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Doha Series Reclaims Music's 'Authentic' Roots
15 Jun
Summary
- Music series eschews phones and amplification for organic sound.
- Series draws on eight centuries of Arabic musical tradition.
- Maqam system is a melodic framework for emotional expression.
The Heart to Heart series in Doha, Qatar, is fostering a return to organic music experiences by forbidding mobile phones, amplification, and screens. Composer Mustafa Said views this as part of a global movement embracing authenticity and what is real.
Said likens amplified music to industrialized agriculture, arguing it diminishes the natural complexity and harmony of sound waves. The series, now in its second year under Qatar Foundation's support, draws on eight centuries of Arabic musical tradition, including the maqam melodic system.
Maqam, described as a way of thinking and communicating through sound, is seen as integral to collective memory and everyday life in Qatar. Said emphasizes that classical music evolves from within, aiming for preservation through evolution rather than mere documentation.
Said, identifying as a contemporary composer, draws inspiration from overlooked musical heritage to create meaningful new works. The Heart to Heart project seeks to present music as a living art, encouraging a direct experience that balances tradition with innovation and promotes a rebalancing of modern culture.
