Ghazal and Musical Forms: A Performance Lecture

The ghazal is a poetic form consisting of rhyming couplets and a refrain, with each line sharing the same meter. A ghazal may be understood as a poetic expression of both the pain of loss or separation and the beauty of love in spite of that pain. Ghazal "gayaki," is the art of singing or performing the ghazal in North Indian classical tradition to render the varying moods of the couplets or "shers." Salamat Ali will illustrate how the gayaki lends itself to musical ragas.

In collaboration with the Department of Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies

Co-convened by

• Tahira Naqvi, Senior Language Lecturer, Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies, New York University Abu Dhabi
• Gabriela Nik Ilieva, Clinical Professor, Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies, New York University Abu Dhabi

Convened by

• Zvi Ben-Dor Benite, Chair and Professor of History, Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies, New York University Abu Dhabi