Vol 9. The Rise of Islam and Islamic Literature: Music
Medieval Andalusian Muwashah
The term muwashahhas meaning in Arabic poetry and music. In poetry, it refers to a traditional form that dates from ninth-century Andalusia; in music, it's a generic term used to refer to a classic vocal composition. Muwashat were very popular during the Middle Ages; this muwashah is a love song.
Palestine: A Call to Prayer
The Koran commands Muslims to pray five times a day: upon waking; at noon, mid-afternoon, and sunset; and before going to sleep. Each time, the call to prayer (adhan) sounds from mosques around the world. The ten lines of the call proclaim the greatness of God (Allah) and Muhammad's role as his messenger, and of course beckon the faithful to prayer. This call was recorded in Palestine. Though the adhan is traditionally only vocal, this recording includes instruments during the interludes.
Dastgah of Shour
Classical Iranian music is composed of twelve modal systems called dastgah, each of which has its own pattern of melody. Five of the twelve are considered secondary systems, since they take melodies and rhythms from the primary dastgah, and are known as avaz. This recording borrows verses from the Masnavi, thirteenth-century poetry written by Jalal al-Din Rumi; the verses here express an allegorical love for God. Iranian music is believed to be very close to ancient Persian music.