Outline of maqam

The sayr of Maqam Hisar is as follows. First highlight the Hijaz tetrachord, starting with the note A (husayni) preceded by G sharp (hisar). Next, move down to the Hisar pentachord and then work up through the ajnas of the ascending scale. In descending, again highlight each of the ajnas in turn, alternating the E (busalik) of the Hisar pentachord with E half-flat (sikah) to allude to Bayati on D (dukah). Finally, touch on the note C (rast) before finishing on the tonic D (dukah).

Fingering diagram

The locations of the notes of Maqam Hisar on the oud are shown in the diagram below. The full two octaves are presented, with the arrows showing the note E (busalik) that can be replaced in the descending part of the scale by E half-flat (sikah), indicated by the red circles. A key to all the symbols in the diagram can be found here.

 

Suggested recordings

The following CDs include pieces in Maqam Hisar:   Samir Tahar - Taqsim Oud - Maqam Hisar Samir Tahar - Dreams: Ûd and Voice - Maqam "Hissar"

Videos

Maqam "Hissar" from the Samir Tahar CD 'Dreams: Ûd and Voice' (audio only).