STUDYGUIDE: Europe and Middle East

What is the Adhan?

Islamic call to prayer recited 5 times a day.

Who is a Muezzin?

The person who recites the call to prayer.

What is a Nay?

An end-blown flute with 1 finger hole.

What instrument is the Ud?

A plucked fretless lute.

Define Maqam.

Modes that use 7 tones; an octave is divided into 24 notes and must return to the starting note.

What characterizes Rast?

It is the most commonly used Maqam.

Define Quarter tone.

A musical interval of 0.25 steps, differing from the typical 0.5 steps.

What is a Tetrachord?

A scale consisting of four notes where the outer notes form a perfect fourth.

What is Heterophony in music?

The simultaneous variation of a melody.

What does Iqa’at refer to?

Rhythmic modes or patterns with strong, intermediate, and weak beats.

What is Zikr?

The repetition of God’s names and attributes as a means to remember God.

What are the characteristics of the Madh ensemble?

Includes instruments like Kamala, Violin, Ud, Darbuka, Riqq, and Duff.

Define Sufi music.

Devotional music central to Sufi spirituality featuring meditative rhythms and harmonic blends.

What does Takht refer to?

A traditional ensemble or orchestra in Middle Eastern music.

What is Takasim?

A melodic improvisation that precedes traditional Middle Eastern musical compositions.

What is the definition of Flamenco?

A genre that incorporates singing, guitar, and dance.

What does Palmas mean in Flamenco?

Interlocking hand clapping used in the performance.

What is a Jig?

A lively and upbeat piece of music in various time signatures associated with Irish dance.

What defines Cante jondo?

A complex genre of Flamenco music.

What instrument is the Uilleann pipes?

The national bagpipe of Ireland.

What is the Bodran?

An Irish drum, integral to traditional Irish music.