The classical music of Iraq, known as Iraqi Maqam, features classical and vernacular poetry sung by a virtuoso soloist and accompanied by a small instrumental ensemble. It is a remarkably cosmopolitan art, sharing many features with neighboring classical traditions, particularly Iranian. Its repertoire consists of orally transmitted, multi-sectioned compositions, performed with some flexibility regarding ornamentation, arrangement and development. Focusing on the period between 1930-1980, this reference offers the first comprehensive view of the musical contents of the repertoire-scalar structure, melodic materials and overall form-through various tables and musical transcriptions. This reference consolidates information from prominent Iraqi sources and draws upon a selection of recordings by master musicians, including Rashid Qundarchi and Yusuf Omar. An introductory section provides a brief overview of pan-Middle Eastern modal theory along with an outline of the terminology, theory and practices specific to Iraqi Maqam. The main section of the work is a catalog of 40 maqams that constitute the central core of the contemporary repertoire. The Repertoire of Iraqi Maqam aims to foster a better musical understanding of a relatively little known tradition, promote further research, and enhance appreciative listening to this inspiring facet of Iraqi culture.

By Rob Simms

Chapter 1 Alphabetical Listing of Maqam Anthology
Chapter 2 Introduction
Chapter 3 Maqam in General and Iraqi Maqam in Particular
Chapter 4 An Anthology of Iraqi Maqam
Chapter 5 1 The Rast Family
Chapter 6 2 The Beyat Family
Chapter 7 3 The Husseini Family
Chapter 8 4 The Hijaz Family
Chapter 9 5 The Saba Family
Chapter 10 6 The Segah Family
Chapter 11 7 The Nawa Family
Chapter 12 8 The Ajam/Jahargah Family
Chapter 13 9 Miscellaneous Maqams
Chapter 14 Glossary
Chapter 15 Bibliography
Chapter 16 Discography
Chapter 17 General Index
Chapter 18 Index of Modes
Chapter 19 About the Author