Part of the reason for this length is that there are many different kinds of pieces that traditionally make up qawwali. Especially in contrast to music in the Western world, the length of time spent on each piece, as well as the concert’s total length will normally continue much longer than the duration expectations for usual concerts heard in the United States. Another similarity is the extensive vocal improvisation featured in both.Ĭoncert duration will be another familiar feature where listeners can compare Hindustani classical music and qawwali music. In both kinds of music, one will usually hear each song progress through a slow introductory alap followed by a quicker development. In both Hindustani classical music and qawwali, group performances are the norm however, in qawwali, there is often a lead singer and a chorus that claps with the percussion during the pieces. India and Pakistan, as well as many other areas in South Asia share similar aspects of music due to shared history and similar instruments such as the harmonium and tabla. Although there are obvious differences, in many ways qawwali is comparable to North Indian classical music, Hindustani raga. Listeners acquainted with North Indian classical music or the Whirling Dervishes of Turkey may hear something familiar. The main themes of qawwali are love, devotion and longing for the Divine. Although it is often referred to as a meditative and trance-inducing music, qawwali can be equally fast-paced and rapturous.

Qawwali is a kind of Sufi devotional music that is popular in South Asia, especially in parts of Pakistan and India. They perform in Ann Arbor on March 21st, 2014. Photo by Cynthia Sciberras. Photo: Asif Ali Khan Qawwali Music of Pakistan ensemble.

Qawali pakistan