Gobal Trip to the Music of Africa
The Music of Africa
The history of African music is very fascinating to me, and I hope it is to you. The African music you might listen to today may be completely different then it was back then. African music goes so back in the past that earliest sources on what African music is archaeological. The musical instrument made of the vegetable materials are not around to provide examples the music is supplied by representations of the interments on a stone or terra-cotta.
The African music literature is based on western theoretical frameworks. The African music in the past may be different than what it is now. African music has never been associated with certain ethic groups. It's all about the Individual musicians, the way they play, and how original it is.
The way they study the past of African music is by looking at the stones with paintings, book illustrations, drawing, travelers accounts, inscriptions in the Arabic and African and European languages. They listen to recording, look at photographs.
Since the beginning of the African music being recorded the instruments have alter in little ways. The African instruments are not just interments but works of art, they have unusual designs, patterns and embellished beads, feather, paint or some kind of cloth.
I share your deep fascination with the rich history of African music and its instruments. It's incredible how this music has evolved, reflecting the diverse cultures and individual musicians who have contributed to its development.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that the earliest sources of African music are archaeological highlights the deep roots of this musical tradition. While we may have yet to have the actual instruments made of vegetable materials from ancient times, the representations of these instruments on stone or terra-cotta provide valuable insights into the music of the past.
I appreciate your emphasis on the uniqueness and individuality of African musicians and their styles. It's true that African music is not confined to specific ethnic groups but instead celebrates the creativity and originality of each musician. The fusion of various influences and the ability to adapt and innovate make African music dynamic and ever-changing.
The methods used to study the history of African music, from examining paintings and illustrations to analyzing travelers' accounts and inscriptions, are crucial in preserving and understanding this rich heritage. It's also fascinating how the recording of African music has allowed us to trace the evolution of instruments over time, even as they remain not just functional tools but also stunning works of art with intricate designs and embellishments.
African instruments are indeed a testament to the craftsmanship and creativity of their makers. Using beads, feathers, paint, and cloth to adorn these instruments adds a layer of cultural significance and aesthetic beauty that enhances the music's overall experience.
Exploring the music and instruments of Africa is like taking a global trip through time and culture, and it's a journey that continues to inspire and captivate music lovers like us. Thank you for sharing your appreciation for this incredible musical tradition! 🎶🌍🥁
I found this reading really interesting. The evolution of music in different countries is delightful to learn about. I really like how you said that the instruments are works of art and not just interments. The images you included of them are nice.
ReplyDeleteSomething I would like to add is that from just listening to the youtube video you include about the music is very enjoyable. I feel like the tempo of the music is very distinct. All the songs are very bouncy and kind of fast paced. It’s the kind of music that wants you to just get up and dance around. Thank you for including that link.
This reading definitely caught my interest. I like how you highlighted how distinctive and individual African musicians are, as well as how they express themselves. The way you stated the instruments as artwork is admirable, and they look good in the pictures you posted. African music is dynamic and ever-evolving due to the blending of diverse influences, so it's true that it honors the individuality of every performer rather than being restricted to any one ethnic group. Thank you for you providing the link and expressing appreciation for this musical tradition.
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