Mosaique Tarab

Mosaique Tarab comes from Tunisia, and its focus is already reflected in its name. In Arabic musical tradition, tarab refers to that form of musical rapture in which listeners and ensemble work together to build up a mood. The programme falls within the field of world music and thus draws on the sound world of the Maghreb and the eastern Mediterranean.

Typical of this style are long, melodically intricate pieces built on the maqamat, the Arabic scales and modes. The oud, kanun and percussion set the rhythm, while the vocal line often forms the emotional centre. In Tunisia, the tradition of malouf is also important here; it goes back to the Andalusian heritage and is still cultivated today as cultural heritage.