AVNER FINBERG

Maqam is the name of the modal system used in traditional Arab music. The performer establishes a maqam (scale) in free improvisation, then sings a song in the maqam. Another improvisation follows, modulating to another maqam, then another song follows. The piece Maqamat (plural of maqam) is based on the improvisational form of traditional Arab music, especially the classical Egyptian music as found in the music of Um Qultum and Farid El-Atrash. Maqamat was premiered by Kate Dillingham at a recital at Spectrum NYC on May 2015.