Microtonal scales, which include intervals smaller than the semitones found in Western music, have a profound impact on the melodic and harmonic characteristics of many Middle Eastern musical traditions. These scales allow for a much wider range of expression and nuances that are absent from the 12-tone equal temperament system. This analysis will explore the influence of microtonal scales on two specific traditions: the Arabic maqam system and the Persian dastgah system, detailing how these scales affect their melodic and harmonic structures.
The Arabic maqam system is a complex modal framework that utilizes a variety of microtonal intervals to define its scales and melodic possibilities. A maqam is not simply a scale but is a melodic framework with specific melodic motifs, characteristic phrases, and emotional associations. The use of microtones, often referred to as "quarter tones" (although these aren't always exactly a quarter tone), gives Arabic music its distinctive melodic flavor. These microtones exist in the spaces between the semitones of the Western scale, thereby allowing for a variety of melodic and ornamental possibilities. The melodic phrasing in the Arabic tradition relies heavily on the expressive use of these microtonal intervals. The "tahrir," a type of melodic ornamentation, often makes use of these microtones to create a sliding and wavering effect, adding emotional depth to the melody. The instruments such as the oud, nay, and qanun are specifically designed to play these microtonal intervals, enabling musicians to navigate the rich melodic landscape of the maqam syst....
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