2.1 الموسيقى التقليدية الفنية

Summary

This video explores traditional Moroccan art music, highlighting key styles such as Andalusian music, Melhoun, and Raïs. Andalusian music, influenced by centuries of cultural fusion between Morocco and Andalusia, is known for its intricate melodies and rhythms, while Melhoun is a form of poetic, socially relevant song sung in Moroccan dialect. Raïs music, from the Berber communities, is characterized by its joyful, pentatonic melodies and celebratory themes. The video also covers Samaa, religious music rooted in Andalusian traditions. These genres showcase Morocco's rich cultural diversity, blending Muslim, Jewish, and Berber musical heritages.

Takeaways

• 😀 Moroccan traditional music is influenced by diverse cultural and historical backgrounds, particularly Andalusian, Arab, Jewish, and Amazigh cultures.
• 😀 Andalusian music, a blend of influences from the Islamic West, forms the foundation of many Moroccan musical styles, especially through the Nuba system of structured pieces.
• 😀 The Nuba consists of 11 parts, divided into 5 rhythmic stages, and a full performance can extend to over 100 hours of music.
• 😀 The three main forms of Andalusian music in Morocco are *Tarab Al-Ilah* (found in cities like Fes and Tangier), *Ghernati* (in cities like Oujda and Rabat), and Jewish-influenced musical traditions.
• 😀 *Malhoun* poetry is a distinctive Moroccan folk poetry form, often coupled with music. It’s known for its rhythmic structure and themes relating to social, religious, and historical contexts.
• 😀 *Raï* music, originating from the Amazigh people, uses a pentatonic scale and blends singing, poetry, and musical performance, with musicians often performing multiple roles.
• 😀 *Raï* music often incorporates rhythmic foot-tapping and is noted for its clear poetic messages, frequently expressing social or political themes.
• 😀 Sufism plays a key role in Moroccan music, with spiritual performances like *Sama* (Sufi music) integrating religious themes and helping connect the music to deeper spiritual meanings.
• 😀 Jewish communities in Morocco contributed significantly to the preservation and development of Andalusian music, especially through their integration of Arabic and Hebrew languages in performances.
• 😀 *Matzrovet* is a specific example of Jewish-influenced Andalusian music, where Arabic and Hebrew verses alternate in the same melody.
• 😀 Traditional Moroccan music continues to evolve today, with modern tools like recordings and digital media playing a role in passing down knowledge from generation to generation.

Q & A

What is the focus of the script on traditional Moroccan music?

The script discusses various traditional music genres in Morocco, including Andalusian music, Malhoun, and Rwais, and how these genres have been influenced by cultural and historical factors such as the Islamic, Jewish, and Berber traditions.

What is Andalusian music, and how did it evolve?

Andalusian music evolved from the cultural exchange between the Islamic world of Morocco and Andalusia (Spain). It includes complex musical forms, particularly the 'nubah', and is characterized by its classical structure, poetic content, and use of various regional styles in cities like Fes, Tétouan, and Rabat.

What are the three main forms of Andalusian music mentioned in the script?

The three main forms of Andalusian music discussed in the script are 'Tarab al-‘illah' (mood music), 'Al-Garnati' (a specific form practiced in cities like Rabat and Wajda), and the Jewish Moroccan music that also evolved from Andalusian influences.

How is the 'nubah' structured in Andalusian music?

The 'nubah' is a musical cycle consisting of a series of musical pieces and transitions, typically divided into five rhythmic phases or 'mezan'. Each phase is performed using various classical poetic forms like 'mochah', 'zajal', and 'brulin'.

What is Malhoun, and what makes it unique?

Malhoun is a type of poetry and music sung in the Moroccan dialect. It is unique because it often deals with social, historical, and political themes and is traditionally performed by lower-class individuals, many of whom relied on oral traditions for composing and sharing their work.

What are some of the common themes in Malhoun music?

Malhoun music often explores social themes, such as community and life experiences, as well as historical and political topics, such as the war in Tétouan or the entry of the French into cities like Wajda.

How does the Malhoun genre relate to other forms of Moroccan poetry and music?

Malhoun is closely related to classical poetry, such as formal Arabic poetry, but it also introduces a more informal, colloquial aspect through its use of the Moroccan dialect. It is also related to the broader musical landscape, with lyrics often set to music in various local styles.

What is the significance of the Rwais genre in Moroccan music?

The Rwais genre is significant as it represents the musical tradition of the Berber communities, especially in the Sous region. It uses a five-note scale and combines singing, poetry, and dance, with the Rwais acting as the leaders and performers of the music, which is accompanied by traditional instruments like the rebab and t'bel.

How does the Rwais genre differ from other Moroccan musical traditions?

The Rwais genre is distinct due to its use of the pentatonic scale (five notes), its integration of dance, and its focus on Berber culture. Unlike Andalusian music, which has a more formal and structured nature, Rwais is more improvisational and deeply connected to the local, rural traditions of the Berber people.

What instruments are typically used in Rwais performances?

In Rwais performances, traditional instruments such as the rebab (a string instrument), t'bel (drum), and occasionally the nay (flute) are used. These instruments support the performance of the poetry and dance that are central to the Rwais genre.