🎵Music of the Middle East Unit 3 – Modal Systems: Maqam and Variations

What's Maqam?

• Maqam is a system of melodic modes used in traditional Arabic music, including the music of the Middle East and North Africa
• Consists of a set of notes with specific intervals and patterns that create a unique melodic character
• Each maqam has a distinct musical identity and evokes a particular emotional response (rast maqam often associated with feelings of joy and happiness)
• Maqamat (plural of maqam) serve as the foundation for improvisation and composition in Middle Eastern music
• Maqam is not just a scale, but also includes characteristic phrases, modulations, and ornamentations that define its musical identity
• The use of quarter tones and microtones is a distinguishing feature of maqam, allowing for a wider range of melodic expression
• Maqamat are often associated with specific times of day, seasons, or emotions (saba maqam linked to feelings of longing and nostalgia)

Origins and Cultural Significance

• The maqam system has its roots in the musical traditions of the Islamic Golden Age (8th-13th centuries)
• Developed from a synthesis of Persian, Turkish, and Arabic musical influences
• Maqamat have played a central role in the development of Middle Eastern classical and folk music
• The system has been influenced by the music of various ethnic and religious groups in the region (Sufi music, Jewish music)
• Maqamat are deeply connected to the poetry and literature of the Middle East, often used to convey the emotional content of the lyrics
• The use of maqamat in religious recitation (Quran recitation) has contributed to their cultural significance
• Maqam-based music is an essential part of many traditional Middle Eastern celebrations and rituals (weddings, Sufi ceremonies)
• The maqam system has influenced the music of neighboring regions, such as the Balkans and Central Asia

Key Components of Maqam

• Each maqam is based on a specific scale, which determines the notes and intervals used
• The tonic note (qarar) serves as the starting point and the center of the maqam
• Maqamat often include notes that are flattened or sharpened by a quarter tone or less (microtones)
• The melodic development of a maqam follows a specific path (sayr) that includes ascending and descending passages
• Modulation (tahwil) between different maqamat is a common technique in Middle Eastern music
• Ornamentation (zawahid) is an essential aspect of maqam performance, adding emotional depth and showcasing the performer's skill
• Maqamat are often associated with specific melodic motifs (jins) that are used in improvisation and composition
• The use of tetrachords and pentachords is a fundamental building block in the construction of maqamat

Common Maqam Scales and Patterns

• Rast maqam: A popular maqam often associated with feelings of joy and happiness, based on a scale similar to the Western major scale
• Bayati maqam: A maqam with a melancholic character, featuring a lowered second degree and a raised sixth degree
• Saba maqam: Known for its emotional depth and association with feelings of longing and nostalgia, characterized by a lowered second and third degree
• Hijaz maqam: A maqam with a distinctive augmented second interval, creating a unique and exotic sound
• Nahawand maqam: A maqam that shares similarities with the Western minor scale, often used in romantic and expressive compositions
• Kurd maqam: Characterized by a lowered third degree and a raised seventh degree, creating a bittersweet and introspective mood
• Ajam maqam: A maqam that closely resembles the Western major scale, often used in festive and celebratory music
• Sikah maqam: Known for its haunting and mystical quality, featuring a lowered third and seventh degree

Maqam in Performance

• Improvisation (taqsim) is a central aspect of maqam performance, allowing musicians to showcase their creativity and emotional expression
• Compositions in Middle Eastern music often serve as a framework for improvisation, with musicians elaborating on the main themes
• Vocal performance in maqam-based music is characterized by the use of melismatic ornamentation and expressive phrasing
• Instrumental ensembles in Middle Eastern music typically include a mix of melodic instruments (oud, ney, violin) and percussion (darbuka, riq)
• The role of the soloist is paramount in maqam performance, with the ensemble providing support and accompaniment
• Maqam-based music often features a call-and-response dynamic between the soloist and the ensemble
• The use of heterophony, where multiple instruments play the same melody with slight variations, is common in maqam performance
• Rhythmic modes (iqa'at) are used in conjunction with maqamat to create a complete musical framework

Regional Variations and Styles

• The maqam system has been adapted and interpreted differently in various regions of the Middle East and North Africa
• Egyptian maqamat often incorporate elements of Coptic and Nubian music, resulting in a distinct regional style
• Turkish makam music places a greater emphasis on instrumental performance and features a wider range of rhythmic modes
• Persian dastgah music, while sharing similarities with the Arabic maqam system, has its own unique set of modes and performance practices
• The maqam system has influenced the music of the Levant (Syria, Lebanon, Palestine), with regional variations and styles
• North African music (Moroccan, Algerian, Tunisian) has incorporated elements of the maqam system, blending them with local Berber and Andalusian influences
• The music of the Gulf region (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE) has its own distinct maqam traditions, often featuring the use of the oud and the mirwas drum
• The maqam system has also been adapted in the music of the Kurdish people, with regional variations in Iraq, Iran, and Turkey

Maqam vs. Western Modal Systems

• While both maqam and Western modal systems are based on the concept of modes, there are significant differences between the two
• Maqamat allow for the use of microtones and quarter tones, resulting in a wider range of melodic possibilities compared to Western modes
• The melodic progression (sayr) in maqam-based music follows specific patterns and rules, whereas Western modal music allows for more freedom in melodic development
• Modulation between maqamat is a common technique in Middle Eastern music, while modulation in Western modal music is less frequent
• The use of ornamentation and improvisation is more integral to maqam performance compared to Western modal music
• The emotional associations and cultural significance of maqamat are deeply rooted in Middle Eastern music, whereas Western modes have a more abstract and theoretical basis
• The rhythmic aspects of maqam-based music, including the use of iqa'at, differ from the rhythmic structures found in Western modal music
• The instrumentation and performance practices associated with maqam music are distinct from those found in Western modal music

Modern Applications and Fusion

• Contemporary Middle Eastern composers have incorporated elements of the maqam system into their works, creating a fusion of traditional and modern styles
• Jazz musicians have explored the use of maqamat in their improvisations, resulting in a unique blend of Middle Eastern and Western musical elements (Rabih Abou-Khalil, Dhafer Youssef)
• The maqam system has been adapted for use in film and television scores, adding an exotic and emotive quality to the music (Ennio Morricone's score for "The Sheltering Sky")
• Electronic and experimental musicians have incorporated maqam scales and microtones into their compositions, pushing the boundaries of traditional Middle Eastern music
• Maqam-based music has been fused with other global music traditions, such as flamenco and Indian classical music, creating new and exciting musical hybrids
• The use of maqamat in popular music has helped to introduce Middle Eastern musical elements to a wider audience (Sting's "Desert Rose," featuring Cheb Mami)
• Music education programs in the Middle East and beyond have incorporated the study of maqamat, ensuring the preservation and continuation of this rich musical tradition
• The maqam system continues to evolve and adapt to new musical contexts, demonstrating its enduring relevance and cultural significance