The Taqsim research project aims to analytically and performatively compare the living, orally–aurally transmitted musical tradition of taqsim, as practised in Palestine and surrounding areas, with the Western European musical tradition of preluding, a disappeared oral–aural practice known today only through historical publications. Despite the cultural differences between these two improvisation-based traditions, there are striking similarities in design and applications. Both traditions contain inherently present, uniquely shaped improvisational skills that allow performers the freedom to personalize the music within stylistic frameworks.
This research intends to artistically–performatively explore interesting analogies between the two traditions in terms of artistic performance, based on a set of structural principles, and to highlight affinities. Comparative research offers the opportunity for new reflections on the previously researched Western European traditions, as well as for the development of improvisational artistic practices, methodologies, and pedagogical tools for (higher) music education.
Update: June 2026
