TAQSIM

in Islamic music, free-form melodic improvisation, performed by solo voice or on a solo instrument, often a lute; or by the principal instruments of an orchestra playing in succession. The taqsim often forms the first movement of a suite (nawbah), a popular form in Arabic music; it may also be performed as an independent solo piece. It serves to establish the mood of the music to come, to accustom the listeners to the maqam (melodic mode) to be used, and to verify the tuning of the instruments. The rhythms of a taqsim are simple and flexible, and the tempo can be varied freely. Although based on traditional melodic elements of the chosen maqam, the actual melodic motion is freely improvised by the performer.