What are some important facts about music in the medieval Arab world? (Answers may vary.)

What will be an ideal response?

• "Works written between the ninth and thirteenth centuries . . . considered the scientific nature of music from its importance in the universe, to the measurement of pitch intervals, to the construction of musical instruments . . ."
• Musical life in medieval Baghdad (in Iraq, formerly Mesopotamia) was described through the writings of Al-Isbahani whose many anecdotes about music reveal "the complex position of music and musicians in medieval Baghdad."
• The aristocracy enjoyed music as both performers and listeners, but indulged in musical gatherings only in private circles, behind closed doors.