrations. A Turkish influence comes from the mey, which has a large double reed. Bamboo reed pipes are the most common background to belly dancing and music from Egypt. Flutes are also a common woodwind instrument in ensembles. A kaval is a three-part flute that is blown in one end,[9] whereas the ney is a long cane flute, played by blowing across the sharp edge while pursing the lips.[10]
International music
[edit]Music pervades Middle Eastern societies.[11] While traditional music remains popular in the Middle East, modern music reconciling Western and traditional Middle Eastern styles, pop, and fusion are rapidly advancing in popularity.[12] Lebanese singer-songwriter and diplomat Lydia Canaan, who performs in English, is listed in the catalog of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum's Library and Archives (in Cleveland, Ohio, USA) as the first rock Star of the Middle East[13][14] as the first rock star of the Middle East.[14][15][16][17][18] Canaan fused Middle Eastern quarter tones and microtones with anglophone rock, innovating a unique style of world music.[19]
Common genres
[edit]Geographical varieties of the music in the Arabic-speaking regions of the Middle East
[edit]- Arabic music
- Arabic Andalusian
- Arabic Pop
- Arabic Rap
- Arabic Rock
- Arabesque music
- Dabke music
- Egyptian Music
- Iraqi music
- Jordanian music
- Khaliji music
- "Music of the United Arab Emirates"
- Lebanese music
- Mawwal
- Maghrebian music
- Moroccan music
- Mugham
- Palestinian music
- Sha'abi
- Tarab music
- Syrian music
- Zajal
Geographical varieties of non-Arabic Middle Eastern music
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Habib Hassan Touma - Review of Das arabische Tonsystem im Mittelalter by Liberty Manik. doi:10.2307/
- ^ Pappé, I. The Modern Middle East, (London, 2005), p. 166-171.
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