Mike's Oud Forums

Is there an Arabic tem for the fast rhythmic string switching during taqasim?

Chris-Stephens - 10-26-2020 at 09:23 AM

Is there a specific Arabic word for the fast tremolo on one string(usually a higher one) while comping on the lower end that is part of many Oud Taqasims? Heres one example around the 6 minute mark https://youtu.be/OCmheJ929fo?list=WL&t=361
Farid AlAtrash usually ended his solos in this manner as well. Does this section have aname in Arabic? In Persian music it's like chaharmezrab and Hindustani music its like jhalla.

Jody Stecher - 10-26-2020 at 01:01 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Chris-Stephens  
Is there a specific Arabic word for the fast tremolo on one string(usually a higher one) while comping on the lower end that is part of many Oud Taqasims? Heres one example around the 6 minute mark https://youtu.be/OCmheJ929fo?list=WL&t=361
Farid AlAtrash usually ended his solos in this manner as well. Does this section have aname in Arabic? In Persian music it's like chaharmezrab and Hindustani music its like jhalla.


I dunno the Arabic word but in classical mandolin something similar is called The Duo Style. It seems to be something that double strung instruments like to do.

Chris-Stephens - 10-26-2020 at 01:07 PM

more examples

https://youtu.be/zWddWhpKrmM?t=296

https://youtu.be/Fc6hYABE0Xs?t=230

Brian Prunka - 10-26-2020 at 03:22 PM

I don't know of an Arabic term. Of course in Western music this is generally termed a pedal point or pedal tone (or just pedal).

Chris-Stephens - 10-27-2020 at 09:31 AM

Thats so surprising! This section is such a distinct feature and seems like it would have its own name.

Brian Prunka - 10-27-2020 at 02:48 PM

It's certainly interesting! I always thought that this technique was probably a Western import, borrowed from Flamenco music, and so not truly a native feature of Arabic music. I don't think I've heard it in Turkish/Ottoman music. It seems mostly to show up in examples from the 1940s/50s or later, particularly popularized by players like Ahmed Al-Bidawi and Farid. Players from that era were often familiar with Western music terminology and perhaps might not have felt a need to invent an Arabic term?

It's a natural fit in Arabic music due to the fondness for drones in general (which is obviously similar), particularly in folk instruments like mijwiz, and is certainly commonly used nowadays. But I've never heard it referred with a specific Arabic term. There may be one though! Very curious to hear if there is someone who has more insight.

SamirCanada - 10-27-2020 at 04:06 PM

I always just heard it called "farid style"

Chris-Stephens - 10-28-2020 at 07:33 PM

Is there an Arabic world for "tremolo" that isn't Italian?

John Erlich - 10-28-2020 at 10:03 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Chris-Stephens  
Is there an Arabic world for "tremolo" that isn't Italian?


Yes. We discussed that here: http://www.mikeouds.com/messageboard/viewthread.php?tid=18224