Arabesque (classical music)

An arabesque is a type of music which uses melodies to create the atmosphere of Arabic architecture. The term and themes are borrowed from the art term arabesque, rather than stemming from Arabic music. It is a highly ornamented style.

The name has origins in the middle of the seventeenth century, it is derived from the Italian word "arabesco," which is translated to "in Arabic style," from the noun "arabo." The French translation became "arabesque," and this term peaked in popularity in the middle of the nineteenth century.