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maqams of syria A maqam is a melody-type based on a particular scale within the Arab music system and following strict rules. The 9 pieces on the CD are from extremely well-recorded field recordings made by the respected poet and producer of documentaries, records, books, radio programmes and live recordings Deben Battarcharya. The seemingly restrictive framework imposed might seem to imply dourness, but every selection here brims with earthiness, spontaneity and melodic richness. Essentially instrumental there are however a couple of pieces featuring vocals, the lovely chanted sections on the extended Mawwal and Andalusi Mawashshah and an almost operatic vocal taqsim (the improvised introductions that often precede the maqam) on Hijaz. With a variety of such taqsims and maqams (a couple of the tracks devote themselves to a particular instrument eg ney or European violin or buzuk) that also feature exciting percussion interludes and ecstatic whirling dervish dances there is never a dull moment on this intelligently compiled release. July 2003 |
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