Music Worldwide
Indian Music
General Information
Indian musicians usually play raga (patterns of notes) by imitating and memorizing. The music is passed through generations by aural tradition. Most Indian classical music is based on rag (melody), tal (rhythm) and drone (sustained note held throughout the piece).
Indian musicians usually play raga (patterns of notes) by imitating and memorizing. The music is passed through generations by aural tradition. Most Indian classical music is based on rag (melody), tal (rhythm) and drone (sustained note held throughout the piece).
Melody
Ragas are a pattern of notes which are like a combination of Western scale and melody. Each raga:
Ragas are a pattern of notes which are like a combination of Western scale and melody. Each raga:
- has a particular ascending and descending pattern
- is associated with a time of day, mood, season or special occasion
Rhythm
The tala is a repeating rhythm or pattern usually played by the tabla. The tabla is in charge of the tempo and the beat played is usually very complex. The tabla can help to change the structure.
The tala is a repeating rhythm or pattern usually played by the tabla. The tabla is in charge of the tempo and the beat played is usually very complex. The tabla can help to change the structure.
Texture & Tonality
The drone made up of one or more notes that are sustained throughout an entire passage of music. It is usually the first note heard in the piece and is usually played by the tambura or sitar. The multiple layers present in the music make the dynamics relatively loud.
The drone made up of one or more notes that are sustained throughout an entire passage of music. It is usually the first note heard in the piece and is usually played by the tambura or sitar. The multiple layers present in the music make the dynamics relatively loud.
Structure
- Alap: the alap is played by the sitar and sets the scale and the mood of the piece; there is no clear rhythm, no distinct beat, and is usually accompanied by a drone
- Jhor: the jhor is slightly faster than the alap, but still only includes a few of the instruments; the improvisation is more complex, and there is a sense of rhythm
- Jhala: the jhala is a more playful and exciting improvisation with call and response between instruments
- Gat: the gat is signaled by the entrance of the tabla; the drummer sets a rhythm and the sitar player improvises
Musical Features
Indian music is commonly fast, improvisatory and virtuosic. The melody has a wide range and can be arpeggiaic. There is a drone in the background and it can be repetitive.
Indian music is commonly fast, improvisatory and virtuosic. The melody has a wide range and can be arpeggiaic. There is a drone in the background and it can be repetitive.
Bhangra
Indian bhangra is a fusion of Indian classical music and Western popular music, using Indian folk instruments as well as modern Western instrumentation. India has the largest film industry in the world, Bollywood. Modern bhangra music is usually played in clubs and discos and is sometimes used in Bollywood.
Indian bhangra is a fusion of Indian classical music and Western popular music, using Indian folk instruments as well as modern Western instrumentation. India has the largest film industry in the world, Bollywood. Modern bhangra music is usually played in clubs and discos and is sometimes used in Bollywood.
Indonesian Gamelan
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General Information
Gamelan is the word used to describe an Indonesian orchestra made up mainly of tuned percussion instruments. Gamelan music is mainly found in Java and Bali, but the two styles differ greatly. For the purposes of the IGCSE, only Balinese music will be covered. Music in Indonesia has political and religious roots and plays an important role in sustaining traditional life. It is mainly played at celebrations and performances, and is passed down through generations by aural tradition. Traditionally, it is played by a group and emphasizes community over individual values.
Gamelan is the word used to describe an Indonesian orchestra made up mainly of tuned percussion instruments. Gamelan music is mainly found in Java and Bali, but the two styles differ greatly. For the purposes of the IGCSE, only Balinese music will be covered. Music in Indonesia has political and religious roots and plays an important role in sustaining traditional life. It is mainly played at celebrations and performances, and is passed down through generations by aural tradition. Traditionally, it is played by a group and emphasizes community over individual values.
Melody
The melody in a Gamelan piece can be based on two different scales:
The melody in a Gamelan piece can be based on two different scales:
- Slendro (C D E G A C)
- Pelog (E F G A B C D)
Rhythm
The rhythm in a Gamelan piece can be played by the drums. The function of these drums is to cue in the orchestra, indicate the tempo, and accent the movements of dancers or puppets. The rhythm in a Gamelan piece is usually repetitive and syncopated.
The rhythm in a Gamelan piece can be played by the drums. The function of these drums is to cue in the orchestra, indicate the tempo, and accent the movements of dancers or puppets. The rhythm in a Gamelan piece is usually repetitive and syncopated.
Texture & Tonality
Gamelan music, like most other world music, has a hetraphonic texture - it is made up of interlocking layers. Different instruments play the different layers - the highest layers usually are played by virtuosic musicians and the lowest ones played by beginners. These different layers can make the music sound loud, noisy, and even messy at times.
Gamelan music, like most other world music, has a hetraphonic texture - it is made up of interlocking layers. Different instruments play the different layers - the highest layers usually are played by virtuosic musicians and the lowest ones played by beginners. These different layers can make the music sound loud, noisy, and even messy at times.
Structure
Indonesian Gamelan music is usually through-composed - there is different accompanying music for each scene or section of the music. The leader will usually choose a melody for each separate section of the music and the rest of the instruments will adjust accordingly.
Indonesian Gamelan music is usually through-composed - there is different accompanying music for each scene or section of the music. The leader will usually choose a melody for each separate section of the music and the rest of the instruments will adjust accordingly.
Chinese Music
General Information
The Chinese civilization is one of the oldest in the world, and music developed in China before most other countries. When the notes of the musical scale were first fixed, they were associated with the planets and with the months of the year. Religious chants started on a certain note, depending on the month in which the ceremony took place.
The Chinese civilization is one of the oldest in the world, and music developed in China before most other countries. When the notes of the musical scale were first fixed, they were associated with the planets and with the months of the year. Religious chants started on a certain note, depending on the month in which the ceremony took place.
Melody
The melody in a Chinese piece of music is based on a pentatonic scale - it is normally scalic. Rather than being improvised, it is usually scored then performed. The main melody is usually played by a solo instrument and is high pitched. The melody contains pitch bending and ornaments.
The melody in a Chinese piece of music is based on a pentatonic scale - it is normally scalic. Rather than being improvised, it is usually scored then performed. The main melody is usually played by a solo instrument and is high pitched. The melody contains pitch bending and ornaments.
Rhythm
A Chinese rhythm is usually repetitive, since there is not as much emphasis on rhythm as in Western music. It can be played by the gong.
A Chinese rhythm is usually repetitive, since there is not as much emphasis on rhythm as in Western music. It can be played by the gong.
Texture & Tonality
Chinese music can have a polyphonic or hetraphonic texture. The amount of instruments makes the music relatively loud and the music is based on a pentatonic scale. There are countermelodies in Chinese music and these can be played by the yangqin.
Chinese music can have a polyphonic or hetraphonic texture. The amount of instruments makes the music relatively loud and the music is based on a pentatonic scale. There are countermelodies in Chinese music and these can be played by the yangqin.
Structure
A Chinese piece of music is normally through-composed, or it is a single movement piece.
A Chinese piece of music is normally through-composed, or it is a single movement piece.
Beijing Opera
Beijing opera is a form of entertainment where a dramatic performance, usually consisting of singers, is accompanied by percussion. The performers use their head voice, making the sound very high pitched. There are small pockets of acting in between musical performances. The actors have elaborate costumes as well as make-up to create a mask.
Beijing opera is a form of entertainment where a dramatic performance, usually consisting of singers, is accompanied by percussion. The performers use their head voice, making the sound very high pitched. There are small pockets of acting in between musical performances. The actors have elaborate costumes as well as make-up to create a mask.
Japanese Music
General Information
Japanese music is primarily based on scales that represent nature, times of day and seasons. It is programatic - it tells a story. Japanese music often has a vocal part, and the descriptive nature of instrumental music is usually reflected in the title.
Japanese music is primarily based on scales that represent nature, times of day and seasons. It is programatic - it tells a story. Japanese music often has a vocal part, and the descriptive nature of instrumental music is usually reflected in the title.
Melody
In Japanese music, the instruments usually come in one at a time. The melody itself is usually played by a solo instrument and includes various types of ornamentation such as trills and tremolos. Unlike other types of world music, Japanese music tends to have a slower tempo and softer dynamics. Like Chinese music, Japanese music features pitch bending and is very rarely improvised. There are big leaps in the melody.
In Japanese music, the instruments usually come in one at a time. The melody itself is usually played by a solo instrument and includes various types of ornamentation such as trills and tremolos. Unlike other types of world music, Japanese music tends to have a slower tempo and softer dynamics. Like Chinese music, Japanese music features pitch bending and is very rarely improvised. There are big leaps in the melody.
Rhythm
The rhythm in a Japanese piece of music can be played by various percussion instruments including the tsuridako (bass drum) or the kotsuzmi (hand drum). Japanese rhythms are polyrhythmic and have a polyphonic texture.
The rhythm in a Japanese piece of music can be played by various percussion instruments including the tsuridako (bass drum) or the kotsuzmi (hand drum). Japanese rhythms are polyrhythmic and have a polyphonic texture.
Texture & Tonality
Japanese music is based on a pentatonic scale and can be monophonic, homophonic or hetraphonic. It features various instruments which have a large combined tessiatura.
Japanese music is based on a pentatonic scale and can be monophonic, homophonic or hetraphonic. It features various instruments which have a large combined tessiatura.
Structure
Japanese music is usually in ternary form and is through-composed.
Japanese music is usually in ternary form and is through-composed.
Latin American Music
General Information
Latin American music originated in Latin America, but has many influences from all around the world. It is a mixture of the music created in Europe, especially Spain. It is also influenced by the music of Africa, and includes touches by the locals. It includes many different genres such as samba, merengue and latin pop.
Latin American music originated in Latin America, but has many influences from all around the world. It is a mixture of the music created in Europe, especially Spain. It is also influenced by the music of Africa, and includes touches by the locals. It includes many different genres such as samba, merengue and latin pop.
Latin Instrument
Panpipes Quena Guiro Maracas Carango Button Accordion Claves Conga Timables Berimbau Bongos Cowbell |
Description
Made from five or more rows of short pipes with gradually increasing length to produce different pitches Similar to a recorder; made from bamboo or wood and has six finger holes on top and one thumb hole on the underside Made from a hollowed out gourd and has grooves on the surface which are scraped to make a sound Maracas are filled with beads and they are shaken A lute that is similar to a Chinese pipa; played like a ukelele Played with a series of buttons instead of piano-style keys Hand percussion instruments that are struck together to make a sound Tall drums that are made of wood and come in pairs Small, high pitched drumsl; played with sticks Similar to the Chinese erhu; it is a percussion instrument but has strings which are plucked Two handheld drums of different size and pitch; sounds are created by striking with hands Handheld percussion instrument; struck with a beater |
Western Instrumentation
As well as including traditional instruments, Latin American music also features a variety of Western instruments:
As well as including traditional instruments, Latin American music also features a variety of Western instruments:
- Violin
- Double Bass
- Guitar
- Trumpet
- Trombone
Melody
The main melody in a Latin American piece of music is generally very repetitive and features lots of call and response between instruments. The dynamics of the music could be anything; loud or soft.
The main melody in a Latin American piece of music is generally very repetitive and features lots of call and response between instruments. The dynamics of the music could be anything; loud or soft.
Rhythm
In Latin American music, the claves play the main rhythm. The clave pattern holds the rhythm together and is syncopated.
In Latin American music, the claves play the main rhythm. The clave pattern holds the rhythm together and is syncopated.
Texture & Tonality
Latin American music uses traditional European harmonies. Because of the large number of instruments, it usually has a homophonic or polyphonic texture.
Latin American music uses traditional European harmonies. Because of the large number of instruments, it usually has a homophonic or polyphonic texture.
Structure
A Latin American piece of music usually beings with a solo singer scat singing (stringing random syllables together). The performers then start to improvise the music and there is heavy call and response between the instruments and singers.
A Latin American piece of music usually beings with a solo singer scat singing (stringing random syllables together). The performers then start to improvise the music and there is heavy call and response between the instruments and singers.
Arab Music and the Music of Africa
Maqām
Maqām is the word for Arabic classical music as well as the name of the scale that it is based on. There are different types of Maqām scales and each one represents something. Each scale contains different combinations of tones, semitones and quarter tones. Ajan are the degrees of the scale. There is no fixed pitch, so there is no such thing as an instrument that is 'out of tune'. The pitch of the music is chosen to suit the performers and the tessiatura is fairly small.
Maqām is the word for Arabic classical music as well as the name of the scale that it is based on. There are different types of Maqām scales and each one represents something. Each scale contains different combinations of tones, semitones and quarter tones. Ajan are the degrees of the scale. There is no fixed pitch, so there is no such thing as an instrument that is 'out of tune'. The pitch of the music is chosen to suit the performers and the tessiatura is fairly small.
Diwan
- Diwan is the Arabic word for octave
- Each diwan is divided into two half octaves called janās
- The amount of notes in a diwan is called jadwal
Rhythm
The rhythm is the most distinguishing characteristic of a piece of Arabic music. It contains four basic elements:
Arab music also includes rhythmic cycles - it is based on poetry; this is where it gets its pulse. These rhythmical cycles are called īqā and āt, and are used to accompany songs and other music.
The rhythm is the most distinguishing characteristic of a piece of Arabic music. It contains four basic elements:
- Regular pulse
- Metric time signature
- An organization of specific rhythmic patterns
- An exact starting point for rhythmic groupings
Arab music also includes rhythmic cycles - it is based on poetry; this is where it gets its pulse. These rhythmical cycles are called īqā and āt, and are used to accompany songs and other music.
Instrumentation
An Arabic ensemble contains four melodic instruments and is accompanied by one percussion instrument. Melodic instruments include the rabāb (the Arabic fiddle), the ūd, the qānūn, and the nāy. Body movement is strongly encouraged and therefore body percussion is a prominent part of the music. Some examples of body percussion include hand clapping, foot stamping and dance.
You will also be required to identify a few African instruments:
An Arabic ensemble contains four melodic instruments and is accompanied by one percussion instrument. Melodic instruments include the rabāb (the Arabic fiddle), the ūd, the qānūn, and the nāy. Body movement is strongly encouraged and therefore body percussion is a prominent part of the music. Some examples of body percussion include hand clapping, foot stamping and dance.
You will also be required to identify a few African instruments:
Texture
The texture in Arab music is either tetrachord (four notes), pentachord (five notes) or hetraphonic (two or more melodies overlapping).
The texture in Arab music is either tetrachord (four notes), pentachord (five notes) or hetraphonic (two or more melodies overlapping).
Structure
The music consists of many short melodies accompanied by short ostinato patterns. Call and response is a large part of the music - it can be between singers or instruments. A nauba is a suite of vocal pieces with instrumental preludes.
The music consists of many short melodies accompanied by short ostinato patterns. Call and response is a large part of the music - it can be between singers or instruments. A nauba is a suite of vocal pieces with instrumental preludes.
The Epic Song
The Epic songs are story-poems, similar to recitatives. They are performed by a solo singer and accompanied by a rabāb. Epic songs have kept alive stories of heroes and historic events. They have influenced Arab classical music which developed in the courts of local rulers. Poet-composers would compete with each other on stage by improvising verses on the spot.
The Epic songs are story-poems, similar to recitatives. They are performed by a solo singer and accompanied by a rabāb. Epic songs have kept alive stories of heroes and historic events. They have influenced Arab classical music which developed in the courts of local rulers. Poet-composers would compete with each other on stage by improvising verses on the spot.