About Abu Nasre Farabi And His Treatise “Kitab Al-Musiki Al-Kabir"

Abstract

The research evaluates the extensive impact of Kitab al-Musiqa al-Kabir by Abu Nasr Farabi on music theory development. During the medieval East phase Farabi established himself as a prominent philosopher who developed an independent scientific discipline of music. The abundant research about his works has still not fully revealed the fundamental principles alongside the music performance applications from his musical studies. The research investigates Farabi's treatment of sound elements in musical theory through a study of his approach to sound production and melody and musical instruments. This study employs historical and comparative research methods to assess Kitab al-Musiqa al-Kabir within its musical context both before and after the time when it was written. The revolutionary elements in Farabi's music theory emerged from his distinction of musical sciences and his mathematical method for sound analysis and his program for musical education in ethics reform. His theoretical compositions motivated both East and West to establish new musical directions which have become apparent through translation and adaptation efforts. The study demonstrates that Farabi’s musical theories still deliver key knowledge which scholars utilize today in music theory and cultural research. The research demonstrates that Kitab al-Musiqa al-Kabir maintains historic and philosophical importance in musi.