1. Southeast Asia
Vietnam

2. Southeast Asia Map

3. Background Preparation
Mainland and Island
Buddhism - Islam
Tropical climate
Rice
Bamboo & bronze

4. Site 1: Upland Bronze Gongs Site 2: Tài Tử Chamber Music
Vietnam
Site 1: Upland Bronze Gongs
Site 2: Tài Tử Chamber Music

5. Arrival: Vietnam Upland - Lowland Culture Chinese influence
Vietnam War

6. Site 1: Upland Bronze Gongs
First Impressions
Repetitive ringing
Aural Analysis
Interlocking construction
Strong tonal center
Simple duple meter
Musicians of the Stieng minority in Vietnam’s Highlands

7. Cultural Considerations
Large cooperative ensembles
Particular to upland ethnic groups
Often accompanies dance
Common at festivals and funerals

8. Site 2: Tài Tử Chamber Music
First Impressions
“Flexible” feeling
Aural Analysis
Small string ensemble
Frequent tone bending
Heterophony
Notice the “scooped” frets on this Vietnamese guitar

9. Cultural Considerations
Entertainment music
Often includes vocalist
“Talented” amateur music