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Let’s start with a question: what comes to mind when you think of choral music? For many, it’s sacred harmonies echoing through cathedrals or carefully crafted classical works performed in grand concert halls. And while Western choral traditions include a vibrant and expansive body of secular music, there’s another rich repertoire that often goes underrepresented on the global stage: the secular choral music of the Middle East.
This repertoire is deeply expressive, drawing on centuries of poetry, folk traditions, and regional storytelling. It spans languages, cultures, and musical modes; offering pieces that speak of love, loss, joy, longing, nature, resistance, and everyday life. Yet, in the West, Middle Eastern choral traditions are too often viewed solely through a sacred or religious lens. While sacred music is deeply meaningful in the region, the secular choral tradition is equally important and deserves more visibility. It tells the story of a region that has always been home to rich musical diversity, cross-cultural exchange, and profound artistic expression.
At Dozan World, we believe that secular choral music from the Middle East should find its place in concert halls, music schools, and studios worldwide. The secular works from the region represent humanity in all its diversity and express the vast cultural reservoir built over two millennia, with contributions from diverse people and communities. If you are a music tutor, part of a choir, or someone researching music of the Middle East, here we shall take you through all the basics you must know about secular choral works from this region.
Secular choral works from this region aren’t intended for worship or religious ceremonies or meant to be sung by the followers of any religion. Since religion is such an integral part of people’s lives here, secular choral music is much more of a distinctive genre than elsewhere. Secular works celebrate universal themes and include everything from love poems to folk tales, from historical references to modern reflections on identity and people’s fight against injustice. When you dive into our repertoire, you will find a mix of classical music passed down from generation to generation, along with works by contemporary composers.
The secular choral tradition in the region has a long history, and some of it is older than that composed by the Madrigalists during the Renaissance in Europe. Throughout Arab, Levantine, and Mesopotamian cultures, there is a history of poets and musicians singing songs celebrating love, nature, and the heroism of rulers. While these may not have been choral music in its purest form, they evolved and developed a more defined structure across Egypt, Syria, and Lebanon. Unlike European choral music, which traveled to every corner of the world through exploration and colonialism, the rich secular choral traditions of the Middle East remained confined to the region.
Secular choral works from this region are a hidden gem, with a novelty factor. Many choirs are seeking repertoires that offer fresh perspectives and help them understand different cultures and people through the lens of music. Middle Eastern secular choral works will introduce your brand to a new soundscape with a unique modal system and microtonal shifts. While these may sound challenging at first, your hard work will be well-rewarded when you earn your audience's accolades and leave them spellbound with something new and unique.
Experimenting with Middle Eastern choral works can be overwhelming for any Western group. We have curated extensive collections of Vocal Secular SSA/A and Vocal Secular SAB to help you take the baby steps. From classics that have been around for centuries to contemporary poetry, we handhold your journey. Here are some of the choral works that you can start with
These pieces offer you the perfect introduction to the rich heritage of secular choral music from this region. At Dozan World, we believe music education and performance transcend borders. Even language isn’t a limiting factor anymore, as many choir groups and music schools in the West are turning their attention East to study different cultures and societies through music. We are playing a small part in this by curating accessible sheet music that is accessible to choir groups anywhere in the world. Whether you’re a student choir or a professional ensemble, we invite you to explore our rich collection today.
How are secular choral works different from sacred music?
Secular choral works focus on non-religious themes such as love, nature, and community, while sacred choral music is meant for prayers and religious rituals.
Why should choirs explore Middle Eastern secular choral music?
It has a unique melodic structure and modal scales that allow you to diversify your repertoire and challenge yourself.
Are Middle Eastern secular choral works difficult for Western choirs to perform?
No, if you have clear pronunciation guidance, you can easily adapt and perform them confidently.
Can secular choral works be performed in concerts or festivals?
These have become popular in concerts and community events as they celebrate cultural diversity.