Searching for possibilities - Exploring the potentials of my Qanun performance

Shafeeq Alsadi

Over the course of many years of playing the qanun; a trapezoidal middle eastern zither-like stringed instrument, I have noticed how often the instrument has been played within its modal traditional framework, leading me to a perception that the qanun and myself are prevented from discovering more techniques and new potentials. I, hence, have been attempting to explore the traditional manners of treating the instrument with regard to timbre, playing techniques, and different harmonic orientations - while trying to maintain its true qualities and not losing sight of its traditional soul. My aspiration, as well as my method, is to be open to what one can do with the instrument rather than to take a specific approach. The qanun had shown an untapped capacity for expanded techniques and a broader range of sounds that enrich and revitalize the instrument's sounds library. This research has enabled me to stretch my boundaries and explore unknown possibilities, which has helped in the expansion of my own self-expression as a composer. It also paved the way for me to investigate further unexplored potentials of the instrument as this research emphasizes to show the qanun’s enormous capabilities that have yet to be realized.

Arabic music improvisation or Taqsim (plural Taqsim) is a traditional framework that closely follows the sayr of a maqam (including intonation, phrasing, and modulation). It is the immediate platform for an instrumentalist to interact with their listeners whilst experimenting and playing with the maqam. The taqsim also shows the instrument's beauty, embellishments possibilities, and the performer's skills, technique, and personal expression.

The significance of this form stems from the musician's stock and heritage, as well as their dependence on the big range of musical phrases stored in their mind, their familiarity with the maqam and the comprehension of its subtle sections, and the uniqueness of each maqam on its own.

The following video is a Taqsim on Maqam Nahawand, which is similar to the minor scale in Western music, and many of its major modulations mirror the minor scale's "natural," "harmonic," and "melodic" versions.

Arabic modal improvisation (Taqasim)

Free improvisation is an important component of my project, in which I can portray free solo works that include certain thematic elements, such as rhythmic patterns, textures, motifs, atmospheric elements, and dynamics that convey meditative experimental themes.

“Mediations with the qanun” reflects the journey of self-discovery and understanding through meditation, where improvisations can be used as a means to expand my mind's horizons and stretch beyond the limits of the conventional approaches. It takes me into a meditative state and creates a space to observe my mind and express my thoughts. This practice enhances my confidence in exploring new musical possibilities with a sense of freedom and adventure.

When I meditate, I strengthen my understanding and learn more about both my instrument and myself. Each time, improvisation takes me into new and unexplored territories, where I conquer internal challenges by trying to remain aware and mindful of the present moment. The aim is to experiment with music and not worry about how it sounds so that spontaneous moments can be observed. I wanted to remain unbiased, letting the instrument take over my creative mind, deciding all the rules about what will come next.

The resultant may lead to creating meditative and adventurous compositions that narrate a flow of spontaneous moments, feelings, and ideas, each with its own distinctness, which would be lost if I recomposed or rearranged them. Therefore, I decided to keep them as they are.

Mediations with the qanun

Using Improvisation as a key to resourcefulness, inspiration, and creativity

"I make music by improvising. It is my source of fun, self-expression, and discovery."

(Diary 15/09/2019)

Qanun solo improvisations

Qanun Taqsim - Maqam Nahawand, 2020

“When I play the qanun, it is as if I were walking through an open landscape. The melodies I hear guide me to discover places, until the moment when a supremely inspiring experience unfolds and leaves me feeling that I have reached a new height.” (Diary 23/02/2020)

Maqam Nahawand

Improvisations (Meditations with the Qanun)

Using Improvisation as a key to resourcefulness, inspiration, and creativity. These recordings are entirely based on improvisation. Without prior arrangement and preparation. This method opened new horizons for me to learn about my instrument and myself.

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Arabic modal improvisation (Taqasim)

Mediations with the qanun