Iraq: Iqa’at: Traditional Rhythmic Structure

In Iraq, maqam—a term referring to any one of the rhythmically complex and improvisational melodic modes of Arabic classical music, which dictate pitches, pattern, and song progression—is performed in three distinct regional styles by vocalists, instrumentalists, and mixed drum groups. This compilation of recordings by ethnomusicologist Habib Hassan Touma features various musical genres from Basra Province and Baghdad that provide a glimpse into the varied iqa’at (rhythmic forms) in traditional Iraqi music.

Track Listing

101	Mukhalif - Maqam Iraqi	Muhammad H. Jrifani, Mullah Adnan Ensemble	14:45
102	Iqa´at - Solo Improvisation	Sami Abdulahad	09:52
103	Fann Khammari	Abdulrazzak Talal, Mullah Adnan Ensemble	05:05
104	Iqa´at - Collective Improvisation	Iraqi Ensemble for Traditional Music	08:11
105	Murabba´	Maidah Nazhat, Iraqi Ensemble for Traditional Music	04:26
106	Abuziyyah	Riad Ahmad, Iraqi Ensemble for Traditional Music	06:48
107	Mawwal	Ibrahim Rahim, Iraqi Ensemble for Traditional Music	03:37