Musical Heritage of Al-Andalus

The Musical Heritage of Al-Andalus is a critical account of the history of Andalusian music in Iberia from the Islamic conquest of 711 to the final expulsion of the Moriscos in the early 17th century. It presents documentation and analyses of sources in Arabic, Old Catalan, Castilian, Hebrew, and Latin, and is informed by research on modern Andalusian musical traditions in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Lebanon, and Syria. The work aims to elucidate the many different types of musical interactions that took place in medieval Iberia and the complexity of the various borrowings, adaptations, hybridizations, and appropriations involved.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 258 pages
\n Publication date: 31 December 2020
\n Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd
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The Musical Heritage of Al-Andalus is a comprehensive and detailed account of the history of Andalusian music in Iberia from the Islamic conquest of 711 to the final expulsion of the Moriscos (Spanish Muslims converted to Christianity) in the early 17th century. This volume presents the extensive documentation that has survived through the centuries, accompanied by critical and analytical examinations of the sources written in Arabic, Old Catalan, Castilian, Hebrew, and Latin. Additionally, the author's extensive research on modern Andalusian musical traditions in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Lebanon, and Syria has informed the work.

While the cultural achievements of medieval Muslim Spain have received considerable scholarly and popular attention in recent decades, it is arguable that its most enduring contribution, music, has been largely overlooked. The primary objective of this work is to elucidate as clearly as possible the diverse range of musical interactions that occurred in medieval Iberia and the intricate complexities of the various borrowings, adaptations, hybridizations, and appropriations involved.

The Islamic conquest of 711 marked a significant turning point in the history of Andalusian music, as it brought about the integration of Arab and Jewish musical traditions with the local Christian and Muslim populations. This fusion resulted in the development of a unique musical style known as "Andalusian music," which incorporated elements from various cultural and religious backgrounds.

Throughout the centuries, Andalusian music evolved and diversified, with different regions and cities contributing their own distinct musical traditions. The music of Al-Andalus was characterized by its complex melodies, intricate rhythms, and use of instruments such as the oud, guitar, and qanun. It also featured a rich repertoire of vocal styles, including the muwashshah, a form of improvised singing that was particularly popular during the medieval period.

One of the most significant contributions of Andalusian music to world music was its influence on the development of flamenco. Flamenco is a genre of music that originated in the southern region of Spain and is characterized by its passionate and expressive nature. It incorporates elements of Arabic, Jewish, and Christian music, as well as the rhythms and melodies of Andalusian music.

The expulsion of the Moriscos in the early 17th century marked the end of the golden age of Andalusian music. However, the legacy of Andalusian music continued to influence the development of music in other regions of Spain and beyond. The music of Al-Andalus was widely studied and admired by musicians and composers throughout Europe, and it played a significant role in the development of classical music.

In conclusion, The Musical Heritage of Al-Andalus is a vital and essential work that provides a comprehensive and detailed account of the history of Andalusian music in Iberia. It sheds light on the many different types of musical interactions that took place, the complexity of the various borrowings, adaptations, hybridizations, and appropriations involved, and the enduring legacy of Andalusian music on world music. This work is a valuable resource for scholars, musicians, and anyone interested in the cultural and musical heritage of medieval Spain.

\n Weight: 552g\n
Dimension: 161 x 242 x 24 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780367243142\n \n