Contemporary Egyptian music

Abstract

This study examines the music, lives, works, and culture of Contemporary Egyptian Music and its composers. The music, sometimes referred to as Egyptian Western-influenced art music or Twentieth Century Egyptian music, constitutes a small yet important branch of the overall Egyptian music domain and Middle Eastern music as a whole. The music presented in this category is composed between 1932 until 1995, when this research was completed. The composers in focus, those who are alive and active today in Egypt, are trained in Egyptian Western-style conservatories or abroad. Their music makes use of both Western and Egyptian idiomatic techniques and elements.

The history of Egyptian music and cross-cultural interactions are examined from the time of the Pharaohs up to the current situation in Egypt. The various categories of Egyptian music, referred to as Central Domain Music are presented and musical change is examined in each category. The styles, genres and performance venues of the various Egyptian musics in this domain are discussed. Contemporary Egyptian Music is outlined as an active part of this domain. Extensive composer interviews present the lives and concerns of this small group. The composers' relationship with their audience is contrasted with the situation faced by Western composers today. Music examples and analyses show the structure and universality of this music. Current trends and problems in the propagation, performance, publishing, and dissemination of this music are also discussed.