Traditional African and Oriental Music (Paperback)

~ (Author) "A common attitude in discussing Africa in the West is to think of it as a homogeneous entity, absorbable in one glance, as it were..." (more)
Key Phrases: gamelan ensemble, theatrical ensembles, spike fiddle, North Africa, Far East, Middle East (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The first book aimed at a popular audience to explain non-Western music to the untrained ear

Interest in world music is at its peak. Listening to non-Western music in concerts and on radio, television, and CDs has become an important part of our musical experience, yet the general tendency is still one of passive acceptance. The aim of this book is to offer a detailed and informative introduction to the underlying principles that give non-Western music its marked coherence and characteristic profile and to encourage the reader to explore rich and fascin-ating sounds from around the world.

Traditional African and Oriental Music focuses on five distinct cultures: sub-Saharan Africa, the Islamic world, the Indian subcontinent, China and Tibet, and the Far East (Japan, Java, and Bali). Each chapter examines the rhythm, melody, harmony, and instruments of each region's music, plus elements of the culture that contribute toward an appreciation of the music, such as religion, poetry, drama, dance, and social structure. World-music scholar Otto Karolyi provides readers with insight into what is going on, and why, when they hear music of non-Western cultures, allowing them to grasp each culture's intricate musical traditions. For music lovers, students of anthropology, and anyone interested in the important contributions of these storied cultures, this is an indispensable resource.

About the Author

Born in Paris, Otto Karolyi has studied music in Budapest, Vienna, and London. Currently Senior Lecturer of Music at the University of Stirling, Scotland, his publications include Introducing Modern Music (Penguin), Modern British Music from Elgar to Peter Maxwell Davies, and Modern American Music--From Charles Ives to the Minimalists.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics) (September 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140231072
• ISBN-13: 978-0140231076
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 1.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,204,605 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars missed opportunity, May 22, 2005

By	J. P. J. Stock (Sheffield, S. Yorks United Kingdom) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a truly poor book, which shows little sign of familiarity with the music it claims to present and presents the people of Africa and the East in stereotypical categories. It could be useful as an example of how Westerners continue to misunderstand and misrepresent other musics and, through that, other peoples. That's probably about all.