Customer Reviews

Worlds of Music: An Introduction to the Music of the World's Peoples

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I've been teaching a world music course out of this textbook for a couple years now and will say that there are some positives to it: the CD compilation is great, good variety and interesting and there is some really good, detailed information that students would find interesting-it's good for people who go into world music without knowing much, it can be engaging and intriguing. It was the book I used as a student. But, on the other hand from an academic, teaching point of view there are some flaws. I will admit it's difficult to cover an entire world of music in one book, it must be an editor's nightmare on how to arrange the information. But one problem is that some chapters focus on a country or region within a country, i.e. - Japan, South India, Native America. Whereas other chapters focus too broadly-an entire chapter that covers the whole continent of Africa and one on South America!! It doesn't cover Brazil which is full of various musical traditions and is such a large country. Some of the chosen examples of traditions are highly localized too and not indicative of the general population. My Bosnian student had never heard of Bosnian ganga singing until this class. It's not that the information is at all wrong or presented in a bad way, it just needs clarification for students. You wouldn't want them walking away from a class thinking these musical traditions are known and practiced by the entire population (as with ganga singing). One other problem is that there is no chapter on the Middle East which is really unfortunate. I don't think this is a horrible textbook, of the few out there, this is probably the better one. Students can get a lot out of it, and especially the CDs, but if you teach with it, I highly suggest using supplemental information and even make your students be critical of the information they find in the book as well as how it's arranged.

While the text book is informative and enlightening on many of the aspects of World Music, it is frustrating that he continually puts out newer editions that have minimal changes except for the CD. For the general information gathered from this text, anyone will be able to gain loads of interesting facts about the different cultures and their musical ceremonies/practices.

Bought the book new but didn't realize that the CD's are sold separate, look for a used book deal that has them included if you are going to need them!!

Frustrated that we had to buy the book and CDs separately. It was clear from the description that the book purchase does not include the CDs, but what is not as clear is that the "CD Set" is not the inclusive book and CDs set, it is just the CDs. We bought the CD set and then had to come back later and buy the book when we realized that they were entirely separate. So, we did not have the book on time for class. Kinda irritating.

This book is wonder and a treasure trove of musical ideas from around the planet. For example, how many music historians are aware of how the Native Amercians used song to identify each of their tribes?
Mr. Titon has provided very interesting facts about music making from many world cultures. He has also produced a 3 CD sound compilation of musical examples for this book that is indispensible.
If you're tired of today's bland market of music that has sadly squashed historical music making of any kind, this book is an excellent journey into the world's most basic roots of song and music.

Book was fine but ws disappointed that it did not come with the cd's that were required for my daughters class. In reading the description again, I got exactly what I was promised. Had to go purchase the cd's seperarly bringing the price near what the school was charging for the set.

Book arrived just as ordered and on time. No issues were noted and I would order from this company again.

I received this book within a few days of ordering it. It was brand new and was so much less in cost than that of the college bookstore I go to. Thank you so much. Amazon.com is the only way to go for any book!

They did not include the $50 worth of CD's I needed for class and will not respond to my emails.

I was really relieved that the CD's arrived so quickly! College classes had already begun and I needed these FAST! I was thrilled to see that I got EXACTLY what I was expecting, gently used merchandise yet still in tip top condition for listening. You will certainly be glad you purchased from this seller, as I was :)