World Music (3)

The Middle East

• Chanting of Qu’ran
• Noteable for use of modes
• Especially similar to raised 7th
in harmonic minor scale
• Vocal inflections (as well as
instrumental) may incorporate
micro-tones (intervals smaller
than a semi-tone)
 Music of the Middle East
North Africa too (Arabic Music)

• Often irregular time signatures (5/8, 7/8 etc)

• Hand claps are often a feature
• Melody is usually highly decorated, but moves in steps
• Instruments include the “Oud” = possibly a predecessor to the guitar
• as well as the “Ney”, (a flute) (players may use circular breathing
• You will also hear tambourines and Zithers (Santur)
• Harmonies may include drones (or tonic / dominant based)
 Turkish Music

• Traditional Turkish Music

• Often based on Modes called “Makams”
• Slides and note bending are common features
• Katibim
 Qu’ran Recitation

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mos4eXUml7Y

• Notice melisma and vocal inflections

 Music from Israel

• Israeli Folk Song

• Accordion is often used. Notice repetition and call and response and
repeated rhythmic patterns (wazn)
• Relation to Jewish Music or Klezmer, where use of clarinet and violin are
popular, again highly rhythmic, you may find influences in Jazz
•
 Some odd instruments
(not middle eastern, but interesting)

• Jew’s Harp and one on BGT (includes throat singing too)

• Digeridoo
• Philippines Nose Flute
• Glass Harp
• Theremin
• Mellatron