The music of Africa / Joseph H. Kwabena Nketia.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Nketia, J. H. Kwabena.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Music--Africa--History and criticism.

Music.

Africa.

Physical Description:

278 pages ; 22 cm

Edition:

[First edition].

Place of Publication:

New York : W. W. Norton, [1974]

Summary:

The study of African music is a study at once of unity and diversity. The range of indigenous musical resources and practices found on this vast continent is as wide and varied as its topography. In this informative and highly readable book, Professor Nketia provides an overview of the musical traditions of Africa with respect to their historical, cultural, and social backgrounds, their organization and practice, and delineates the most significant aspects of musical style.

Contents:

Section 1 The Social and Cultural Background

1. The Musical Traditions of Africa 3

2. Music in Community Life 21

3. Performing Groups and Their Music 35

4. Recruitment and Training of Musicians 51

Section 2 Musical Instruments

5. Instrumental Resources 67

6. Idiophones 69

7. Membranophones 85

8. Aerophones 92

9. Chordophones 98

Section 3 Structures in African Music

10. Organization of Instrumental Ensembles 111

11. Melody and Polyphony in Instrumental Music 116

12. The Rhythmic Basis of Instrumental Music 125

13. Organization of Vocal Music 140

14. Melody and Polyphony in Vocal Music 148

15. Rhythmic Structures in Vocal Music 169

Section 4 Music and Related Arts

16. Speech and Melody 177

17. The Role of Song Texts 189

18. Interrelations of Music and Dance 206

19. The Dance Drama 218

20. The Conventions of Musical Practice 231

Appendix II Location of Ethnic Groups Mentioned in the Text 251

Appendix III African Terms Used in the Text 254.

Notes:

"Selected discography": pages 247-249.

Bibliography: pages 263-271.

ISBN:

0292021777

OCLC:

841677