Farida - Mawal E Magamat Iragi

The maqam is one of the genres of singing in Iraq. Because it has its own standard inherited rules it can be considered as a traditional and classical music. Maqams are performed mainly and widely in the Iraqi cities of Baghdad, Mosul and Kerkuk but are practised in limited venues in the cities of Kerbala, Hilla and Diyala as well. Artistically interpreted, maqam is a distinguished mode along the course of Iraqi music and singing. It is based on two main factors: that of sound (melody) and the time (rhythm). Usually the maqam singer is called Qaari (reader) because originally maqam was categorized within the Sofistic and religious music.The maqam singer is expected to apply the standard rules of maqam but then to integrate his or her own improvisation to reflect his or her own particular character as a singer. Farida Mohammad Ali is considered the leading female maqam singer in the world today.This album was selected as one the best 10 CDs in the world for the year 2000 by Songlines.