THE SOUND OF THE MUSIC [thanks to Jihad Racy of UCLA]

The Arabic system of modes: maqamat

Interactive page with demos: the most-often used modes and rhythmic cycles

Arabic musical instruments: overview

Pitched

'ud (also spelled 'oud): a lute

kamân (violin)

buzuq: long-necked lute

nay: a reed flute, blown at an angle

qânûn a kind of zither or dulcimer (plucked)

mijwiz: a double-pipe instrument wind instrument

Percussion

riqq: a tambourine

dumbek, darbukka, tabla: an hourglass-shaped drum

tar: a large, circular frame drum (pitched)

GENERAL LINKS: getting the music online

Turath.org

Arab Music Internet Reference

ARAMUSIC: Online Music Store

The Arabic Music Network

INDIVIDUAL ARTISTS

The Um Kulthum Homepage

Simon Shaheen: A Heritage Without Boundaries