Murabba‘ مربّع
A thirteen-beat cycle associated with the muwashshah repertoire. Its Dum–Tek–Tek opening leads through alternating strokes and spaces to a final Dum and a full beat of rest. [1]MaqamWorld · Murabba‘ / مربّعmaqamworld.com[2]عالم المقامات · Murabba‘ / مربّعmaqamworld.com[3]Jas / Jeff Senn (Khafif) · Murabba‘ alternate patternskhafif.com
Hear the shape of the rhythm.
BASIC PATTERN3 + 4 + 4 + 2 · quarter-note groups
Musical context
A muwashshah is a composed vocal form using classical Arabic poetry. Its repertoire includes long and uneven rhythmic cycles. Count through a complete sung phrase to hear how the cycle shapes the melody. [4]MaqamWorld · The muwashshah vocal formmaqamworld.com
Names & context
- Arabic name
- مربّع
- Arabic alternatives
- مربع
- Other names & spellings
- Murabba · Murabbaa
The name refers to the number four, but this rhythm has thirteen quarter-note beats. Basic follows MaqamWorld’s version, grouped 3 + 4 + 4 + 2. Khafif documents different placements and fills; Classic here adds original practice ornaments. [1]MaqamWorld · Murabba‘ / مربّعmaqamworld.com[2]عالم المقامات · Murabba‘ / مربّعmaqamworld.com[3]Jas / Jeff Senn (Khafif) · Murabba‘ alternate patternskhafif.com
Regions & traditions
Musical use and influences can span several regions. [1]MaqamWorld · Murabba‘ / مربّعmaqamworld.com
Video tutorials
Watch tutorialMurabba‘: count thirteen beats
Adel Shams el-Din · Arabic · Intermediate lesson
Watch & try. Follow Adel Shams el-Din’s riq lesson on Murabba‘. Count all thirteen beats through the rests, then transfer the bass and rim outline to darbuka. Compare the teacher’s fills with the simpler practice grid.
Abderrahman Kazzoul · إيقاع المربع مع عادل شمس الدين