The Music Of The Arabs

The Music of the Arabs

(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.From Library JournalThis 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.