|
|
MUSIC OF INDONESIA ( Bali )
Gamelan is the general term used for a set of musical instruments consisting of tuned gongs and metallophones. There are three different gamalan cultures in Indonesia based in central Java, Western Java (Sunda) and Bali - they have slightly different approaches and styles…
|
|
|
THE BASICS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW for the nasty exam
Some Common Features of this Music
|
Textures
This is tough to describe in Galemlan because melodies are often repeated at double or half or quadriple the notated value of the prime melody. THIS MEANS that most of the time the music sounds POLYPHONIC with various independent melodic lines, at other times it seems more HETEROPHONIC with all of the instrument articulating one melody at the same time in slightly different ways |
INDIAN CLASSICAL MUSIC
Indian Classical music is a very ancient and advanced art form - in many ways, more so than our own Western tradition.
THE BASICS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR THE NASTY EXAM
MANY OF THE THINGS EXPLAINED BELOW ARE DISCUSSED IN THE VIDEO ABOVE
COMMON FEATURES OF THE STYLE
In Indian Classical music, melody is all important - generally improvised against a low drone (tonic note). Almost any form of Indian Classical Music will contain the basic elements of drone, melody and rhythm (usually provided by the tabla)
FORM
Most pieces will contain three sections
ALAP: in this section the artist explores the notes of the raga with free improvisation against a drone
JHOR: This section is slightly faster and has more of a pulse.
JHALA: This is when the tabla player joins in - the musicians improvise in both Rhythm and melody.
SCALES
RAGAS: Indian Scales - each raga has very strict rules about which notes can be used and how they may be used - even decorations and grace notes. All ragas are associated with particular times of day or night when they should be performed - The traditional way of performing a raga is in the three sections mentioned above - ALAP, JHOR and JHALA
RHYTHM
TALAS - Rhythm cycles: There are over 300 different talas (rhythmic cycles in Indian Music and like the ragas they all have names. Each tala has a certain number of beats per cycle
COMMON FEATURES OF THE STYLE
In Indian Classical music, melody is all important - generally improvised against a low drone (tonic note). Almost any form of Indian Classical Music will contain the basic elements of drone, melody and rhythm (usually provided by the tabla)
FORM
Most pieces will contain three sections
ALAP: in this section the artist explores the notes of the raga with free improvisation against a drone
JHOR: This section is slightly faster and has more of a pulse.
JHALA: This is when the tabla player joins in - the musicians improvise in both Rhythm and melody.
SCALES
RAGAS: Indian Scales - each raga has very strict rules about which notes can be used and how they may be used - even decorations and grace notes. All ragas are associated with particular times of day or night when they should be performed - The traditional way of performing a raga is in the three sections mentioned above - ALAP, JHOR and JHALA
RHYTHM
TALAS - Rhythm cycles: There are over 300 different talas (rhythmic cycles in Indian Music and like the ragas they all have names. Each tala has a certain number of beats per cycle
THE SITAR
The sitar English pronunciation: /ˈsɪtɑr/ is a plucked stringed instrument used mainly in Hindustani music and Indian classical music. It derives its distinctive timbre and resonance from sympathetic strings, bridge design, a long hollow neck and a gourd resonating chamber.
The sitar English pronunciation: /ˈsɪtɑr/ is a plucked stringed instrument used mainly in Hindustani music and Indian classical music. It derives its distinctive timbre and resonance from sympathetic strings, bridge design, a long hollow neck and a gourd resonating chamber.
|
|
THE SARANGI
The sārangī is a bowed, short-necked string instrument from South Asia which is used inHindustani classical music. It is said to most resemble the sound of the human voice – able to imitate vocal ornaments.
Carved from a single block of tun (red cedar) wood, the sarangi has a box-like shape with three hollow chambers: pet (stomach),chaati (chest) and magaj (brain). It is usually around 2 feet (0.61 m) long and around 6 inches (150 mm) wide though it can vary as there are smaller as well as larger variant sarangis as well.
The sārangī is a bowed, short-necked string instrument from South Asia which is used inHindustani classical music. It is said to most resemble the sound of the human voice – able to imitate vocal ornaments.
Carved from a single block of tun (red cedar) wood, the sarangi has a box-like shape with three hollow chambers: pet (stomach),chaati (chest) and magaj (brain). It is usually around 2 feet (0.61 m) long and around 6 inches (150 mm) wide though it can vary as there are smaller as well as larger variant sarangis as well.
|
|
THE TABLA
The tabla is a membranophone percussion instrument (similar to their Afro-Cuban/Latin-American drum-based relatives bongos), which are often used in Hindustani classical music, invented by the Indian Sufi saint Amir Khusro. It is still used in the music behind folk and sufi poetry. It later became a part of Hindustani music industry. The instrument consists of a pair of hand drums of contrasting sizes and timbres.
The tabla is a membranophone percussion instrument (similar to their Afro-Cuban/Latin-American drum-based relatives bongos), which are often used in Hindustani classical music, invented by the Indian Sufi saint Amir Khusro. It is still used in the music behind folk and sufi poetry. It later became a part of Hindustani music industry. The instrument consists of a pair of hand drums of contrasting sizes and timbres.
|
|
THE MUSIC OF JAPAN
Japanese music, like most East Asian classical music cultures, tends to depend on words. Traditional Japanese music often has a vocal part, and the descriptive nature of the instrumental music is usually reflected in the title. Court music is very different from theatre music but some characteristics apply to all Japanese traditions.
Some examples of traditional japanese court music or gagaku
|
|
|
THE BASICS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR THE NASTY EXAM
COMMON FEATURES OF THE STYLE
There are many instruments used in traditional Japanese music BUT the 2 most important for the IGCSE exam are as follows:
- There is NO chordal harmony.
- Generally each composition is really a melody interpreted by several instruments HETEROPHONICALLY
- Melodic parts seems to start at different times, only coming together at cadences.
- Japanese music tends to be 'through-composed', while Western music depends upon a more structured form in which there are answering phrases, variations and repeats, and a harmonic basis. Japanese music is a succession of new ideas, and although there is musical form, it does not depend on recognisable phrases being repeated.
- The form of Japanese music falls under the heading sof jo, ha, and kyu: 'introduction', 'breaking away', and hurried'. these are a bit like Alap, jhor and Jhala in Indian Music...
There are many instruments used in traditional Japanese music BUT the 2 most important for the IGCSE exam are as follows:
THE SHAKUHACHI
The shakuhachi is a Japanese end-blown flute.
It was originally introduced from China into Japan in the 8th century and underwent a resurgence in the early Edo Period. The shakuhachi is traditionally made of bamboo, but versions now exist in ABSand hardwoods. It was used by the monks of the Fuke school of Zen Buddhism in the practice of suizen (吹禅?, blowing meditation).
The instrument is tuned to the minor pentatonic scale.
The shakuhachi is a Japanese end-blown flute.
It was originally introduced from China into Japan in the 8th century and underwent a resurgence in the early Edo Period. The shakuhachi is traditionally made of bamboo, but versions now exist in ABSand hardwoods. It was used by the monks of the Fuke school of Zen Buddhism in the practice of suizen (吹禅?, blowing meditation).
The instrument is tuned to the minor pentatonic scale.
THE KOTO
The koto is a traditional Japanese stringed musical instrument, similar to the Chinese zheng, the Mongolian yatga, the Korean gayageum and the Vietnamese đàn tranh. The koto is the national instrument of Japan. Koto are about 180 centimetres (71 in) length, and made from kiri wood (Paulownia tomentosa). They have 13 strings that are strung over 13 movable bridges along the width of the instrument. Players can adjust the string pitches by moving the white bridges in the picture before playing, and use three finger picks (on thumb, index finger, and middle finger) to pluck the strings, otherwise known as plectra.
The koto is a traditional Japanese stringed musical instrument, similar to the Chinese zheng, the Mongolian yatga, the Korean gayageum and the Vietnamese đàn tranh. The koto is the national instrument of Japan. Koto are about 180 centimetres (71 in) length, and made from kiri wood (Paulownia tomentosa). They have 13 strings that are strung over 13 movable bridges along the width of the instrument. Players can adjust the string pitches by moving the white bridges in the picture before playing, and use three finger picks (on thumb, index finger, and middle finger) to pluck the strings, otherwise known as plectra.
|
|
THe music of latin america
WARNING: the IGCSE does not prescribe much about what is to be taught and studied for this music so I will not go into too much depth here. The main focus should be on knowing the instruments and common features of the MANY styles within the WHOLE CONTINENT!!
- Latin American music encompasses rhythms and styles originated or related to Latin America and its influence in the United States and several European countries such as Spain or Portugal.
- Geographically, it usually refers to the Spanish and Portuguese-speaking regions of Latin America but sometimes include Francophone countries and territories of Latin America as wel
COMMON FEATURES of the 'STYLE'
For the purposes of the IGCSE exam, the presence of any one of the following instruments might indicate that you are hearing music of Latin America.
THE GUITAR: This one needs no introduction or explanation so I will skip it here...
UN-TUNED PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTS: As with the music of Africa, it is very likely
- Syncopated Dance-like rhythms
- Homophonic harmonic approach - melody supported by harmony
- Often Simple ABA, ABACA type forms
For the purposes of the IGCSE exam, the presence of any one of the following instruments might indicate that you are hearing music of Latin America.
THE GUITAR: This one needs no introduction or explanation so I will skip it here...
UN-TUNED PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTS: As with the music of Africa, it is very likely
THE BANDONEONThe bandoneon is a type of concertina or PIANO ACCORDION particularly popular in Argentina,Uruguay. It is an essential instrument in most tango ensembles from the traditional orquesta típica of the 1910s onwards. German sailors and Italian seasonal workers and emigrants brought the instrument with them to Argentina in the late 19th century, where it was incorporated into the local music, such as tango.
THE QUENAThe quena is the traditional flute of the Andes. It has 6 finger holes and one thumb hole, and is open on both ends or the bottom is half-closed (choked). To produce sound, the player closes the top end of the pipe with the flesh between his chin and lower lip, and blows a stream of air downward, along the axis of the pipe, over an elliptical notch cut into the end. It is normally in the key of G, with G4 being the lowest note (all holes covered). It produces a very "textured" and "dark" timbre because of the length-to-bore ratio of about 16 to 20 (subsequently causing difficulty in the upper register), which is very unlike the tone of the Western concert flute with bore ratio about 38.
THE PAN-PIPES
The pan flute or pan pipe is an ancient musical instrument based on the principle of the closed tube, consisting usually of five or more pipes of gradually increasing length (and, at times, girth). The pan flute has long been popular as a folk instrument, and is considered the first mouth organ, ancestor of both the pipe organ and the harmonica. The pipes of the pan flute are typically made from bamboo or giant cane; other materials used include wood, plastic, metal and ivory.
The pan flute or pan pipe is an ancient musical instrument based on the principle of the closed tube, consisting usually of five or more pipes of gradually increasing length (and, at times, girth). The pan flute has long been popular as a folk instrument, and is considered the first mouth organ, ancestor of both the pipe organ and the harmonica. The pipes of the pan flute are typically made from bamboo or giant cane; other materials used include wood, plastic, metal and ivory.
THE MUSIC of china
Chinese civilisation is amongst the oldest in the world. A musical system and instruments were developed in China long before most other countries even existed. The ancient Chinese believed that music could influence people’s souls and affect the world around them. They had strict rules about which scales could be used at certain times of year – they were associated with planets and months of the year.
During the Chou dynasty music seen as a part of science and only someone with a deep knowledge of music was considered fit to rule the country. At one stage there was an “emperor (or ruler) of Music named Ling Lun” who standardised the pitches that musicians should tune to – therefore Chinese music has had set-pitches for longer than any other known music. There used to be no exact way to write rhythms – Now days Chinese musicians often read from Western Notation.
Court Music: History tells us that an ordinary imperial orchestra would consist of several sets of stone chimes, 100 harps, 50 lutes, 200 sheng, 20 tou-kuan and 200 guitar like instruments (papas or yueh-ch’in – all played heterophinocally)
Chinese Opera has existed for centuries. Before the cultural revolution stories had to be about Gods and Goddesses but since then have largely been about communist revolutionaries, folk tales and
During the Chou dynasty music seen as a part of science and only someone with a deep knowledge of music was considered fit to rule the country. At one stage there was an “emperor (or ruler) of Music named Ling Lun” who standardised the pitches that musicians should tune to – therefore Chinese music has had set-pitches for longer than any other known music. There used to be no exact way to write rhythms – Now days Chinese musicians often read from Western Notation.
Court Music: History tells us that an ordinary imperial orchestra would consist of several sets of stone chimes, 100 harps, 50 lutes, 200 sheng, 20 tou-kuan and 200 guitar like instruments (papas or yueh-ch’in – all played heterophinocally)
Chinese Opera has existed for centuries. Before the cultural revolution stories had to be about Gods and Goddesses but since then have largely been about communist revolutionaries, folk tales and
SOME TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF CHINESE MUSIC
|
|
|
THE BASICS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR THE NASTY EXAM
COMMON FEATURES OF THE STYLE
SCALES
The PENTATONIC SCALE (5 note) is clearly the most common used . In some cases others are used, but the pentatonic scale is easily the most prevalent.
RHYTHM
Common time (or 4/4) is the most traditionally applied within Chinese music. Traditionally there was no exact way to notate rhythm until western influence brought with it western standard notation.
- Traditional Chinese music is very much based on melody.
- Until the more recent influence of Western music, NO CHORDAL HARMONY or counter point was used
- Sometimes use of fundamental drone pitch
- Traditional Chinese music has a HETEROPHONIC TEXTURE
SCALES
The PENTATONIC SCALE (5 note) is clearly the most common used . In some cases others are used, but the pentatonic scale is easily the most prevalent.
RHYTHM
Common time (or 4/4) is the most traditionally applied within Chinese music. Traditionally there was no exact way to notate rhythm until western influence brought with it western standard notation.
IMPORTANT INSTRUMENTS
THE GUQIN (ALSO CH'IN)
The guqin (sometimes refered to as Ch'in) literally "ancient stringed instrument") is a plucked seven-string Chinese musical instrument of the zither family. It has been played since ancient times, and was associated with the ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius. It is sometimes referred to by the Chinese as "the father of Chinese music" or "the instrument of the sages".
The guqin (sometimes refered to as Ch'in) literally "ancient stringed instrument") is a plucked seven-string Chinese musical instrument of the zither family. It has been played since ancient times, and was associated with the ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius. It is sometimes referred to by the Chinese as "the father of Chinese music" or "the instrument of the sages".
THE ERH-HU (erhu)
The erhu is a two-stringed bowed musical instrument, more specifically a spike fiddle, which may also be called a "southern fiddle", and sometimes known in the Western world as the "Chinese violin" or a "Chinese two-stringed fiddle". It is used as a solo instrument as well as in small ensembles and large orchestras. It is the most popular of the huqin family of traditional bowed string instruments used by various ethnic groups of China. A very versatile instrument, the erhu is used in both traditional and contemporary music arrangements, such as in pop, rock, jazz, etc.[1]
The erhu is a two-stringed bowed musical instrument, more specifically a spike fiddle, which may also be called a "southern fiddle", and sometimes known in the Western world as the "Chinese violin" or a "Chinese two-stringed fiddle". It is used as a solo instrument as well as in small ensembles and large orchestras. It is the most popular of the huqin family of traditional bowed string instruments used by various ethnic groups of China. A very versatile instrument, the erhu is used in both traditional and contemporary music arrangements, such as in pop, rock, jazz, etc.[1]