Author Archives: Hasan

In search of post-esoteric sonic arcs

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A curiosity in the process of taqasim (improvisations in the Arabic musical traditions) is the constant reference to the qaraar (the bass drone; literally translates to ‘decision’). The interplay between the qaraar (bass drone) and the jawaab (all other tones that are usually on a higher pitch; literally translates to ‘response’) is often seen as the content of the taqasim. I imagine an overall arc that exists on a plane beyond the divorced distinctions of qaraar and jawaab. In this sonic experiment, I explore the existence of a deconstructed sonic arc (or multiple arcs) that are presented in connected electronic pulses.

On Intonations and Improvisational Sonic Arcs

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Again I find myself looking into the idea of the structural arcs of taqasim (improvisation in the Arab musical traditions). Despite the idea of improvisation being that of complete freedom in expressing sound or music (assuming that the two are different), there generally seems to be an agreement of there being what is generally ‘acceptable’ as a successful attempt at improvising within classical Arab musical traditions.

I must also point out that I have recently been experimenting with the impact of intonation within the framework of improvising in the taqasim approach. Intonation, I find, certainly adds an important depth to a musical work that is prepared in the taqasim improvisational style. One must remember that although there needs to be a strong understanding of maqam (mode) and iqa’a (rhythm), intonation – perhaps as Harry Partch argued is the very foundation of the origin of music in its most corporeal form – must never be overlooked.

In this following piece, I attempt to deconstruct elements of this improvisational arc as played on an electric oud running through Ableton Live and Max4Live. Please refer to my art music manifesto for more background.

ALMOST BEAUTIFUL:

Post Sonicles

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Between 2009 and 2011, I had an ongoing project I named “sonicles”, which were posted regularly on this website (which have been compiled and moved here). In July 2011, I began my next project – Post Esoteric Art Music – which entails an art manifesto of my own based on my research and experimentation with music and performance.

Since ending my “sonicles” project I uploaded some other works on my soundcloud page. These ‘homeless’ works are here for your listening pleasure.

Furniture One:

Self-Imposed Ethics:

Beta Wall: A Sketch