Repertoire of Iraqi Maqam

By Rob Simms

The classical music of Iraq, known as Iraqi Maqam, features classical and vernacular poetry sung by a virtuoso soloist and accompanied by a small instrumental ensemble. It is a remarkably cosmopolitan art, sharing many features with neighboring classical traditions, particularly Iranian. Its repertoire consists of orally transmitted, multi-sectioned compositions, performed with some flexibility regarding ornamentation, arrangement and development. Focusing on the period between 1930-1980. This is a reference source that offers the first comprehensive view of the musical contents of the repertoire-scalar structure, melodic materials and overall form-through various tables and musical transcriptions. This reference consolidates information from prominent Iraqi sources and draws upon a selection of recordings by master musicians, including Rashid Qundarchi and Yusuf Omar. An introductory section provides a brief overview of pan-Middle Eastern modal theory along with an outline of the terminology, theory and practices specific to Iraqi Maqam. The main section of the work is a catalog of 40 maqams that constitute the central core of the contemporary repertoire.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0810847582
• ISBN13: 9780810847583
• Release Date: December 2003
• Publisher: Scarecrow Press
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 1.68 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 8.4" x 11.2"