Mike's Oud Forums

What's the difference in compositional principles between the Arabic maqam and the Turkish makam?

alshatti1 - 5-12-2010 at 06:16 AM

Hi all-
This is my first post here. I became interested in Middle Eastern music a little while ago. Can anyone explain the differences between the Turkish makam and the Arabic maqam in terms of composition? I want to buy a Oud instructional book, and was wondering which style I should pursue.

Also, can anyone touch on shoshmakans of Central Asia?



Thanks.

Greg - 5-12-2010 at 08:24 AM

Welcome to the forums alshatti1.

I hope you find your time here will be rewarding and that it will help guide you in your interest in oriental music.

I am hoping some of the more knowledgable members can provide all the information you need. But for now, I will offer some suggestions.

There are many maqamat that are common to both Arabic and Turkish music. However there are more microtonal adjustments (commas) in Turkish music than in Arabic music.
Of course, there are also regional variations in maqamat between different Arabic countries.

You can read about the structure of Arabic maqamat here: http://www.maqamworld.com/

A good starting point for Turkish makamlar can be found at David Parfitt's excellent pages here: http://www.oud.eclipse.co.uk/tetrapent.html

Embellishments in Turkish oud playing are quite different from those found in Arabic playing.

None of the above answers your question about composition.

However, if you search the forums, you will find many links to performances by both Arabic and Turkish oud players. I recommend you spend a considerable amount of time listening to these and you will start to hear the differences between Arabic and Turkish players in how each modulate between maqamat and the most common progressions used within individual maqamat.

There are also many sites where sheet music may be freely downloaded. A study of these will reveal a considerable amount about the differences in compositional style.

Good luck and regards,

Greg

Edward Powell - 5-12-2010 at 09:31 AM

Quote: Originally posted by alshatti1  
Hi all-
This is my first post here. I became interested in Middle Eastern music a little while ago. Can anyone explain the differences between the Turkish makam and the Arabic maqam in terms of composition? I want to buy a Oud instructional book, and was wondering which style I should pursue.

Also, can anyone touch on shoshmakans of Central Asia?



Thanks.


this is a very big topic..... which we explored quite deeply when I was in Cairo last year.... you might want to read my thread MY TRIP TO CAIRO.... and FORMS OF ARABIC MUSIC....

I would like to try to answer this question now, but I am afraid I would sit here for the next 2 hours :airguitar: