Repertoire of Iraqi Maqam

The classical music of Iraq known as Iraqi Maqam features classical and vernacular poetry sung by a virtuoso soloist and accompanied by a small instrumental ensemble. It is a remarkably cosmopolitan art sharing many features with neighboring classical traditions particularly Iranian. Its repertoire consists of orally transmitted multi-sectioned compositions performed with some flexibility regarding ornamentation arrangement and development. Focusing on the period between 1930-1980. This is a reference source that offers the first comprehensive view of the musical contents of the repertoire-scalar structure melodic materials and overall form-through various tables and musical transcriptions. This reference consolidates information from prominent Iraqi sources and draws upon a selection of recordings by master musicians including Rashid Qundarchi and Yusuf Omar. An introductory section provides a brief overview of pan-Middle Eastern modal theory along with an outline of the terminology theory and practices specific to Iraqi Maqam. The main section of the work is a catalog of 40 maqams that constitute the central core of the contemporary repertoire.