The Arabic Trumpet

A Trumpet used to play Arabic Maqam scales

Arabic Trumpet pioneer Sami al-Babli

The Arabic Trumpet is a trumpet that is used to play the Arabic maqam scales. Some musicians achieve that by using a trumpet fitted with a fourth valve (that can produce quartertones), others achieve it by using the slides on the first and third valves (available on all professional trumpets).

The trumpet never became a mainstream instrument in Arabic music, and is the only Arabized instrument that was never featured in the Umm Kulthum orchestra. The most well-known Arabic trumpet player and pioneer is the Egyptian Sami al-Babli who performed regularly with Sha'bi singer Ahmed Adaweyya.

Today two young musicans of Arab descent carry the Arabic Trumpet forward, and both do it within a Jazz setting that combines Western harmony with Arabic maqam melodies: Amir Elsaffar (Iraq/U.S.A) and Ibrahim Maalouf (Lebanon/France).

Sami al-Babli A rare video recording of Arabic trumpet pioneer Sami al-Babli (Egypt) doing a Taqsim in Maqam Nahawand with Abdo Dagher.

Sami al-Babli Another rare video recording of Sami al-Babli doing a Taqsim in Maqam Saba during the introduction to a song by Sha‘bi singer Ahmed Adaweyya. Al-Babli was regularly featured in Adaweyya's ensemble.

Amir Elsaffar Iraqi-American Trumpet and Santur player Amir Elsaffar in an NPR Music Field Recording playing one of his compositions which blend elements from the Arabic Maqam system and Jazz.

Ibrahim Maalouf Lebanese-French trumpet player Ibrahim Maalouf playing a cover of Umm Kukthum's song Alf Leila w Leila (1969, music by Baligh Hamdi) in a Jazz arrangement that nevertheless allows room for Arabic Maqam scales.

Explore other Arabized instruments: