MiddleEastIntro

MUSIC OF THE MIDDLE EAST: 

MUSIC OF THE MIDDLE EAST

Major Cultural Influences: 

Major Cultural Influences Persian culture (Iran, speak Farsi, adheres to Shia interpretation of Islam; historic Persian Empire) Arabic culture (Saudi Arabia, Syria, Iraq Lebanon, Egypt, Kuwait; speak Arabic) Turkish culture (Turkey, present day Afghanistan; speak Turkic; historic Ottoman Empire)

Major Religions: 

Major Religions

The Ottoman Empire (1299-1922): 

The Ottoman Empire (1299-1922)

Persian Empire (550 BC – 651 AD): 

Persian Empire (550 BC – 651 AD)

Influence of Islam: 

Influence of Islam Arose in Arabia in 7th century; was unifying force among Arabic tribes. Arabic language and culture begin to absorb Persian.

Islam and Music: 

Islam and Music Koranic chant. Emphasis on written word (Koran is revealed word of God). Koran is important source for poetry, literature and song texts. Example of Koranic chant. No tradition of instrumental religious music or religious dance (with exception of some sects).

Classical Music of Iran: 

Classical Music of Iran TAR SETAR KAMANCHE ZARB / DONBAK NEY SANTOUR

Music Theory: 

Music Theory Dastgah: a mode, similar to Greek modes (but not limited to half and whole steps) 7 primary, 5 secondary Basis for composition and improvisation Includes pitches, scale patterns, melodic essence (motif). Each has descriptive name and associated character Gusheh: subdivision of a dastgah; “central nuclear melody” Radif: Repertoire of several hundred melodies or gushehs in all 12 dastgahs memorized by students and used as basis for improvisation and composition

Khandan/Musiqi Continuum: 

Khandan/Musiqi Continuum Khandan Musiqi Chant Unmetered Improvised Amateur Solo Vocal Dance music (esp. belly dance) Highly rhythmic Precomposed Professional Ensemble Instrumental “Acceptable” “Unacceptable”

Persian Classical Music : 

Persian Classical Music Transmitted in private concerts. Role of improvisation. Texture: monophonic or heterophonic. Melodies usually ornamented. Tense vocal quality. Section of concert devoted to one dastgah

Classical Concerts: 

Classical Concerts Section of concert explores a particular dastgah (usu. five instrumental or vocal pieces) Concerts Open with rhythmic introductory piece (like Pishdaramad) Avaz (improvised, nonmetric) (considered high point of concert) Concluding section (rhythmic dance or light vocal)

Slide13: 

Traditional 19th century Iranian court musicians playing kamanche, dombak, dayere, tar, santour

Indian and Persian Classical Music: 

Indian and Persian Classical Music Similarities: use complex system of pitches have long history of performance and theoretical writings about music Monophonic or heterophinc Transmitted in concerts Passed on in oral tradition Incorporate improvisation and composition Differences: Persian tradition has no equivalent of tala Ambivalent attitude of Islam towards music

Slide15: 

Persian miniature (Tabriz School, 13th cent.) Persian Carpets Persian Calligraphy EXAMPLES OF PERSIAN ART FORMS