The Music of the Arabs
This comprehensive book on Arabic music by a composer and musicologist now living in Germany is part technical treatise, with many musical examples; part history; and about half cultural description. Concerned that traditional Arabic music is in danger of being lost because of pressures to Westernize, Touma earnestly chronicles the presence and use of music in the contemporary Arab world, with detailed reports on song styles, musical instruments, art music, religious music, and popular music. He approves of musicians who preserve tradition while offering a distinctive voice of their own, such as composer Munir Bashir and singer Umm Kulthum. A bibliographic essay discussing sources in Arabic, French, German, and English ends the book. A specialized work by an expert; for large music collections.?Bonnie Jo Dopp, Montgomery Cty. Dept. of Public Libs., Md.Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.