جهان عرب را در موسیقی ما BOOK THE ARAB WORLD IN OUR MUSIC

# The Arab World in Our Music: A Cultural and Historical Exploration

The influence of Arab music on global musical traditions is profound and often underappreciated. From ancient theoretical foundations to contemporary pop stars, the Arab world has contributed significantly to what we might call “our music” – the shared musical heritage of humanity. This exploration examines how Arab musical traditions have shaped global sounds, instruments, and musical concepts.

## Foundations of Arab Music

Arab music traces its roots to ancient civilizations, with a theoretical system that developed sophisticated concepts of melody, rhythm, and musical expression. The Arab contribution to music theory began as early as the 9th century when scholars like Al-Kindi (800-877) wrote some of the first treatises on music theory in the Islamic world. Al-Kindi suggested detailed fret placements for the oud and explored the cosmological connotations of music .

The maqam system – a complex modal system that forms the basis of Arab music – represents one of the most significant contributions to global music theory. Unlike Western scales, maqamat (plural of maqam) utilize microtones (intervals smaller than a semitone) and specific melodic patterns to evoke particular emotions . Some important maqamat include:

– **Hijaz**: Often used in spiritual music with its raised fourth and lowered seventh degrees
– **Rast**: Considered the most fundamental maqam, used in folk and popular music
– **Bayati**: Popular for romantic and melancholic expressions

This sophisticated system influenced not only Arab music but also European musical traditions during periods of cultural exchange.

## Iconic Arab Musical Instruments

The Arab world has developed and refined several instruments that have become central to Middle Eastern music and influenced global instrument design:

1. **Oud**: The pear-shaped lute is considered the king of Arab instruments, with a warm, resonant tone. Its design influenced the European lute and later the guitar .

2. **Qanun**: A plucked zither with a trapezoidal soundboard and numerous strings, capable of producing the microtones essential to Arab music .

3. **Ney**: An end-blown flute made of reed, one of the oldest continuous musical instruments still in use today .

4. **Darbuka**: A goblet-shaped hand drum that provides the rhythmic foundation for much Arab music .

These instruments not only define the sound of Arab music but have traveled across cultures, adapting to different musical traditions while maintaining their essential character.

## Legendary Arab Musicians

The Arab world has produced musical icons whose influence transcends regional boundaries:

1. **Umm Kulthum (1900-1975)**: The Egyptian diva whose powerful voice and emotional delivery made her one of the most celebrated Arab singers of all time. Her concerts could last for hours, with single songs extending to an hour or more .

2. **Fairuz (b. 1935)**: The Lebanese “Neighbor to the Moon” whose voice became a symbol of Arab identity and resilience, particularly during Lebanon’s civil war .

3. **Kazem al-Sahir**: The Iraqi “Caesar of Arabic Song” known for blending classical Arab music with contemporary influences .

4. **Mohamed Abdel Wahab**: Egyptian composer and singer who pioneered the incorporation of Western instruments into Arab music .

These artists, among others, have shaped not just Arab musical tastes but have influenced global perceptions of Arab culture through their art.

## The Tarab Tradition

A unique aspect of Arab music is the concept of *tarab*, often translated as “musical ecstasy.” This refers to a profound emotional connection between performer and audience, where the music induces a state of enchantment or transport . In tarab performances:

– The audience actively participates, offering vocal feedback and emotional responses
– Performers improvise and ornament melodies to heighten emotional impact
– The experience is as much about communal feeling as musical technique

This tradition highlights how Arab music values the experiential dimension of performance, creating a dynamic relationship between artist and listeners that differs from more passive Western concert traditions.

## Arab Music’s Global Journey

The influence of Arab music has spread through various historical channels:

1. **Through Al-Andalus**: During medieval times, Arab musical theories and instruments entered Europe via Muslim Spain, influencing troubadour traditions and early European art music .

2. **Via Trade Routes**: The movement of goods along the Silk Road and Indian Ocean trade networks carried musical ideas between Arab, Persian, Indian, and Southeast Asian cultures .

3. **Modern Diasporas**: Arab immigrants have brought their musical traditions to Europe, the Americas, and elsewhere, leading to new fusions like Arabic jazz and hip-hop .

Contemporary artists continue this cross-pollination, blending Arab musical elements with pop, electronic, and other global styles.

## Preservation and Innovation

Today, Arab music exists in a dynamic tension between preservation of tradition and embrace of innovation:

– **Heritage Projects**: Countries like Oman and the UAE have established centers to preserve traditional music forms
– **New Technologies**: Digital platforms allow global distribution of Arab music while raising questions about authenticity
– **Youth Movements**: Young Arab artists are reinterpreting traditional forms through genres like hip-hop and metal

This ongoing evolution ensures that Arab music remains vital while maintaining connections to its rich history.

## Conclusion

The Arab world’s contribution to “our music” – the global musical tapestry – is immense and multifaceted. From theoretical foundations to iconic instruments, from legendary performers to unique aesthetic concepts like tarab, Arab musical traditions continue to enrich world culture. As we listen to contemporary music worldwide, we can often hear echoes of these Arab influences, reminding us of the deep interconnectedness of human musical expression.