Instrumental Composed Forms are not as widespread as Vocal Composed Forms in Arabic Music, since that tradition is primarily vocal. As such, performances of only instrumental Arabic music are rare. However, instrumental music complements vocal music beautifully, and provides essential introductions, transitions, and interludes, while also showcasing instrumentalists in the singer's ensemble.
The Maqtu‘a (literally a piece) is a generic instrumental composition. It is also called ma‘zufa (played on an instrument, as opposed to sung). The maqtu‘a form is especially popular in Raqs Sharqi (belly dance) music.
The Muqaddima literally means "introduction". This form became popular toward the mid 20th century as composers added long introductions to the new popular Ughniya (long song) form. Elaborate muqaddima-s sometimes lasted over 5 minutes and featured multiple sectionsas well as Maqam modulations and instrumental solos.
The Dulab is a very short composition that features and introduces a Maqam. Its name means "wheel" in Arabic because the same melody is repeated multiple times. The dulab could be a stand alone piece that precedes an improvisation, or it could serve as the introduction to a Dawr.
The Tahmila is an instrumental piece that combines a repeating refrain with verses that are part-composed and part improvised. The tahmila is usually played by a small takht (traditional small ensemble) where each player takes turns playing the verse and improvising, and the refrain is played by the entire ensemble.
The Darij form (formally called Sama‘i Darij) is a simple instrumental composition named after Iqa‘ Sama‘i Darij (3/4), which it uses. Like the Ottoman Instrumental Forms, the darij composition is anchored in a principal maqam that lends it its name, followed by the composer’s name.
Darij compositions were widespread in the Arab world before the 20th century, but nowadays they are very rarely performed or composed.
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