Music and Dance in Oman

Every form of art, be it visual or performing art, shapes itself according to the nation or ethnicity to which it belongs. The cultural forms of Middle East Asia are therefore markedly different from that of the other parts of the globe. The distinctness of Arabian culture is wonderfully evident in the Culture of Oman as the country preserves the richness of Arabian culture in every form of art. The music and dance forms of Oman are fantastic specimens of the brilliance which marks the culture of the Arabic countries. In fact, music and dance in Oman marvel their audience with their diversity and exclusiveness.

Music in Oman is shaped considerably by a coastal location, as the trade relations with the distant lands like Egypt or Tasmania left a deep impact on the country, and the typical Arabian tunes were thus molded by the foreign touches to result in a unique pattern in itself. Music which the country cherishes today is a fantastic blend of rich musical trends which the country had acquired down the ages. The music of Oman is marked by a heavy dependence on rhythm which renders a vibrant touch to the tunes. Music in Oman is an intrinsic part of the country's life, and be it a joyous event, or a moment for lamenting, the Omani community finds music as the best way of expression. Oman's music is marked by an extensive use of instruments, most of which are string instruments like mizmar, rababa, and tanbura.

Dancing forms another important part of Oman's culture as the country preserves an exclusiveness in this art form as well. Dance in Oman is marked by vibrant movements, and though the country preserves various genres of dance, all the forms manifest a common dependence on beats and movement. The extent of movement is however manipulated according to the purpose for which the particular dance is composed. For instance, the postures of ‘malid' are suited to the grave and religious mood which the dance form bears, while the movements of rabbuba are lively to match the joyous occasions on which the dance is performed. Music and Dance in Oman is indeed marked with a rich diversity, which is evident in the numerous dance forms which the country boasts of.