I have noticed when listening to older Arabic taqasim that the sayr of the maqamat seems much more in tact (closer to Turkish) than many more
contemporary recordings.
These days it seems like Hijaz Kar has become the 'flamenco' mode.
While I do enjoy the blend of Arabic and Spanish guitar effects, I personally still prefer to hear the sayr of the original maqamat.
The sayr of Hijaz Kar can be very interesting.
Many people do not play the maqam descending for a start.
Here is a good piece that clearly shows the descending Sayr.
Often the maqam begins with Buselik on Kardan at the beginning, descends through Hijaz on Nawa and eventually ends with Hijaz (Zirgulah) on the low
octave.
Here is the start of another taqsim by Matar Mohammed on Bozuk that does the same thing..
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