From Ancient Tunes to Modern Fusion: The Evolution of Arabic Music

LailahSci/Tech2025-06-269210

Arabic music, with its rich history spanning centuries, has evolved from ancient tribal songs to modern compositions. This article delves into the evolution of Arabic music, highlighting the key figures, styles, and techniques that have shaped its development.

The Ancient Era: Before the Islamic era, Arabic music was similar to that of the Middle East, with various musical forms and styles prevalent among different tribes. The earliest known musicians include Edi bin Rabi'a, known as the "Mehlahil" for his powerful voice, and Alqamah bin 'Abd al-Qays, a renowned singer who traveled throughout the Arabian Peninsula, performing with his hands.

The Early Islamic Period: During the early Islamic period, music played a significant role in both religious and secular contexts. The Khadijah bint Khuwaylid era saw the emergence of new musical styles and instruments, such as the oud (a type of lute) and the ney (a reed flute). The Khadijah bint Khuwaylid's court was known for its musical performances, with renowned musicians like Yusuf al-Maniwawi and Salim al-Husayni contributing to the development of Arabic music.

The Golden Age of Islamic Music: The 9th and 10th centuries saw the golden age of Islamic music, with the Umayyad and Abbasid dynasties promoting music and poetry. The Umayyad court in Damascus was particularly renowned for its musical performances, with famous musicians like Ziyadat bint al-Khayyat and Jardat bint al-Uad. The Abbasid court in Baghdad also had a thriving musical culture, with famous composers like Abu al-Hasan 'Ali al-Nahhas and Abu al-Husayn al-Tamimi.

The 20th Century: In the 20th century, Arabic music underwent a significant transformation, influenced by European musical techniques and instruments. The introduction of orchestras and Western instruments like the piano, violin, and cello revolutionized the way Arabic music was composed and performed. Notable figures of this period include Fairouz, a legendary singer who popularized Arabic music worldwide, and Lebanese composer and pianist Sabah Fakhri.