Arab Influence on the Troubadours: Performance & Music

I chose to analyze the Arab influence on troubadours and Occitan culture. Through an analysis of the historical ties between Arab Spain and Occitania, similarities in themes, song mechanics and rhythm, the extent to which the interaction of Arab and Occitan culture impacted the troubadours’ song and performance is clearly visible. While there was a culture exchange due to, in particular, trade and commerce between Arab Spain and Occitania, there was still a language barrier, as the troubadours did not speak Arabic. Because of this, the most distinct way the Arab influence on the troubadours can be seen is through the performance – the music, the aesthetics, the sound and rhythmic patterns. The storytelling nature of the troubadour song, the similarity of musical instruments (such as the Oud, as pictured above, which means ‘wood’ in Arabic), and the rhythmic structure are aspects that were able to transcend language barriers in order to have an impact on the troubadours.