Primitive Music: An Inquiry into the Origin and Development of Music, Songs, Instruments, Dances, and Pantomimes of Savage Races (Cambridge Library Collection - Music) - Softcover

Wallaschek, Richard

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1108003729 ISBN 13: 9781108003728

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2009

Synopsis

This 1893 study of the music, instruments and dance of the world's indigenous peoples reflects the Victorian view that human development moved from primitive to complex along a linear evolutionary path. Despite this standpoint, it was an important contribution to comparative musicology in the late nineteenth century, demonstrating the principle that studying the music of non-European cultures and societies could help Europeans understand their own musical tradition. On the basis of his comparative analysis, Wallaschek developed a theory that music originated from rhythm and dance rather than the melody of speech. His proposed model moved forward that of Wagner, and recognised that music is embedded as a fundamental element of social interaction. The book describes music and instruments around the world, the role of singing and dance, and tonality and harmony, before discussing the origin of music and the role of heredity and external circumstances on musicality.

About this title

Book Description

A Victorian study of the music, instruments and dance of the world's indigenous peoples from which the author, a pioneer in comparative musicology, develops his theory of the origin of music based on rhythm and an innate sense of time, rather than the melody of speech.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1108003729
• ISBN 13: 9781108003728
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 352