Layth Sidiq on Violin & Arabic Music: Maqamat, Taarab & Microtonality | Vocal Styles of the World

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In this video from Christiane Karam’s Vocal Styles from Around the World course, Layth Sidiq shares with us concepts of Arabic music. Layth is a violinist, composer, educator, and Berklee graduate. Although he was trained in European classical music, he grew up always listening to Arabic music, be it Egyptian, Syrian, or Iraqi. Later in life, when he went to study at Berklee, he started feeling closer to his roots and decided to dive deeper into Arabic classical music. One thing a lot of people wrongly assume is that the Arab world is one single unit. But if you look more closely, you’ll see a beautiful array of individuality sparking in each of these countries’ cultures. But they do have some elements in common: maqamat, tarab (or taarab), and microtonality. Those are the three big topics that unite these regions together. Maqamat is regarded by some to be the equivalent to the West’s melodic scales, but Layth prefers to call it a melodic framework instead. While a C major scale will be played the same way no matter where you’re from, a maqamat is tied to a specific region (having its own ornaments and moods). Taarab literally means “musical ecstasy,” and it refers to the live experience of “being in the moment,” both with the musicians you’re playing with and the audience. Microtonality is a concept that’s very present to Arabic music, but it’s not exclusive to their style.
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ABOUT CHRISTIANE KARAM:
Born and raised in war-torn Beirut, Lebanon, Christiane Karam’s unique vocal style stems from her love for different musical traditions. She is the leader and founder of the award-winning ZilZALA Ensemble, which blends classical, traditional, and folk music from different regions of the Middle East and the Balkans with contemporary jazz. She has taught and performed around the world, and collaborated with the likes of Yanka Rupkina, Tigran Hamasyan, Hüsnü Şenlendirici, Javier Limon, the Assad Brothers, Binka Dobreva, Javier Limon, and Bobby McFerrin, at venues such as Carnegie Hall, Summerstage, Symphony Space, and Teatro National. In addition to coaching and performing, Christiane is an award-winning songwriter and the founder and leader of both the Pletenitsa Balkan Choir and the Berklee Middle Eastern Festival. She is also the director of the Berklee Annual International Folk Festival.
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Vocal Styles from Around the World | Arabic Music | Layth Sidiq | Iraq | Jordan | Maqamat | Tarab | Taarab | Microtonality | Christiane Karam | Indian Music | Hindustani Music | Berklee Online | Berklee College of Music

[@nicogetz]

As a westerner who has fallen in love with the maqamat, Layth (along with his teacher, Simon Shaheen) is one of the most important voices sharing these beautiful and ancient traditions in music. They have been major sources of information and inspiration to me and countless others, and by sharing their love, talents, and knowledge have opened doors to another world of infinite musical delight.

[@SkipFlem]

I think 'teaching' is synonymous with 'sharing'. Thank You.

[@propermint1]

Layth, thank you for putting this together! It's amazing the depth of the sounds within your culture. Just wanted to say keep being you, its refreshing to hear someone so authentic and genuine!

[@mexicanchinese]

My mind is literally blown right now. Just met a dude that plays this kind of music.

[@pedromiguelabdofidelisdepa4732]

Literally

[@TheRealVijaySankar]

Thank you very much for sharing your music and thoughts. I have listened to you playing Hindi music hundreds of times. Some of the comments in your KZbin videos made me think you were someone else!!! Today I looked more closely at the credits and did a search for Layth Al-Rubaye and then got onto this video which is under Layth Sidiq. Anyways, very happy to see you are making great music in so many places including the Arab National Orchestra etc. All the very best and wish you have great success

[@allanwind295]

Love your energy & knowledge being shared.

Fantastic explanation!

[@hasem__.H]

I salute you, Ola, for teaching you the art of beautiful music. I hope you play La Fairouz. The name of the song is, know that you are my love, and we are your brother from Jordan. ❤❤❤❤

[@feniciacia]

Joya!!! Gracias!!

[@Taporeee]

Ben Stokes really is a phenomenal All-Rounder

[@rubaabdelmajeed5619]

Love this .. can we have another video with extended share and examples 😍🤩

[@osamaathman229]

i propose more videos of such where education of maqamat and rabi music be shared on youtube by the likes of Layth Sidik

[@weamadel156]

❤❤👌🏼

[@Downthebayou]

Why no music examples!

[@hoopoe9629]

I guess that’s in part 2

[@urchincreature]

In the last few seconds of the video you play a phrase that sounds identical to part of a 14th century Saltarello. Coincidence or otherwise? Lovely presentation, thank you.

[@paulonkeys]

Hi Layth, great talk on middle eastern music and good to know you play the violin. I play keys and keen to start learning to play the violin. I love the violin sound. Can you recommend the best brand of violin to buy just like the sound heard in your video?

[@celnamusic]

such an excellent music from middle east, and it's really rare as a ginger man in middle east too lol 😂😂

[@heikoweise9679]

Hi! very interesting thank you , how to tune the violin and cello?

[@weasel3355]

What?

[@samdrake625]

GDGD In fourth

[@pianistmohammed]

السلام عليكم استاذ ليث ممكن تشوف طريقة عزفي وتدعمني اني عمري ١١سنه عراقي مقيم في تركيا