The Oud: Its Reflections on Playing level and Development of Music

Abstract

The oud instrument is a traditional musical instrument which has a long and deep history in Arab, Kurdish and Islamic cultures. The ouds body consists of different types of woods with several strings that are played with the fingers or plectrum. The history of It comes back to thousands of years, scholars believe that the oud originated in Mesopotamia and then spread to other parts of the world, including the Middle East and North Africa. The oud was more important than a musical instrument. It has played a major role in social and political culture throughout the ages. In Arab societies in general and Kurdish societies in particular, the oud has been a symbol of art and cultural identity. Evenings of music, bringing family and friends together and strengthening social bonds through playing and singing have reflected a rich legacy of stories and emotions. Politically, the oud has been associated with the cultural movement and the Eastern world. Artists and inventors have used it to express their opinions and attitudes towards social and political changes. The oud was also a means of communicating political and social messages through songs and melodies that have deep meaning. In practice, the oud is an important part of musical culture. Because it is used in various occasions such as weddings and parties and creates a balance between the old and the modern in the world of contemporary art. It is also a means of training and teaching new generations in the art of music, preserving rich cultural heritage. The oud also represents a connection between the past and the present, reflecting a long history of innovation and expression, and continues to maintain its position as a major component of Oriental art and music.