African rhythm : a Northern Ewe perspective / Kofi Agawu.
Author/creator |
Agawu, V. Kofi (Victor Kofi) |
Format | Book and Print |
Publication Info | Cambridge ; New York : Cambridge University Press, 1995. |
Description | xx, 217 pages, 9 pages of plates : illustrations, map, music ; 26 cm + 1 audio disc (digital ; 4 3/4 in.) |
Subject(s) |
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Contents | 1. Rhythms of society -- 2. Rhythms of language -- 3. Rhythms of song -- 4. Rhythms of drumming and dancing -- 5. Rhythms of musical performance -- 6. Rhythms of folktale performance -- 7. Epilogue: representing African rhythm. |
Abstract | It is often said that the distinctive quality of African music lies in its rhythmic structure. Scholarly work on this music has accordingly stressed drumming as the site at which "complex" rhythms are cultivated. The author argues that drumming is only one among several modes of rhythmic expression and that a more fruitful approach to the understanding of African music is through spoken language, in particular its tonal and rhythmic contours, and its metalinguistic function. Drawing on his research among the Northern Ewe people of Ghana, the author constructs a soundscape of Northern Eweland which demonstrates the pervasiveness of a variety of forms of rhythmic expression in the daily lives of the people. He then devotes a chapter each to an analysis of rhythm in language, song, drumming and dancing, musical performance, and folktale narration. A concluding chapter addresses some of the ideological factors that have influenced the representation of African rhythm. An accompanying compact disk enables the reader to work closely with the sound of African speech and song discussed in the book. |
Local note | Joyner-JOYNER MUSIC BOOK ACCOMPANIED BY SOUND RECORDING WITH TITLE: African rhythm / Agawa. IT IS PART OF THE MUSIC LIBRARY CD COLLECTION AND HAS THE CALL NUMBER: MusicLib CD-2608. |
Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references (pages 206-213) and index. |
LCCN | 94031648 |
ISBN | 0521480841 |
Available Items
Library | Location | Call Number | Status | Item Actions | |
Music | Music Media - Ask at Circulation Desk | CD-2608 | ✔ Available | Place Hold | |
Music | Music Stacks | ML3760.7.G4 A3 1995 | Item has been checked out - Due: 05/03/2024 | Want This? |