The Uniqueness of Middle Eastern Music: Texture, Microtonality, and Modes
Middle Eastern music, from the clash of cymbals in a traditional belly dance performance to the haunting melodies of a gifted oud player, offers a rich tapestry of sounds and musical structures that distinguish it from Western music. In this article, we explore the unique features of Middle Eastern music, focusing on its texture, microtonality, and modal system, and how these elements contribute to the distinctive character of the music.
Texture in Middle Eastern Music
One of the most striking features of Middle Eastern music is its texture, the way different sounds are layered to create intricate and complex sonic textures. Unlike Western music, which predominantly uses polyphony and homophony, Middle Eastern music is characterized by a texture known as heterophony.
Heterophony in Middle Eastern Music
Heterophony occurs when a single melody is accompanied by multiple variations of that same melody, either rhythmic or melodic. This technique creates a rich and dense sound that can be heard in various Middle Eastern instruments. For instance, in The Video Below, a bowed lute (ud) and a plucked lute (oud) play the melody, accompanied by drums, each adding their own variations. Similarly, in the Javanese gamelan, the high-pitched instruments play the melody with more notes, while the lower-pitched instruments play fewer, but still contribute to the overall texture.
Microtonality and Modes in Middle Eastern Music
Middle Eastern music is known for its microtonality and modal system, which sets it apart from Western music. While Western music is diatonic, using the scales of minor and major, Middle Eastern music employs a more complex system of modes and microtones.
Microtonality
Microtonality in Middle Eastern music refers to the use of intervals smaller than a semitone, which do not exist on a standard piano keyboard but fit between the white and black keys. These microtones contribute to the unique sound and expressiveness of the music. For example, the Byzantine chant in the Ochtoechos tradition has microtones called fthora, distinguishing it from the Western-scale-inspired Gregorian chant, which lacks these subtle nuances.
Modal System
Middle Eastern music is also modal, meaning it is based on specific modes or scales. In contrast to Western diatonic scales, these modes provide a framework for the melodies and harmonies. Notable examples include:
Ottoman classical music: Modes called makam Persian music: Modes called dastgah Indian music: Modes called raga Turkish folkloric music: Modes called ayaklar Greek folkloric music: Patterns called dromoi and microtones called moria Arabic classical music: Modes called maqamatStriking Differences in Rhythm
While Western music often relies on a steady beat, Middle Eastern music embraces a rich rhythmic texture that adds a unique swing to the music. This rhythmic complexity is crucial in keeping the music dynamic and engaging for the listener. In contrast, Western music rhythm is more linear and less varied.
Conclusion
Classifying the entire Middle Eastern musical tradition into a single genre would be an injustice, as the region encompasses numerous diverse musical styles. However, understanding the unique elements of Middle Eastern music, such as heterophony, microtonality, and modal systems, provides a glimpse into the rich and complex world of Middle Eastern music. Whether in the bustling markets of Cairo, the desert sands of Saudi Arabia, or the bazaars of Istanbul, Middle Eastern music continues to captivate audiences with its distinct and beautiful sonorities.
Remember to always approach the diversity of Middle Eastern music with an open mind, and you will find a world of exciting and evocative music just waiting to be explored.