Middle Eastern traditional music is a genre steeped in a rich tapestry of cultural heritage, encompassing a diverse range of sounds and styles from across the region. It typically features intricate melodies and scales, especially the use of the maqam system, which is a set of melodic modes. Instruments common to the genre include the oud (a lute-like string instrument), qanun (a plucked zither), ney (an end-blown flute), and various percussion instruments like the darbuka and riq. Vocals often play a prominent role, with a focus on poetically expressed themes and elaborate vocal ornamentation. Artists within this genre, such as the Iraqi Maqam Ensemble and Munir Bashir, exemplify the genre's deep connection to the region's history, with performances that range from emotionally charged improvisations to highly structured compositions, resonating with the soul of Middle Eastern musical traditions.
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