Neaimi’s revolutionary Polyphonic Maqam System launched by the Abu Dhabi Festival

Culture and art

13-11-2021, 18:32

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Baghdad-INA

This innovative musical system is an answer to centuries of studies and research by music scholars and philosophers dating back to the time of al-Kindi, up until today.

Starting today, it has now become possible to write polyphonic musical compositions with an Arab identity, using all oriental musical scales without exception - including the maqams that carry non-tempered degrees (intervals other than semi-tones).

Qoutayba Neaimi crafts together his knowledge of Arabic maqam and Western counterpoint and harmony, while this innovation will bear many fruits in the artistic, cultural or diplomatic fields.

Qoutayba Neaimi comments : "Our Arabic music has a very long history. I want to enhance the sheer beauty and richness of the world of maqam through composition and research".

"My goal is to export the Arabic musical legacy, and to open new paths by harmonising the maqam system. With my Polyphonic Maqam System, I want to open the doors to musicians and scholars of arabic and non-arabic culture alike, and allow for them to develop collaborations and explore new orchestral colors that did not exist previously".

Workshops will be presented in various countries around the world, with the support of the Abu Dhabi Arts Festival. The first workshops will take place in Belgium, France, and the Arab Republic of Egypt for the academic year 2021-2022. More European countries will host workshops during the following academic year 2022-2023.

I extend my thanks and gratitude to the Abu Dhabi Group for Culture and Arts (ADMAF), and particularly to its Founder, H.E. Madam Hoda I. Al Khamis Kanoo, for their unwavering faith and support for this innovation. Their precious role in the area of Arts, Culture, Education and Science contribute to consolidate the position of the United Arab Emirates as an incubator for Arab creators, and as a global platform for developing creative ideas and launching distinguished initiatives inspired by the principles of free and creative thinking.