Nonwestern Music Materials Reflects/expresses world’s diversity Each culture has its music practice –Some have all three—folk, pop, and classical These musics influence western music –Especially true in the twentieth century -French composer Claude Debussy -British rocker George Harrison -Jazz artist John Coltrane NONWESTERN MUSIC

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 and relate traditions Ethnomusicology

Oral Tradition –Music notation far less important than in western culture Frequently transmitted by oral tradition -Many cultures do not have a music notation -When they do, it serves as a record, not for teaching or performance Ethnomusicology

Improvisation Improvisation is frequently basic to the music –Improvisation usually based on traditional melodic phrases and rhythmic patterns Ethnomusicology

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 Ethnomusicology

Instruments Four types based upon sound production: –Chordophones—stretched string -Harp-type –Aerophones—performer’s breath -Flutes, trumpets, etc. –Idiophones—instrument’s body is sound generator -Bells, gongs, scrapers, rattles, etc. –Membranophones—stretched skin -Primarily drums Ethnomusicology

Style and application within culture causes particular types of instruments to dominate –Idiophones/membranophones: rhythmic emphasis –Aerophones aid in outdoor performance Geography and materials availability influences –Strings allow great flexibility of pitch Religion also influences instrumentation Ethnomusicology

Melody, Rhythm, and Texture Most nonwestern musics are monophonic –Some cultures use heterophony –Sometimes accompanied by a drone -All perform same melody with different ornamentation Ethnomusicology

–Intervals between tones can be larger or smaller Much nonwestern music has very complex rhythms Scales in nonwestern music are frequently quite different than western musical scales Ethnomusicology

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

Music in Sub-Saharan Africa Africa is divided into two parts: above and below the Sahara Desert –Above: Muslim, Arabic-speaking, music closely related to that of the Middle East –Below: Extremely diverse, many religions, cultures, and languages (over 700) Africa

Though Sub-Saharan music is diverse, there are some similarities: –Complex rhythms and polyrhythms –Percussive sounds –Wide variety of instrumental ensembles –Vocal music often a soloist and responding chorus Africa

Music in Society Music permeates African life from religion, entertainment, and magic to rites of passage It is so interwoven into life that the abstract word “music” is not used by many peoples Africa

Closely associated with dancing in ceremonies, rituals, and celebrations –Dancers frequently play and sing while dancing Music is a social activity—everyone joins in No musical notation—passed by oral tradition Africa

Elements of African Music Rhythm and Percussion The body used as an instrument Complex rhythms and polyrhythms predominate Dancers choose to follow any of the various rhythms –Clapping, stamping, slapping thigh/chest Africa

Vocal Music Wide variety of sounds, even within a single piece Percussion ostinato frequently accompanies singers –Call and response extremely common Short musical phrases repeated to different words Africa

Texture Often homophonic or polyphonic Same melody often sung at many pitch levels –This is unlike most nonwestern musics Africa

African Instruments Idiophones Xylophones, a favorite, come in many sizes Most common African instrument Most are of indefinite pitch “Talking drum” with slit in side can produce two to four tones Africa

Membranophones Used in many ceremonial and work-pace applications Drums usually played in groups—multiple players –Drum manufacture often accompanied by special rites Variety of shapes, sizes, and forms Africa

Aerophones and Chordophones Flutes and trumpets (of wood and horn) most common Chordophones plucked or struck, gourd resonators –Reed instruments less widespread Africa

Listening Ompeh Song from central Ghana Music of the Akan-speaking peoples in Ghana. Listen for:Call and response Solo vocalist and chorus Percussion ensemble Africa