Meaning of Arabesque in Music
In music, an **arabesque** refers to a highly ornamental melody that is characterized by its intricate and decorative nature. The term "arabesque" in music is borrowed from the art term of the same name, which is associated with the curvilinear and intricate designs found in Arabic architecture and visual arts ).
The concept of the arabesque in music is often tied to visual ornamentation, as the unfolding of the melody creates a sense of slowing down time within the composition. The curving movement of the arabesque in music creates circular phrases that evoke perpetual melodies ).
The term "arabesque" has been used by various composers to title their compositions. For example, Jean Sibelius composed "Arabesque, Op. 76/9" in 1914, Bohuslav Martin composed "Seven Arabesques" for cello and piano in 1931, and Claude Debussy composed "Two Arabesques" ).
Overall, an arabesque in music is a highly ornamented and decorative melody that adds a sense of beauty and intricacy to a composition.
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An ornament or an embellished composition. The term is taken from the Arabic art and architecture which was very ornate. This term is used for various kinds of melodic, contrapuntal, or harmonic ornamentation. Several composers including Claude Debussy and Robert Schumann have used this term as a title for compositions.
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