Maqam-based Classical (Arab Classical) · المقام العربي الكلاسيكي
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Region/Countries: Pan-Arab (Greater Syria, Iraq)
Maqam-based Classical (Arab Classical) spans 1930s–present across Egypt, Lebanon, Syria. It foregrounds improvisation (taqsim/layali), emotive delivery, orchestral backing. Rhythms include samai, wahda and borrow from maqsoum. Ensembles center on oud, qanun, violin. Influences include Egyptian film music, Ottoman classical. Lyrics are ≈95% Arabic.
Musical features
- improvisation (taqsim/layali)
- emotive delivery
- orchestral backing
Rhythms & Forms
- samai
- wahda
- maqsoum
Core instruments
Influences
- Egyptian film music
- Ottoman classical
Related genres
- Tarab
- Classical Arabic Music
- Modern Arabic Classical / Symphonic Music
- Arabic Symphonic Pop
- Muwashshah
- Andalusian (Maghrebi)
Sources
- Britannica — Arabic music (overview)
- Oxford Music Online — Arab music overview
- Smithsonian Folkways — regional notes