Describe what you hear, including the words and translation of the first line of text. Explain the ...

What is heard is an unaccompanied solo male voice chanting sacred words in declamatory style, e.g., Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar (God is great, God is Great) Phrases are separated by long pauses . . . Each phrase, when repeated, becomes longer and more ornamented. . . . The vocal timbre or color is considered a model of beauty in the Islamic world, in spite of sounding nasal or harsh to a Westerner. The sustaining of vowel-less consonants is also notable. Such vocal techniques are considered hallmarks of excellent singing in the recitation of the Islamic Qur' an, the singing of religious songs, and other Arab contexts as well. Mudallal's use of the Arab mode, maqam Rast, phrase construction, ends of phrases (qaflat), and his enunciation are important aspects of traditional Arab music.