Music: An Appreciation 4th Brief Edition by Roger Kamien Unit VII Non-Western Music

Nonwestern Music Reflects/expresses world’s diversity Each culture has its music practice Some have all 3—folk, pop, & classical These musics influence western music Especially true in the 20th Century French composer Claude Debussy British rocker George Harrison Jazz artist John Coltrane

Chpt. 1: Music in Nonwestern Cultures Characteristics of Nonwestern Music It reflects its supporting culture Frequently linked with religion, dance and drama Often used to communicate messages & relate traditions Oral Tradition Frequently transmitted by oral tradition Music notation far less important than in western culture Many cultures do not have a music notation When they do, it serves as a record, not for teaching or performance

Improvisation Voices Improvisation is frequently basic to the music Chpt. 1-Music in Nonwestern Cultures Improvisation Improvisation is frequently basic to the music Improvisation usually based on traditional melodic phrases and rhythmic patterns Voices Singing usually main way of making music Vocal approach, timbre, and techniques vary throughout the world Nasal sound Strained tone Throat singing Many others

Instruments Four types based upon sound production: Chpt. 1-Music in Nonwestern Cultures Instruments Four types based upon sound production: Membranophones—stretched skin Primarily drums Chordophones—stretched string Harp-type Aerophones—performer’s breath Flutes, trumpets, etc. Idiophones—instrument’s body is sound generator Bells, gongs, scrapers, rattles, etc. Style and application within culture causes particular types of instruments to dominate Strings allow great flexibility of pitch Idiophones/membranophones: rhythmic emphasis Aerophones aid in outdoor performance Geography & materials availability influences Religion also influences instrumentation

Melody, Rhythm, and Texture Chpt. 1-Music in Nonwestern Cultures Melody, Rhythm, and Texture Most nonwestern musics are monophonic Sometimes accompanied by a drone Some cultures use heterophony All perform same melody with different ornamentation Scales in nonwestern music are frequently quite different than western musical scales Intervals between tones can be larger or smaller Much nonwestern music has very complex rhythms

Interaction between Nonwestern and Western Music Chpt. 1-Music in Nonwestern Cultures Interaction between Nonwestern and Western Music Nonwestern music has been greatly impacted by western influences due to: Increased urbanization Spread of technology Almost worldwide access to recorded music Some governments subsidize traditional music to preserve cultural heritage

Chpt. 2: Music in Sub- Saharan Africa Africa is divided into two parts: above and below the Sahara desert Above: Moslem, Arabic-speaking, music closely related to that of the Middle East Below: Extremely diverse, many religions, cultures, and languages (over 700) Though Sub-Saharan music is diverse, there are some similarities: Complex rhythms and polyrhythms Percussive sounds Wide variety of instrumental ensembles Vocal music usually a soloist & responding chorus

Chpt. 2-Music in Sub-Saharan Africa Music in Society Music permeates African life from religion, entertainment, & magic to rites of passage It is so interwoven into life that the abstract word “music” is not used by many peoples Closely associated with dancing in ceremonies, rituals, & celebrations Dancers frequently play and sing while dancing Music is a social activity—everyone joins in No musical notation—passed by oral tradition

Elements of African Music Chpt. 2-Music in Sub-Saharan Africa Elements of African Music Rhythm and Percussion Complex rhythms & polyrhythms predominate Dancers choose to follow any of the various rhythms The body used as an instrument Clapping, stamping, slapping thigh/chest Vocal Music Wide variety of sounds, even within a single piece Call and response extremely common Percussion ostinato frequently accompanies singers Short musical phrases repeated to different words Texture Often homophonic or polyphonic This is unlike most nonwestern musics Same melody often sung at many pitch levels

African Instruments Idiophones Membranophones Chpt. 2-Music in Sub-Saharan Africa African Instruments Idiophones Most common African instrument Most are of indefinite pitch Xylophones, a favorite, come in many sizes “Talking drum” w/ slit in side can produce 2-4 tones Membranophones Used in many ceremonial & work-pace applications Drum manufacture often accompanied by special rites Drums usually played in groups—multiple players Variety of shapes, sizes, and forms Aerophones and Chordophones Flutes & trumpets (of wood & horn) most common Reed instruments less widespread Chordophones plucked or struck, gourd resonators

Listening Song from Angola Solo male voice, chorus, drums Chpt. 2-Music in Sub-Saharan Africa Listening Song from Angola Solo male voice, chorus, drums Listening Guide: p. 393 Brief Set, CD 4:58 Note: Call and response Short repeated rhythms Vocal timbre Complex percussion rhythms

Chpt. 3: Classical Music of India Musical traditions date back over 3,000 years Two main types of classical music Hindustani: secular, court music from Northern India (including now-Pakistan) Absorbed many Persian elements due to Muslim Persian rulers Karnatak: temple music from South India Developed along its own lines Performers Music viewed as a spiritual discipline Oral tradition—study by apprenticeship Improvisation Very important, sophisticated, & developed Guided by melodic & rhythmic formula Must study for years before allowed improv.

Elements of Indian Classical Music Chpt. 3-Classical Music of India Elements of Indian Classical Music Music is based upon the human voice Pitch range limited to about four octaves Highly embellished melody, both vocal and instrumental, is characteristic Melodies almost always accompanied by a drone instrument Melodic Structure: Raga Melody exists within a framework called a raga—a defined pattern of notes Rhythmic Structure: Tala Rhythm is organized into blocks or cycles, each called a tala Tala range from 3-100 beats in length 6-16 is most common

Instruments Vocal music most important in India Chpt. 3-Classical Music of India Instruments Vocal music most important in India Many types of instruments Many instruments associated w/ specific gods Sitar most popular chordophone Long necked, lute (guitar) like instrument 7 plucked strings, 9-13 sympathetically vibrating Drums of many sizes Tabla and mridangam drums most common

Listening Maru-Bihag by Ravi Shankar Note: Raga and tala organization Chpt. 3-Classical Music of India Listening Maru-Bihag by Ravi Shankar Listening Guide: p. 396 Brief Set, CD 3:60 Note: Raga and tala organization Heavy reliance on stringed instruments Extensive improvisation Nonwestern musical form