Alwan for the Arts presents:
An evening of Iraqi music with Amir ElSaffar presented as a part of MET Moroccan Court Music Series
Free and open to the public
The Iraqi Maqam is one of the oldest models of maqam practice and one of the most refined of the many maqam traditions found throughout the Arab and Muslim world. Its highly complex system of melodies, rhythms, and poetry can be found aspects of Iraq's history, the sentiments of its people, and the richness of its culture.
Until recently...
Alwan for the Arts presents:
An evening of Iraqi music with Amir ElSaffar presented as a part of MET Moroccan Court Music Series
Free and open to the public
The Iraqi Maqam is one of the oldest models of maqam practice and one of the most refined of the many maqam traditions found throughout the Arab and Muslim world. Its highly complex system of melodies, rhythms, and poetry can be found aspects of Iraq's history, the sentiments of its people, and the richness of its culture.
Until recently, singers, musicians, connoisseurs, and enthusiasts congregated nightly in coffeehouses and salons throughout Baghdad, Mousil, and Kirkuk for maqam performances that often lasted up to nine hours. Knowledge of the maqam was commonplace among Iraqis of all socioeconomic, religious, and ethnic backgrounds. Sadly, as a result of the increasingly difficult conditions in Iraq over the past half century, the state of the maqam has declined to the point that there are very few public performances today in Iraq. However, the maqam is now experiencing renewed interest among Iraqis living in and outside of Iraq's borders.
For more information about the artist: http://www.amirelsaffar.com/