The Maqam Book – A Doorway to Arab Scales and Modes

David Muallem’s Maqam Book is the first systematic presentation of the system of scales and modes (maqamat) used in Arab music, and is intended for musicians of all backgrounds, as well as for the layman who seeks to understand and appreciate Arab music. The book includes a historical background, an explanation of the scalar systems used in European music and Arab music (with references to Turkish music and Persian music), and an analysis of 48 different maqamat, their transpositions and modulations. The online audio tracks (available for download on the publisher’s website) demonstrate 39 maqamat as played on the qanun. The book is recommended as a textbook for courses on Arab music, Middle-Eastern and Asian music, and world music, and may be used for self-study as well.