The Music of the Arabs - Hardcover

Touma, Habib Hassan

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0931340888 ISBN 13: 9780931340888

Publisher: Amadeus Press, 2003

Synopsis

(Amadeus). Encompassing a history of more than 2000 years, the music of the Arabs is unique among the world's various musical cultures. This book presents an overview of Arabic music throughout history and examines the artistic output of contemporary musicians, covering secular and sacred, instrumental and vocal, improvised and composed music. Typical musical structures are elucidated, and a detailed bibliography, a discography (mainly covering the last 50 years) and a guide to the Arabic alphabet for English speakers are also provided. The paperback edition (00331635) includes a CD of seven traditional Arabic pieces performed by contemporary Arab musicians.

About this title

Language Notes:

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: German

From Library Journal:

This comprehensive book on Arabic music by a composer and musicologist now living in Germany is part technical treatise, with many musical examples; part history; and about half cultural description. Concerned that traditional Arabic music is in danger of being lost because of pressures to Westernize, Touma earnestly chronicles the presence and use of music in the contemporary Arab world, with detailed reports on song styles, musical instruments, art music, religious music, and popular music. He approves of musicians who preserve tradition while offering a distinctive voice of their own, such as composer Munir Bashir and singer Umm Kulthum. A bibliographic essay discussing sources in Arabic, French, German, and English ends the book. A specialized work by an expert; for large music collections.?Bonnie Jo Dopp, Montgomery Cty. Dept. of Public Libs., Md.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Amadeus Press
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0931340888
• ISBN 13: 9780931340888
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 238