A Journey in the Pathways of Maqam and arranging Muwashahat

Abstract

In this project, I explore the Arabic scalar system “Maqam” through studying, analysing and arranging one of the most traditional Arabic song forms “Muwashah”. I explore the different possibilities of arranging this song form in an untraditional way, by using western instruments and musicians who come from different musical backgrounds. In this project, I suggest some possibilities of dealing with harmonizing traditional Arabic music, and different individual techniques of arranging that are inspired by different genres. This project is a mixture of using my intuition and intellectual musical skills in arranging music. In this study, I am sharing my experience as an Arab singer who is arranging traditional Arabic music for an ensemble that consists of musicians from different musical backgrounds other than Arabic music. Later in the study, I share the analysis of my arrangements of six songs, that are composed using the Muwashah song form. For those who are not very familiar with the Maqam system, I demonstrate some basic principles of this system in the first chapters, as well as a small introduction about the Muwashah song form. This project is mainly written for readers who has a good knowledge Music and interested to explore and understand some principals of the Maqam System. This is a step in my journey as a singer, arranger and band leader.