Takassim

Takassim (تقاسيم) is a landmark instrumental recording by legendary Lebanese buzuq virtuoso Matar Mohamed, released as a promotional LP in 1973. A master of the long-necked stringed instrument, Mohamed transformed the buzuq from traditional folk roots into the realm of classical Arabic music. This album stands apart from Mohamed's other celebrated works by abandoning rhythm and percussion entirely. Instead, it showcases his extraordinary technical mastery—rapid, precise plucking paired with the nuanced microtonal expressions of maqam tradition. The result is an intimate, emotionally resonant exploration of the instrument's expressive possibilities, capturing the essence of takassim improvisation in its purest form.