NAWBAH

in Islamic music, a suite of several movements, usually 8 to 10 but varying in form and duration depending on regional origin. The nawbah contains both instrumental and vocal pieces that are performed solo or by a group. Instrumental movements include the introductory improvisation (taqsim) and various rhythmic introductions to vocal movements. Vocal movements are based on various poetic forms, primarily the ghazel, a solo love song. The same melodic mode (maqam) and a succession of rhythmic modes (iqa'at) may be used in all movements.