World Music: Middle East, Europe, and Sub-Saharan Africa

1421 Words3 Pages

There are various aspects of our lives and of those there is music. Music is an inextricable part of life. It can be dated back to the most primitive of time. Where there are humans there is some form of music varying from culture to culture. Languages, belief systems and many other variables within a nation have great influence on what is considered music and what’s not music. This is why it is very important when listening to music to consider the context in which it was created in. This will enable you to appreciate the different sounds and musical constructions such as rhythm, melody, harmony and also the lack thereof. American music is fundamentally diverse because of the many ethnicities and subcultures. These attributes of society are also found in other nations around the world. The Middle East, Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa are nations of varied ethnic groups whom have expressed their beliefs, culture and other extra musical influences in their music. Through the study of many ethnomusicologists in these regions we can acknowledge and or comprehend the different sounds of music apart from our ethnocentric understanding of music.
Europe is one of the world's seven continents and is home to twenty-seven countries with many spoken languages. Language is a complex part of music and is why there is a wide-ranging representation of music throughout Europe. According to Terry E. Miller and Andrew Shahriari authors, of “World Music A Global Journey” European music is classified into three categories Classical, Folk, and Popular music. Classical music in Europe refers to art music created during the time of the aristocrats. It’s learned and study in a formal setting which is the opposite of how Folk music is taught. Folk music ...

... middle of paper ...

...ant in sharing something extraordinary that unites us all. Music is truly an indication of success for the expression of an emotion is a redemptive experience that not only one person feels but others as well. Traditional music as well as international music is a form of artwork that colors our world.

Works Cited
1. Caton, Margaret. “Performance Practice in Iran: Radīf and Improvisation”. Garland Encyclopedia of World Music Vol. 6: The Middle East. Eds. Danielson, Virginia; Marcus, Scott & Reynolds, Dwight. Routledge, 2001. 129-145. Web.
2. Collins, John. “African Popular Music: A Historical review of Sub-Saharan Africa”. African Art, Traditional and Popular Music.com. 2002. Web. 06 May, 2014. http://aatpm.com/AfricanPopularMusicCollins.htm
3. Miller, Terry E., Sharhriari, Andrew. World Music: A Global Journey. 3rd ed. New York & London: Routledge, 2012. Print.

Show More
Related

  • Pre-1600 Styles in European Art Music

    905 Words  | 2 Pages

    The "old" European attitude, and the attitude that attracts many modern performers to early music, is exactly the opposite of the modern attitude:

    Read More

  • REGGAE AND ZYDECO

    3174 Words  | 7 Pages

    If one were to look back into the world’s history, one would find that an important and consistent element is the world of music. Music has presented itself in various forms throughout its spread and through our identification of its magical realm, people have been fortunate enough to come across a means of relation. Whether it is blues and reggae or rap and pop rock, there is music out there for everyone. Music can serve as a stabilizer for some, a relaxant to others, and to many a form of inspiration.

    Read More

  • Comparison of African, Indonesian, and Indian Music

    669 Words  | 2 Pages

    During the course of this semester, the several musical styles that have been discussed and analyzed have displayed various similarities and differences. These differences in certain musical elements have accounted for the distinctiveness and uniqueness of each style of music. The culture behind these countries’ music adds even more to their individualism. Cultural aspects such as religion play a huge role in the music of each country as well. Styles of music in Africa might be more upbeat than certain styles in India, for example. Some cultures use music in religion, while others may not. Aspects such as dance are important factors in all three types of music. Despite the differences and similarities, however, without music, these cultures would perhaps not be as fascinating and unique as they are now.

    Read More

  • The Mbuti Culture

    2264 Words  | 5 Pages

    Angeles, Los. (2009). African arts. Volume 28. Published by African Studies Center, University of California.

    Read More

  • The Influence of Rap and Hip-Hop on Music and Pop Culture

    566 Words  | 2 Pages

    many cultures view as an important part in their way of life. Music ranges from strictly

    Read More

  • Drug Use at Music Festivals

    1788 Words  | 4 Pages

    Since the earliest days of human civilization music has been a key tool for communication of stories which carried emotions through them. If we think back to our youngest years of life music has surrounded us whether it was from our parents singing us lullabies or from some sort of toy that played music we can say that musical melodies have helped shape or lives one way or another. Once we start growing up and figuring out who we are our musical preferences change; some people like classical and some like punk. We start to befriend people who like the same music as us and eventually we may attend a musical event. Our lives somewhat revolve around the music that we listen to.

    Read More

  • Hawaiian Culture and Music

    784 Words  | 2 Pages

    Miller, Terry, and Andrew Shahriari. World Music: A Global Journey. New York, London: Routledge Taylor and Francis Group, 2006.

    Read More

  • Nueva Canción Definition Of World Music Definition

    1989 Words  | 4 Pages

    World music may sound as simple as its name suggests, however the world music phenomenon expresses a deeper story that many people seem to miss. There is so much that makes up a world music genre, but what we hear about it is not always the easiest to decipher and generally comes from powerful and large organisations, where not all of it is explained thoroughly. A lot of their understanding comes from what they are only interested in and most important stories and factors are either ignored or incomplete (Stokes 2003, p. 297). Not receiving the full picture, gives us a limited understanding of world music and its sub genres. Different genres of music over the globe have been shaped in many ways by influences such as the; historical and traditional root, people and their culture, migration, globalisation, politics and commodification. Nueva Canción is one example of a world music genre that has been influenced in such ways, and of which has a strong historical and political story worthy to be recognised. This essay will focus on the way the genre, Nueva Canción has become a significant genre of world music, by exploring the influences stated previously.

    Read More

  • How Musical Is Man By John Blacking

    636 Words  | 2 Pages

    “How Musical is Man?” was published in 1974. This book was written by John Blacking, a musician turned social anthropologist. His goal in writing this ethnography, and several other papers during this same time period, was to compare the experience of music-making that takes place within different cultures and societies throughout the world. In this book, he discusses and describes the musicology of the Venda people in South Africa. Though he does go to Africa to research and learn about the Venda people and their music, he specifically states that his book is “not a scholarly study of human musicality” (ix), but rather it is a summary (written from his point of view), which is both expressive and entertaining, of several different issues and ideas that he has seemingly been contemplating for some time.

    Read More

  • The World of Music

    631 Words  | 2 Pages

    Ever since humans first learned how to make music with their voices and with instruments thousands of years ago, music has been changing. Some changes took place over hundreds or even thousands of years, stunted by human isolation or by guidelines set in place by religious institutions. The 20th century, in contrast, experienced several rapid, radical changes in the popular genres of music. This made the 20th century a very rich time period for musical culture. These remarkable genres--including, but not limited to jazz, rock and roll, and the music of the “British invasion”--all influenced one another, and all influenced the culture we still live in today.

    Read More

  • Music and Cultural Identity

    1236 Words  | 3 Pages

    Music plays a huge role in the structure of a society. It can have both negative and positive influence on cultures and communities. First, musical sounds and instruments can be a dividing factor between the people within the same culture. These opposing social and economic identities within these cultures can lead unnecessary animosity between the members. However, music can also be one of the forces that unite members of a culture and provide a sense pride for everyone. This makes it easier for people to display their identification to that culture.

    Read More

  • A Brief History Of African Music Through The Colonial Period

    1522 Words  | 4 Pages

    Every West African village had its own professional musicians and singers who would perform for the community. Musicians were idolized in their villages. They normally sat with the king or chief because of their elevated status.

    Read More

  • The Effects of Globalization on Music

    1786 Words  | 4 Pages

    The influence that music has throughout the world is immeasurable. Music evokes many feelings, surfaces old memories, and creates new ones all while satisfying a sense of human emotion. With the ability to help identify a culture, as well as educate countries about other cultures, music also provides for a sense of knowledge. Music can be a tool for many things: relaxation, stimulation and communication. But at the same time it can also be a tool for resistance: against parents, against police against power. Within the reign of imported culture, cross cultivation and the creation of the so-called global village lies the need to expand horizons to engulf more than just what you see everyday. It is important to note that the role of music in today’s world is a key tool in the process of globalization. However, this does not necessarily provide us with any reasons that would make us believe that music has a homogenizing affect on the world.

    Read More

  • The Role of Music in Society

    1731 Words  | 4 Pages

    Music has played a role in society since the dawn of man. Said to be the beginning of communication in early civilization, music and dance have influenced how we think, act and treat members of our own society. Song and dance is used in rites of passage ceremonies such as births, weddings and funerals throughout the world. Jamaican and Yoruba cultures have made many contributions to our society. The uses of this music as a vehicle for political issues, values, and beliefs have been used by many musicians from different cultures. I intend to discuss the Contribution of these two contemporary cultures music and their effect on society.

    Read More

  • The Evolution Of Modern Music: The Creation Of Music

    1340 Words  | 3 Pages

    Throughout history music has proven to provide a vital part of society. Every day people are exposed to music. In some cases this music may cause people to form emotions and opinions (Koelsch). Music can be the life of an artist or a motivational tool that helps a person or culture get through the day. Regardless of the political or social scene in the future, music just like other forms of art will continue to evoke society just as it has changed it.

    Read More

More about World Music: Middle East, Europe, and Sub-Saharan Africa

Open Document