This study focuses on the historical and artistic changes that Lebanese music underwent during the twentieth century through the pioneering work of Wadih Sabra, one of the most influential figures in shaping Lebanon’s modern musical identity. The research highlights how Sabra’s academic vision and compositional approach initiated a shift from a primarily local musical expression toward a more structured and culturally open form of art.
Using a historical-analytical approach, the paper examines Sabra’s contributions to the modernization of musical language, his efforts in establishing formal music education, and his role in bridging traditional Lebanese elements with Western academic methods. Through his creative and institutional work, Sabra laid the foundation for a new phase in Lebanese music that embraced innovation while preserving cultural authenticity.
The study concludes that Sabra’s legacy represents not only an individual achievement but also the starting point of Lebanon’s broader engagement with academic and global music traditions.
The International Conference: One Hundred Years of Arab Music – Lebanon as a Model, held in Lebanon (May 2–3, 2025), provided a rich platform for exploring the evolution of Arab music and its intersections with cultural identity and modernization. The paper “Changes in Lebanese Music During the Twentieth Century: From Local Identity to Academic Openness” focused on the pioneering contributions of Wadih Sabra, whose academic vision and artistic innovation played a decisive role in shaping Lebanon’s modern musical identity. Through a historical and analytical framework, the study demonstrated how Sabra’s work bridged traditional Lebanese aesthetics with Western academic practices, initiating a transformation from local folk traditions to a sophisticated, institutionally grounded musical culture. His efforts in establishing formal music education and integrating cross-cultural methodologies reflected a profound commitment to innovation without erasure of heritage. The paper concluded that Sabra’s legacy not only redefined Lebanese music but also marked a turning point in the Arab world’s artistic dialogue with global music traditions, balancing authenticity with openness and progress.
Preservation and Research: Encourage the systematic archiving and digitization of Wadih Sabra’s works and writings to ensure accessibility for future scholars and musicians.
Curricular Integration: Introduce Sabra’s methodologies and compositions into music education curricula to inspire new generations of Arab composers and educators.
Intercultural Collaboration: Promote regional and international partnerships that explore the exchange between Arab and Western musical traditions.
Support for Music Institutions: Strengthen conservatories and academic music programs in Lebanon and the Arab world to sustain Sabra’s vision of professionalized and research-based music education.
Cultural Policy Development: Advocate for national cultural strategies that balance innovation with the preservation of musical heritage, ensuring continuity of Arab identity within global artistic movements.