Ornamentation (Ṭarab)
Using vocal/instrumental ornaments (vibrato, glides between quarter-tones, repeats) at climax and tonic points.
The five levels
Each anchor describes what separates one level from the next — not a general description of quality. This is the text the evaluator itself reads.
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Level 1 Below Standard
A bare performance with no ornament, losing the ṭarab.
Example Straight notes without soul.
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Level 2 Approaching
Sparse ornament at unsuitable spots.
Example Vibrato where steadiness is needed.
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Level 3 At Standard
Ornament at reasonable points serving the performance.
Example A gentle vibrato on the tonic.
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Level 4 Above Standard
Refined ornament building ṭarab at climax and tonic.
Example A measured glide between quarter-tones stirring ṭarab.
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Level 5 Excellence
Ornament serving ṭarab in its rightful places without display; it moves the listener.
Example A performance that stirs ṭarab without over-ornamenting.
Where does your own work sit on these levels?
Submit one work to be read against this criterion alone: your position across the five levels, why you are not higher and why not lower, three literal quotes from your own work, and one exercise with its success check. Your first card is free.
Price: 7 SAR · Included in Pro & Artist Plus · First one free — Pricing details
Read my work by this criterionOther criteria in the same art
Maintaining a consistent and continuous tempo throughout the performance
The five levels →Hitting the Arabic neutral note (quarter-tone) precisely in cents, not rounding it to the nearest Western semitone.
The five levels →Accuracy in playing notes and avoiding deviation from correct pitches
The five levels →Conveying a feeling or meaning to the listener through musical performance
The five levels →Constructing performance with cohesive structure: intro, development, climax, outro
The five levels →Musician's complete presence in the moment during performance
The five levels →Musician's ability to create genuine dialogue with their listeners
The five levels →Executing the Arabic rhythmic cycle's structure (dum/tak) at its correct time positions (Maqsūm, Maṣmūdī…).
The five levels →