Contemporary Middle Eastern Music

Department - ENS
Offered - Fall, Spring, Summer
Course number - ENGB-221

This ensemble will perform contemporary compositions and standard repertoire from the Arab world, Turkey, Iran, and Central Asia. Emphasis is on improvisation, communication within the ensemble, developing a groove (including tunes in asymmetrical meters), and exploring the musical resources of the Middle East. Since the music is primarily modal, this ensemble offers students to an opportunity to explore dynamics, instrumental timbre, embellishment, and phrasing free from the constraints of complex harmony. Repertoire is chosen each semester, based on students' preference, from the work of artists such as: Fairuz, Abdel Wahab, Natacha Atlas, Laco Tayfa, Simon Shaheen, Charbel Rouhana, Omar Faruk Tekbilek, and many others.

Credits: 1
Course Chair: Ron Savage
Prerequisites: Overall ensemble rating 4
Required of: None
Electable by: All