Pizmonim

Pizmonim:

The word Pizmonim refers to a collection of traditional Jewish music and melodies. While some Pizmonim are used all year long, other are specially chanted in Shabbat, or holy days or special occasions. In our website Learn Tefillah you can find pizmonim categorized according to its most frequent use, making it easier to learn when it is the appropriate time for each Pizmon.

Maqamim:

Maqamim is simply explained as a traditional oriental rhytm. There are many maqamim the most used are probably: Rast, Ajam, Bayat, Nahwand, Saba, Sigah, Hijaz.

Every Shabbat a different maqam, related to the parashat hashavua sets the tune for some prayers and pizmonim. The table on the bottom goes with the majority of opinions on what maqam to use in each Shabbat. The website pizmonim.org has further explanations on the origins and uses of each maqam.