Africa (Garland Encyclopedia of World Music, Volume 1) [Library Binding]

Ruth M. Stone (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 1997 | ISBN-10: 0824060350 | ISBN-13: 978-0824060350 | Edition: Har/Com

Explores key themes in African music that have emerged in recent years-a subject usually neglected in country-by-country coverage
emphasizes the contexts of musical performance-unlike studies that offer static interpretations isolated from other performing traditions
presents the fresh insights and analyses of musicologists and anthropologists of diverse national origins-African, Asian, European, and American

Charts the flow and influence of music. The Encyclopedia also charts the musical interchanges that followed the movement of people and ideas across the continent, including:
cross-regional musical influences throughout Africa * Islam and its effect on African music * spread of guitar music * Kru mariners of Liberia * Latin American influences on African music * musical interchanges in local contexts * crossovers between popular and traditional practices. Audio CD included. Also includes nine maps and 96 music examples.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This first in a planned ten-volume set is not an A-Z reference encyclopedia but 39 original essays by 34 scholars from four continents. They sample philosophies and methodologies of ethnomusicology as well as a large variety of African music and dance practices: ritual, religious, social, popular, art. Some are more gracefully accessible than others, but all are authoritatively based on field work. Essays displaying self-consciousness regarding what ethnomusicologists do, in the early part of the book, give way to articles reviewing broad themes (e.g., notation, music as healing, effects of travel and intercultural contact) and finally to reports of research in specific African cultures. The layout is handsome, and though there are no footnotes, lists of references cited at the end of each article are long. The index and glossary were not seen, and the accompanying music CD was not heard, but it evidently will contain hard-to-find examples. For academic and large public libraries serving serious students of African music and/or ethnomusicology.?Bonnie Jo Dopp, Univ. of Maryland Lib., College Park
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

This unique and thoroughly researched resource provides a dynamic and in depth perspective on world music... It strikes a balance between wonderful illustrations and comprehensive, scholarly entries. Each regional volume includes a CD sampler of that region's music. This source will have wide appeal to both the novice and expert. -- Dartmouth Medal Committee
One of the most impressive coverages in print. Essential to any world music library. -- The Bookwatch
Fans will be able to refer to these informative books for the rest of their lives. It is unlikeley that anything will appear in that time to surpass them. -- Cover
The most comprehensive and readable African music guide ever created. -- Pulse
Complete, concise, and informative. Enormously useful and instructive, a necessity for all libraries. -- MultiCultural Review
A fascinating, informative presentation describing what may be to Westerners the most unfamiliar music of the world. Unique in its scope and viewpoint.A must purchase for all academic music libraries, and, indeed, for any academic or large public library with a clientele of anthropologists, linguists, historians, sociologists, or Africanists. -- Reference Books Bulleting/Booklist
This is a significant volume containing significant and timely research.. It belongs in all academic music libraries. -- Choice

Product Details

• Library Binding: 872 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; Har/Com edition (August 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0824060350
• ISBN-13: 978-0824060350
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.9 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,670,208 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars authoritative, June 19, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Africa (Garland Encyclopedia of World Music, Volume 1) (Library Binding)

This is an extremely desirable, comprehensive volume detailing the musical aspects of African culture. Erudite, clear entries on every related topic -- a prize for any musician's bookshelf.

4.0 out of 5 stars Really not an A-Z guide ..., June 5, 2006

By 

K. Drygiannakis (Greece) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Africa (Garland Encyclopedia of World Music, Volume 1) (Library Binding)

but offers interesting views on matters not widely known! :-)