Samei is a traditional form of abstract Arab music. Basic structure has 3 movements with the introduction repeated between them. The form uses always an odd rhythm 10/8 with only the last movement in fast 3/8. The scale here is Arabic "kord"; G minor
Modern Classics
Modern Classics
Story behind the song
The form " Samaei" has existed in Arab music for more than a century. The same form existed also in the Turkish and to a lesser extent in the Persian music as a traditional instrumental form.
Although such classical forms are not being widely used nowadays, they remain the main core of any Arabic musical academic career. Outside the musical institutes, the new "free" forms of music have dominated the musical scene.
However, the old forms had some advantages that make them survive. Most important is that they allow real completion in creating various melodies based on the same structure.
Parallel forms in the west are represented by sonatas, concertos, symphonies, etc.
