taqasim
An improvised solo passage in Arabic music that explores a maqam without fixed rhythm.
In Depth
Taqasim (singular: taqsim) is the Arabic equivalent of the Hindustani alap. The musician freely explores the intervals, phrases, and emotional character of a maqam, gradually ascending through the scale and modulating to related maqams before returning. Taqasim showcases the performer's knowledge of the maqam system and their emotional expressiveness. It can open a piece, serve as an interlude between composed sections, or stand alone as a complete improvisation.
A master oud player performing taqasim can modulate through five or six related maqams in a single improvisation, demonstrating encyclopaedic knowledge of the modal system.