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The University High School Band
The History and Theory of Music

Arabic Music

The music of the Middle East is part of an aural tradition that goes back centuries. When translated into Western terminology, Arabic music is considered microtonal, meaning distinct pitches are often less than a semitone apart. Although not completely accurate, maqamat can be notated using quarter-tones, or half-semitones.

quarter-tone chromatic scale

Arabic music is primarily melodic and does not make extensive use of harmony. Performers often improvise on pitch groups called jins, which are combined into scale modes called maqamat. One of the most distinctive and recognizable is the maqam saba:

maqam saba

The distinctive interval of this maqam is the augmented second from G♭ → A.

Maqamat are recognizably heard in the adhan, the Islamic call to salat (daily prayer.)

Compositions

Adhan

Maqam Saba on Ud

Maqam Saba on Ney