of Music Africa
Midterm 1: Study Guide Sheet
EGYPT:
Where: Egypt is located in Northern Africa close to the Middle East. It is bordered by
Libya on the west and Sudan to the south.
Capitol- Cairo
Languages- Arabic, English
Religion: Mostly Islam; Arabs and Nubians and Berbers.
Colonized by Arabs who brought Islam with them which have now
been incorporated into Egyptian music.
What:
Quranic Recitation the word as it was presented to the prophet. It was not
considered music because music was considered unholy in Islam.
o Enunciation of text is very important
o Traditional Egyptian music was based on Quranic recitation.
o Islamic hymnody: comprises of several genres or intoned or sung
religious poetry.
o Qasida: Central poetic genre
General Characteristics:
Taqism (Division or act of dividing repeatedly):
o Improvision free in rythm
o Melodic phrases sepearated by long and short pauses.
Maqam (place)
o Close to Taqism and is also governs free rythem
o Melodic lines which move in the frame of mode
Tajwid- Rules governing recitation
Neo-Classical Egyptian Music
Takht- ensemble of 2-5 players with Arabic singing with a solo voice
o Oud- string/guitar looking thing.
o Kanun- chordaphone
o Nai- end blown flute
Egyptian music translated into Arab music with the introduction of Quarnic recitiation
the use of the heterphonic voices instead of just one following with an ensemble. The 20th
century brought the institutionalization of Arab music in schools and students were meant
to learn the music. Students also took classes in quranic recitation. Radio in the 20th
century also allowed for the diffusion of music in Egypt.
Who:
Umm