The term "Middle East" does not represent a precise land area, but as a cultural area it centersiIran (formerly Persia), Turkey, and the Arabic lands (Saudi Arabia, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon,andEgypt). Strong elements of the culture extend into Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco. Influencesfrothis area extend into neighboring countries. There are four cultural groups: Arab, Persian,Turkish, and North African Maghribi. These groups experience music in similar ways in classicaltraditions and in some folk and popular styles too. Within this vast region there are many different ways of experiencing music and more than a few contradictions.
Islam is the predominant religion in the Middle East, and it allows a limited amount of music-making. Two other world religions practiced in this area but not discussed here are Judaism and Christianity. The unaccompanied, non-metric chanting of the Koran (the holy book of Islam) is to Western minds considered singing, but it is not technically considered singing, or even music, by fundamentalist followers of Islam in the Middle East (singing is frowned upon as a secular activity). This kind of music is extremely important in Islam, especially in mystic sects, and a stunningly vast and complex musical system of using melodic and rhythmic modes in ancient chant with improvisation is in place to inspire each worshipper.
Certain kinds of poetry may be sung in formal situations, sometimes with instrumental accompaniment. This is frowned upon by some Muslims, but allowed by many. In general, the more music incorporates instruments, is rhythmic, is used for fun (rather than for serious, formal occasions), fosters improvisation and virtuosity, or includes women, the more fundamentalist Muslims are suspicious of it and won’t allow it. Though the styles called "classical" are for entertainment, they are accepted by many Muslims because there is in them a connection with intellectual elements, especially in the area of mathematics. The highest level of disapproval extends to popular music, and especially that used primarily for dancing (including the accompaniment for belly dancing).
Traditional classical ensembles play public concerts, but anything beyond a conservative performance is apt to be performed in private homes for invited guests only. There are specific musical roles for Muslim women, which traditionally are part of private family life and not heard outside the home. In contrast, though private homes and private occasions are the common venues for much popular music, certain popular performers have become nationally and internationally known through TV and recordings. Women are recognized as vocalists in both classical and popular music but rarely play instruments.
Middle Eastern music is based on special scales called "modes," which vary from place to place. These modes use quarter tones in addition to half steps and whole steps. In terms of rhythm, the music is organized into beat groupings, with patterns of stressed and unstressed beats. There are many, many such established patterns, and they are extremely complex. The forces of a classical performance might range from one melody with a drum to a large ensemble of three to twelve musicians, including strings (several kinds of lute, hammered dulcimer, and two-stringed and spike fiddle), wind instruments (vertical flute and a double reed instrument), one or more types of drum, and one or more singers. The timbre tends to be somewhat flat, rough and nasal, without vibrato. This music favors higher pitches as opposed to lower pitches. The men of this region like to sing at the top of their range. Middle Eastern melodies usually move by step and are highly ornamented, and the various musical parts move independently.
Classical performance sets consist of various sections ranging from non-metered to very rhythmic, and from composed to improvised. There are rules of improvisation for each tradition. Performers learn by memorizing composed pieces, then improvising around what they know.
Middle Eastern pop musicians have mixed Western instruments and harmonies with traditional instruments, rhythms, and melodies. International pop styles such as rap, hip-hop, and rock have had an influence on Middle Eastern music. Recently, outside of fundamentalist Islam, Middle Eastern women have taken an ever more important role in music, and some are even superstars! Some people now voice their opinions about political struggles through music. Music the world over has often served this purpose.
