KLEZMER MUSIC Klezmer music originated in the 'shtetl' (villages) and the ghettos of Eastern Europe, where itinerant Jewish troubadours, known as 'klezmorim', performed at joyful events ('simkhes'), particularly weddings, since the early middle age till the Nazi and Stalinian prosecutions. It was inspired by secular melodies, popular dances, 'khazones' (khazanut, Jewish liturgy) as well as by the 'nigunim', the simple and often wordless melodies, intended by the 'Hasidim' (orthodox Jews) for approaching God in a kind of ecstatic communion. In (mutual) contact with Slavic, Greek, Ottoman (Turkish), Gypsy and -later- American jazz musicians, using typical scales, tempo and rhythm changes, slight dissonance and a touch of improvisation, the 'klezmorim' acquired the ability to evoke all kinds of emotions, through a very diversified music. back home "Klezmer: it's not just music - it's a way of life!" A klezmer kapelye (~1910) Attention, please: Pronounce 'kleZmer' and not 'kleTzmer'! Feidman Although
Great Highland Bagpipes History When one thinks of Ireland, its national symbol, the Celtic harp, springs immediately to mind. In the case of Scotland, the same can be said of the Great Highland Bagpipes. Across all continents, more than 200 different varieties of bagpipes are being played today. In every corner of the world where Celtic people have settled, the bagpipes or Piob have been absorbed into and become an important part of the culture. Over the centuries, as people have migrated from country to country along the major trade routes, the bagpipes made the journey with them. Earliest Origins The earliest physical evidence for the existence of the bagpipes is an engraved rendering in Chaldean sculptures dating back to 4000 B.C. The earliest forerunners of the Great Highland Bagpipes—simple, mouth-blown reed pipes—had emerged in the Near East and Egypt by 2500 B.C. Instrument of War Among classical civilizations, the Romans are the best-known advocates of using pipes in battle. Scotland: The Early Centuries
traditional musical instruments indonesia ~ AejicShare Angklung is a musical instrument multitonal (double pitched) is traditionally grown in theSundanese-speaking community in the western part of Java Island. This musical instrument made of bamboo, sounded shaken by the way (the sound caused by impactbodies of bamboo pipes) so as to produce a vibrating sound in the arrangement of tones2, 3, and 4 tones in every size, both large and small. Angklung is listed as Masterpieces ofthe Oral and Cultural Heritage of UNESCO Human Nonbendawi since November 2010. Calung is a Sundanese musical instrument which is a prototype (prototype) of theangklung. Unlike the angklung is played by shaken, beating calung way is to hit the rod(wilahan, blades) of the joints (bamboo tubes) are arranged according to the barrel titi(scales) pentatonic (da-mi-na-ti-la) . Gamelan is a musical ensemble that usually highlight metallophones, xylophone, drums, and gongs. Rebana (Java Language: Fly) is a round drum-shaped and flat. Sasando is a stringed musical instrument.
Note Museum of International Folk Art | Dancing Shadows | Gamelan (Orchestra) * Gamelan is an Indonesian orchestra that mainly consists of percussion instruments such as gongs and metallophones. Female singers (pesindhen) and a male chorus (penggerong) are also involved in a complete ensemble. In Indonesia, particularly on Java and Bali, gamelan is an essential accompaniment for wayang performance and other dramatic forms. Gamelan is also enjoyed as an element of ritual celebrations such as wedding receptions, circumcisions, and village ceremonies. New contexts for gamelan have developed over the years; today there are special performances for Indonesia’s Independence Day, radio and television programs, and informal “jam” sessions that are occasionally sponsored by gamelan patrons and connoisseurs. Important aspects of gamelan performance practice include the tuning system (laras) and modal classification (pathet). Gamelan in Wayang Kulit Performance The gamelan orchestra is a vital accompaniment for wayang kulit performance. Conducting the Orchestra
Michael Blake (composer) Michael Blake (b. 1951 in Cape Town) is a South African contemporary classical music composer. The composer studied at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg and lectured at Goldsmiths College, University of London. He returned to South Africa in 1998 and settled in Grahamstown where he teaches composition and is director of the annual contemporary music festival, New Music Indaba. At the 1999 meeting of the International Society for Contemporary Music held in Bucharest, Blake made a successful bid for South Africa’s re-entry into the ISCM after an absence of nearly four decades. His music, based on 20th-century music, is also influenced by African music.[1] Kwela (1992) First version: string orchestra, Second version: elastic scoringOut of the Darkness (1993-94) for piano and small orchestraRemix (1998) for two solo violins and string orchestra
Russmus: About Russian Traditional Music Russian music includes a variety of styles: from ritual folk song, to the sacred music of the Russian orthodox church, and also included the legacy of several prominent 19th century classical and romantic composers. Major contributions by 20th century Soviet composers as well as various forms of popular music are also part of the make-up of Russian music. 18th and 19th century: Russian Classical music Russia has a history of classical music innovation. 20th century: Soviet music After the Russian Revolution, Russian music changed dramatically. Film soundtracks produced a significant part of popular Soviet/Russian songs of the time, as well as of orchestral and experimental music. Music publishing and promotion in Soviet Union was a state monopoly. 21st century: Modern Russian music Russian pop music is well developed, and enjoys mainstream success via pop music media such as MTV Russia, Muz TV and various radio stations. From: Music of Russia
History of Gamelan Indonesian Music and Dance Across Indonesia, but particularly on the islands of Java and Bali, gamelan is the most popular form of traditional music. A gamelan ensemble consists of a variety of metal percussion instruments, usually made of bronze or brass, including xylophones, drums, and gongs. It may also feature bamboo flutes, wooden stringed instruments, and vocalists, but the focus is on the percussion. The name "gamelan" comes from gamel, a Javanese word for a type of hammer used by a blacksmith. Although metal instruments are expensive to make, compared with those of wood or bamboo, they will not mold or deteriorate in Indonesia's hot, steamy climate. Origins of Gamelan Gamelan seems to have developed early in the history of what is now Indonesia. For example, the great Buddhist monument of Borobudur, in central Java, includes a bas-relief depiction of a gamelan ensemble from the time of the Srivijaya Empire, c. 6th-13th centuries CE. Classical Era Gamelan Music and the Introduction of Islam