Some of the best contributions to the world of music have come from the Middle East. The music of Middle East covers a wide span of countries such as Morocco to Iran, and beyond. The haunting melodies of Middle Eastern music have always intrigued the listener, and the charm of the music is spellbinding. Each country in the Middle East has its own traditions in music, its distinctive tunes and rhythms. Unlike much Western music, the music of the Middle East includes quartertones halfway between notes, often with stringed instruments like the oud, or the human voice.



One of the other distinguishing characteristics of the music of the Middle East is that the composition of music in this area includes very complex rhythmic structures; the texture of the musical composition is generally homophonic. This lends a rather hypnotic effect to the music, giving it a mystical aura, which is what the western audience has always associated with Middle East. Each of the regions that Middle East covers has a unique charm to its tone and rhythmical structure. Some of the musical styles of the Middle East include Arabic Classical, Algerian Rai, Christian Coptic, Egyptian Chaabi and Al-Geel, Berber, Kurdish, Nubian, Persian, Sufi, Turkish Classical, and some other folk variants. Many international music companies worldwide release these styles of music of the Middle East, often marketed under the label of world music. There are many talent and artist management agencies, who also hire these ethnic artists to perform at global events.

The style and mode of presentation of music in each of these different areas is unique. Some of the regional music of the Middle East include solo performances on an instrument, whereas some are group performances. The religion of each Middle Eastern country also influences its music, for example, Sufi styled music sounds different from Arabic classical music. Religion plays an important role in determining musical traditions, and the preservers of such a tradition incorporate some of the styles into spiritual disciplines.

Modern Middle East music has evolved out of these various traditional melodies, and merged well with the latest sounds of music like rap and hip-hop. There is Arabic Rap for the next generation of Middle Eastern citizens. Sufi music has turned into a global phenomenon, and artists nowadays play it on western instruments such as the guitar. Many contemporary music bands bring the music of the Middle East to worldwide audiences, by releasing their CDs and giving live performances. In a world of fusion music, the east and the west blend together to give a fantastic sound, resonating with the pulse of today's Middle East.

You are bound to get addicted to the kind of beautiful and lingering sound of music of the Middle East. Once you listen to it, you will definitely want more - whether you have listened to the classical style or the more modern and contemporary Middle East fusion bands. This is Middle East unplugged for you, and I can guarantee that you will demand more of this sound.