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The Theory of African Music, Volume I: A Journey into the Rhythms and Melodies of Sub-Saharan Africa

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Published in Theory Of African Music Volume I (Chicago Studies In Ethnomusicology 1)

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Theory of African Music Volume I (Chicago Studies in Ethnomusicology 1)

Theory of African Music, Volume I (Chicago Studies in Ethnomusicology Book 1)

by Gerhard Kubik

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1478 KB
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Print length	:	146 pages

The Theory of African Music Volume I: The Main Principles of Musical Organization is a groundbreaking work in ethnomusicology that examines the musical traditions of sub-Saharan Africa. First published in 1971, the book was written by J.H. Kwabena Nketia, a Ghanaian ethnomusicologist who is considered one of the leading scholars in the field. The book is based on Nketia's extensive research into the music of sub-Saharan Africa, and it provides a comprehensive overview of the musical systems of this region.

Nketia begins the book by discussing the concept of music in African societies. He argues that music is an integral part of African life, and that it serves a variety of functions, including religious, social, and political. He then goes on to discuss the different types of musical instruments used in sub-Saharan Africa, and he provides a detailed analysis of the musical scales, rhythms, and harmonies that are characteristic of African music.

One of the most important contributions of Nketia's book is his discussion of the role of improvisation in African music. He argues that improvisation is a fundamental aspect of African musical performance, and that it allows musicians to express their creativity and individuality. He also discusses the importance of the call-and-response pattern in African music, and he shows how this pattern is used to create a sense of community and participation.

The Theory of African Music Volume I is a seminal work in ethnomusicology, and it has had a profound impact on the study of African music. The book is essential reading for anyone who is interested in the music of sub-Saharan Africa, and it is a valuable resource for scholars, musicians, and students alike.

The Contents of the Book

The book is divided into four chapters, each of which deals with a different aspect of African music. The first chapter provides an overview of the musical traditions of sub-Saharan Africa, and it discusses the different types of musical instruments, scales, rhythms, and harmonies that are used in this region. The second chapter focuses on the role of music in African societies, and it discusses the different functions that music serves, including religious, social, and political. The third chapter examines the process of musical performance in Africa, and it discusses the importance of improvisation and the call-and-response pattern.

The fourth and final chapter of the book is a detailed analysis of the music of the Ewe people of Ghana. Nketia provides a comprehensive overview of the Ewe musical system, and he discusses the different types of songs, dances, and musical instruments that are used by the Ewe people. He also provides a detailed analysis of the Ewe musical scale, and he shows how this scale is used to create a variety of different melodies.

The Significance of the Book

The Theory of African Music Volume I is a groundbreaking work in ethnomusicology, and it has had a profound impact on the study of African music. The book is essential reading for anyone who is interested in the music of sub-Saharan Africa, and it is a valuable resource for scholars, musicians, and students alike.

The book has been translated into several languages, and it has been used as a textbook in universities around the world. It has also been cited in numerous articles and books on African music, and it is considered to be one of the most important works in the field.

The Author

J.H. Kwabena Nketia was born in Ghana in 1921. He studied music at the University of Ghana, and he later earned a doctorate in ethnomusicology from the University of London. Nketia was a professor of music at the University of Ghana for many years, and he also served as the director of the Institute of African Studies at the University of Ghana. He was a prolific writer and scholar, and he published numerous books and articles on African music. Nketia died in 2019 at the age of 97.

Theory of African Music, Volume I (Chicago Studies in Ethnomusicology Book 1)

by Gerhard Kubik

5 out of 5