Traditional Arabic Music

Arabic Traditional music is exemplified by legends such as Um Kalthoum, Abdel Halim Hafez, Fairuz, Mohamed Abdel Wahab, Sabah Fakhri, and others. Rich instrumentation features Arab instruments such as the kanoun, oud, doumbek, and riq enchants the listener as they play in various maqam, the Arab system of melodic nodes. Singers perform tarab, a traditional style of soulful performance intended to create and emotional effect. Often songs will start with a Mawwal, a solo improvisation performed by the singer where words and phrases are extended to create a mood, showcase vocal ability, and prepare the listener.