Rubricator
— Concept of the research — Tamino as a musician — Definition of the double harmonic scale — Debut album «Amir» — Second album «Sahar» — Conclusion
— Tamino in «Wickerman" (2024), dir. Bastiaan Lochs
Concept of the research
What defines modern music? The fact of it being made in «modern» times? It’s simplicity and lack of variety in musical instruments? People’s depictions may vary, but there’s one statement many agree on. Unlike classical music, understanding of which heavily relies on a certain level of appreciation and analyzing skills, modern music is accessible to the masses due to its focus on emotion. But it doesn’t make it less valuable; on the contrary, an empathetic connection to the audience may create a unique significance and be a reflection of society’s values and beliefs.
Among many artists that stand out in terms of basic modern music, I can confidently highlight Tamino. As one of the most unique singers and songwriters, his songs heavily feature a variety of instruments and a strong emotional value.
I chose the theme after listening to his music, particularly the two albums «Sahar» and «Amir.» It connected with me on a certain level, and I made myself clear: visual research should be made. I shall explore what makes Tamino’s music sound so unique and why it affects people’s emotions so deeply.
While picking out what material I specifically wanted to use in the research, I have decided that firstly I will be considering music theory. The main chords, percussion, and the double harmonic scale, often addressed as the «Arabic scale.» Secondly, I will be viewing Tamino’s songs that feature the previously mentioned aspects of music theory and how he manages to blend Middle Eastern flow with a Western type of song-making. Speaking of the written sources that will be used in the research, I will precisely check the data that I use so there will be no misconceptions about music theory (which the most written information will be about) nor Tamino’s songs.
Mainly, my hypothesis is that with the unconventional approach to songwriting, which includes a variety of ethnic instruments, artists can stand out among others. Creating music with your soul not only increases the quality of it but also makes it sound more special. I want to examine how Tamino manages is 0; produce such ethereal and full is 1; emotion songs.
I will start the research by introducing Tamino as a musician and songwriter as a whole. Then, continue with the explanation of the double harmonic scale and musical theory. After that, I will provide an analysis of his songs and musical videos, examining the albums «Sahar» and «Amir» in chronological order.While doing so, I will analyze the music in terms of using musical theory and point out the peculiarities of his methods. I will often accentuate the way Tamino tends to create songs with attention to the details.
Who is Tamino?
Tamino, a new voice in Belgian music, brings his Middle Eastern heritage to his songs, exploring both the challenges and pleasures of life.
— May 12, 2022. An article by DIVERSITY
Tamino is a Belgian-Egyptian singer that heavily concentrates his music on the meaning of love and human connection. He embraces his bicultural heritage in his music and visuals, often blending modern indie influences with classical Arabic elements. This fusion allows him to connect with a diverse audience and stand out as a unique voice in contemporary music
— March 24, 2023. Tamino at the Paris concert photographed by Emma Cortijo
What is the double harmonic scale?
Double Harmonic Minor. Ian Ring
The double harmonic scale, often called the «Arabic scale,» is a musical scale characterized by its exotic, Eastern sound. It’s widely used in Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian music and is recognized for its distinctive augmented seconds between certain notes.
The scale is called «double harmonic» because it has two harmonic relationships (augmented seconds) between its intervals. It is also known as the Byzantine scale or Gypsy major scale in some contexts.
This name comes from its association with the «Oriental» sound that many Western listeners identify with Arabic and Middle Eastern music. However, the scale itself is more of a Western theoretical construct and does not align perfectly with traditional Arabic maqamat, which have microtonal nuances absent in Western notation.
Double Harmonic Major Scale. Music Theory Training
The double harmonic scale has two primary variants: the major and minor forms, each offering distinct tonal qualities. The double harmonic major scale is the standard version and is known for its bright and dramatic character. It features major third and seventh intervals, which give it a «major» tonality. On the other hand, the double harmonic minor scale shifts the focus to a darker, more introspective tone. It is formed by treating the sixth degree of the double harmonic major scale as the tonic.
So how does Tamino use the scale in his music?
Debut album — «Amir»
The album was released in 2018, it’s title meaning «prince» in Arabic and it is also Tamino’s second first name.
1.Habibi 2.Sun May Shine 3.Tummy 4.Chambers 5.So It Goes 6.Indigo Night 7.Cigar 8.Each Time 9.Verses 10.W.O.T.H. 11.Intervals 12.Persephone
Habibi — Tamino. 2018
The opening song of «Amir» is «Habibi». It is an Arabic word used to describe someone the speaker likes or loves. It literally means «my beloved», and is normally used between close friends of any gender or between couples romantically involved.
Throughout the song, Tamino mainly interprets Arabic scales in his vocals, the notes being clearly distinguished in the techniques he uses.
He frequently employs a wide vocal range and swings across octaves in his compositions.
«Sun May Shine» is the album’s second track. Not only is the music video visually amazing, but it also features a highly unique flow in the double harmonic scale diapason. Tamino’s previously mentioned vocals and a guitar riff featuring more string instruments are audible throughout the entire song, adding to the ethereal atmosphere.
«Sun May Shine» — Tamino. 2018
