14
Encounters between Jewish and
Muslim Musicians throughout the AgesAmnon ShiloahWhat best defines the relationships between Muslim and Jewish musi-
cians is the strong feeling of belongingness to a community. Here, com-
munity means artists who share the same emotional experience, consider
music to be a lifestyle, draw on the same theoretical and expressive norms
for their music, and adhere to the values championed by both ancient and
modern authors.
The numerous Arabic and Hebrew sources glorifying the important
role and place of this music in the life of individuals and society pres-
ents us with diverse controversial opinions. Indeed, in the philosophical
approach that prevails during the golden age of Islamic civilization, one
finds ideas extolling the knowledge of music as a vehicle leading to phi-
losophy, perfection, and happiness, as well as a force of harmony and mo-
rality.^1 At the other extreme we find the harsh attitude of radical religious
authorities who don’t approve of music and see it as a debasing agent
endowed with an intoxicating influence, which drives the believer away
from concentrating on the meaning of prayer and scriptural messages and
from performing his religious duty. Between these two extremes stands
the particular mystic approach that perceives the influence of music as
rather elevating and brings the faithful close to his Creator. But this influ-
ence depends on the degree of his intention and devotion. Central to all of
these approaches is the belief in the overwhelming power of music, which
is both laudable and condemnable.^2