Musical and Socio-Cultural Anecdotes from Kitāb Al-Aghānī Al-Kabīr: Annotated Translations and Commentaries

By George Dimitri Sawa

The present volume consists of translated anecdotes, on musicological and socio-cultural topics, from al-Iṣbahānī's Kitāb al-Aghānī al-Kabīr (The Grand Book of Songs) with annotations and commentaries. It deals with musical rhythmic and melodic modes, technical terms and treatises; music instruments; composition techniques and processes; education and oral/written transmissions; vocal and instrumental performances and their aesthetics; solo and ensemble music; change and its inevitability; musical and textual improvisations; ṭarab and the acute emotions of joy or grief; medieval dances; social status. Though extracts from The Grand Book of Songs have been translated in European languages since 1816, this work presents a much larger and more comprehensive scope that will benefit musicologists, medievalist and Middle Eastern scholars as well as the general reader.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 900438362X
• ISBN13: 9789004383623
• Release Date: January 2019
• Publisher: Brill
• Length: 466 Pages
• Weight: 1.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.3" x 9.4"