World Musics in Context: A Comprehensive Survey of the World's Major Musical Cultures - Hardcover

Fletcher, Peter

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0198166362 ISBN 13: 9780198166368

Publisher: OUP Oxford, 2001

Synopsis

This book contains a wide-ranging survey of musics of the world, in historical and social contexts, from ancient times to the present day. It starts by describing aspects of musical style and function in relation to the early developments of civilisations, as background to a study of later transformations. It then describes, in some detail, musical traditions of Africa and Asia, in relation to history/geography and to other aspects of culture. European music is subsequently treated similarly, and in relation to music-cultures elsewhere. A further section examines the consequences of Europe's appropriation of the Americas, and describes popular musical styles in both Latin America and the USA. The final section considers the nature of tradition and change, examines some African and Asian musical styles in their colonial and post-colonial contexts, and considers, in broad historical perspective, the effects of Westernisation. A concluding essay examines the consequences for the West of global Westernisation, and of increasing cultural interchange. The book includes a Foreword by Laurence Picken, an essay that presents a unique view of music and ethnomusicology by one of the most distinguished scientists and musicologists of our time.

In part a compendium of information currently available, in part a dialectical examination of musical causation and function, this book aims to lead students, teachers, and those who practise Western music towards a deeper understanding of the various musical traditions that contribute to the modern, multi-cultural environment. The author's aim throughout has been to achieve clarity in the writing and to make the book accessible to those with no training in ethnomusicology.

About this title

About the Author

Fletcher has held the posts of Professor and Head of Muisc at Dalhousie University, Canada, and Principal of the Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff, Wales. Has been visiting Fellow of Hong Kong University and during the academic year 1992-3 was Dean of Music at the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts.

Edition details

• Publisher: OUP Oxford
• Publication date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0198166362
• ISBN 13: 9780198166368
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 752