Arabic Music

Arabic music has suddenly mesmerised people all over the world. It has ascended to a level of compatibility with people of other ethnics and religion. The industry has also been able to capture the western market with the music and lyrics like never before.
Well one can also see the imprints on the Indian music industry as today Arabic music is introduced in the verse and sometimes even in the chorus.
How has this industry gotten big all of a sudden, to know more read on.
Arabic music in the early centuries was greatly influenced by Egyptians, Sumerians and Assyrians. Most of the instruments used today are the modern versions of what it was in the decades gone by.
The main characteristics of Arabic music are florid ornamentation, modal homophony and modal rhythm. There were only eight modes in the beginning but were increased to 12 modes in the 11th century.  They were called maqamat by the 13th century.
Ornamentation in Arabic music is the use of shakes and trills, appoggiaturas and grace notes. The vocal music that was used, had a lot of words and verses were repeated after a small melody which was ornamented elaborately.
The main form of music in the Arab worlds as we know is the ‘namba’ – this included verses that were introduced by ornamented music and flowed accordingly. This form is known to have originated in the Abbasid court. The instruments used to create the music were the short-necked lute known as the ud, there is also the long necked lute known as the tambur.
This style is still used today in most of the Arabic countries and if one listens to the music of various regions, one will realise that that similarities are very common. Infact the music seems to be the extremely similar. This is because of similar musical instruments being used.
Ud, is one of the most important instrument in Arab music. It actually means a branch of wood as it is made of it and has only four strings. 2 strings more were added to it by the fifteenth century. It looks like a sliced pear and is played with a plectrum that is usually made from the feather of an eagle. Due to its enchanting mellow sound it is known as the king of instruments in the Arab world.
The tablah comes in line as the next most important instrument. It is a small drum that is played by the hand. Different sounds emanate when it is tapped at different locations, you could even get a loud or soft sound depending on the strength of the strike and the part of the hand that touches it.
Another important instrument is the qanum – it is the harp used in ancient Egypt. Around 81 strings are attached with space after every 3 strings. This instrument unlike the other is placed on the ground and the strings are plucked from it creating sounds that no instrument can emulate.
The daff or the English word tambourine is another necessity to the Arabic music. Be it slow or fast songs, its jingle adds a dash of essence. This percussion instrument is so easy to learn and use, that singers normally held it in their hand to add some zing to every beat.