ARABIC CLASSICAL MUSIC Songs

Classical music represents the true cultural heritage that a country or region possesses. The richer the culture of the land, richer is its music. Arabic classical music has been an amalgamation of music right from the point of its inception years ago. It is now widely available online for free download or after paying a small fee.

Arabic music has its roots in the pre Islamic period known as Jahilliyah and was based on Arabic poetry. Jinns who were exorcists or magicians played a vital role in the development of the music. Music was used initially for hunting, fighting and then developed to be used in performing primitive rituals for beliefs including magic, and paganism that is idol worshipping. The poems were recited by Al- khansa who were actually females with beautiful voices. Poetry in those days was not considered to be an asset of the intellectuals. Among the notable songs of the period were the "huda" from which they derived, the nasb, sanad, rukbani.

Classical Arabic music consists of maqam which is composed of atleast two jins or quarter notes. The music is frequently homophonic though polyphonic nuances are used sometimes.

The ghazals was invented by the Arabs. Its one of the most beautiful ways to recite or rather sing a poem. The ghazals are popular not just in Arabs but in the Indian subcontinent as well today. One can listen to almost any ghazal online or download it for free. Ghazals are very rich in lyrics and their lyrics too are available online for free download.

The traditional instruments which are widely used in Arabic classical music even now include the oud, rababeh, dumbek or tabla, bendir, saz or buzuk, quanoun, nay, kamanja, karnayata to name a few. Most of these instruments especially rababeh is used in Arabic folk music as well.