AoS3 Palestinian Folk Music

Question 1

Palestinian Folk Music

Answer 1

Arabic Music using Rhythmic Patterns & Micro-Tones. For celebrations and dancing.

• Rhythmic patterns are called the Iqa. Often in irregular Time Signatures. Eg. 7/4 or 7/8.
• Vocal techniques include Melisma (one syllable over several notes) & Ululations (High Pitched Trills).
• Instruments include; Kanun (Zither), Oud (lute), Doumbek (drum), Mijwiz (double pipe). The texture is often Heterophonic without harmony.

Question 2

Oud

Answer 2

A pear shaped, short necked 11 stringed instrument that resembles a lute. Used in Greek, Palestinian and Israeli music, it is often used as accompaniment but can also play the melody.

Question 3

Riq

Answer 3

A tambourine like instrument used in Greek, Palestinian and Israeli music.

Question 4

Irregular Metre and Accents

Answer 4

When the number of beats in each bar is an odd number. The beats can be grouped with different accents. Examples are 5/8 and 7/8.

Question 5

Mode / Modal

Answer 5

A type of scale often used in Greek, Palestinian and Israeli music.

Question 6

Wazn

Answer 6

The name given to the many different rhythm patterns found in Arabic music. Similar to what a tala is in Indian music.

Question 7

Microtone

Answer 7

Very small variations in pitch. These are used frequently in Greek, Palestinian and Israeli music.

Listen to the microtonal singing - in particular at the end just as the Doumbek enters.

Question 8

Melisma/Melismatic

Answer 8

When one syllable is sung over many notes. Typical feature of Arabic singing.

Listen to the melismatic singing in this clip.

Question 9

Mijwiz

Answer 9

Arabic wind instrument with a single reed and two pipes, popular in Palestinian Music.

You can hear the distinctive sound of the Mijwiz playing the melody in this clip.

Question 10

Zither

Answer 10

Flat bodied string instrument which has no neck. Used in Palestinian music. Played on lap.

Question 11

Doumbek

Answer 11

The main drum in Palestinian music. Played with fingertips and palms.

Question 12

Le Trio Joubran

Answer 12

A famous Palestinian group.

Question 13

Ululating

Answer 13

High pitch wailing vocal sound in Arabic Music.

Question 14

Heterophonic Texture

Answer 14

Two or more instruments / voices at the same time playing different variations on the same melody

Question 15

1 / This musical extract is taken from a piece of Palestinian Folk Music. From your knowledge of this style of music, identify six features which are typical of this style.

2/ What is the name of the main solo instrument?

Answer 15

Typical musical features include:

i/ Irregular time signature.

ii/ Ornamented vocals with vibrato and trills.

iii/ Microtonal Melody

iv/ Strong accents with the Doumbek Drum.

v/ Mijwiz melody at the end of vocal phrases.

vi/ Very little harmony. Mainly melody with rhythmic accompaniment.