Doha:The Music Affairs Center, under the Ministry of Culture, hosted a seminar titled "The Arabic Maqam: Its Intervals, Ajnas and Branches" as part of its "Musical Salon" series. The event focused on introducing Arab musical heritage through theoretical analysis and live performance.
According to Qatar News Agency, the seminar was presented by oud player Amir Ayad alongside the Center's ensemble. It delved into the Arab maqam as a foundational element of Eastern music, detailing its structure, technical characteristics, and tonal relationships.
The session highlighted eight primary Arab maqamat: Rast, Nahawand, Ajam, Kurd, Bayati, Hijaz, Saba, and Sikah. To facilitate understanding, the ensemble performed live musical segments for each maqam, offering attendees a practical listening experience.
Additionally, the discussion covered structural variations across different regional musical schools, the role of the maqam in contemporary music, and the effects of globalization and modern cultural shifts on the Arab musical landscape.