Instrument · Wind
Clarinet
Arabic: كلارينيت; Turkish: klarnet
A single-reed woodwind capable of smooth glissandi, dramatic pitch bends, fast runs and a wide dynamic range.
Germany/Europe; major regional dance tradition in Turkey
Origin
The modern clarinet developed in Europe around the turn of the 18th century. It later entered Ottoman, Turkish, Balkan and Arabic musical traditions, where players developed highly ornamented modal techniques.
Role in the dance
Clarinet is particularly significant in Turkish Oriental and Turkish/Romani-influenced repertoire. Its playful slides and rapid melodic flourishes can produce a very different dance quality from Egyptian nay or accordion.
Music
Rhythms it plays
Chiftetelli
8/4Slow versions provide large spaces between accents and are ideal for expressive improvisation, veil, floor-level work and instrumental taqsim. Faster variants have a much lighter social-dance feeling. MaqamWorld identifies it as a Turkish usul that became established in Arabic music.
Malfuf
2/4A fast, rolling rhythm often heard at the beginning or end of an oriental routine. Excellent for travelling steps, entrances, exits, veil entrances and fast transitions. Its accent structure has a characteristic 3+3+2 feeling.
Maqsum
4/4Probably the single most important rhythmic cycle for an oriental dancer. It appears in Egyptian popular music, classical compositions, baladi music, shaabi and modern Arabic pop, and frequently serves as the neutral rhythmic foundation to which other rhythms return. MaqamWorld describes it as the most widely used iqa‘ in Arabic music.