A Connection to the Music?

Much like the Tunisians sought to keep hold of their culture and education despite French intervention, so too did they have a strong, passionate connection with traditional Arab-Andalusian music. The education of this music was equally important to the native people, as it was something they held sacred and wanted to keep away from the conformity of colonial rule.

Baron Rodolphe D’Erlanger was a prime spokesperson in reviving traditional Tunisian music. He became enchanted by cultural ma’luf or literally translated, “familiar, customary,” which used to be part of ceremonial song in a larger community setting, performed at the time of the “heightened emotional atmosphere” of youth revolt and protest. In a similar way, the music education that was happening to, for, and by the public of Tunisian citizens parallels the will of the youth fighting for education, both are acting to preserve a part of Tunisian heritage. Ma'luf was music of Arabic tradition, and though it was once ceremonial, it took on a connotation of connecting the community at the time of the protest, stressing the belief of such tradition and the freedoms of a nation to have its own voice. The Baron himself was taught under a mentor with Andalusian heritage which led him to become intrigued by its meaning and music history. D’Erlanger even discusses the gradual fading of traditional Tunisian music as a result of the colonial power that wanted to instill ideas of European musical tradition. In 1917, he resisted efforts by Europeans who had been, ironically, instructing Arab musicians, and discussed hopes of self-education, in keeping Arab musicians as mentors. Who better a guide to the origin of that particular style than who has lived it and experienced it culturally as their own? 5

And so, just as the myriads of student organizations had vivaciously formed in opposition of colonial education, music schools, Arab and Tunisian artists, and teachers came to regenerate the cultural music that had been hidden from the people. The spirit of genuine Tunisia all seems to be tied back to their beginning and their true heritage, for that it what gives their lives today a personal meaning and identity.

1 Perkins, Kenneth J. A History of Modern Tunisia. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2004.

2 Tunisia, in Europa World online. London, Routledge. Miami University. Retrieved 19 February 2008 from http://www.europaworld.com.proxy.lib.muohio.edu/entry

3 CIA World Factbook https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-%20factbook/geos/ts.html

4 Natsis, James J. Learning to Revolt: The Role of Students in the National Movement in Colonial Tunisia. New York: University Press of America, Inc., 2002.

5 Davis, Ruth F. Ma’luf: Reflections on the Arab Andalusian Music of Tunisia. Toronto: The Scarecrow Press, Inc., 2004.