The music of other cultures

Can you hear any patterns relating to melody, rhythm and form (structure)?

• Do you think the melody is composed (i.e. written down note by note) or is it merely improvisation?

Step 2

H omework/research

Collect pictures and articles related to Indian traditions (Clothing, food, musical instruments, materials, art including masks, etc.) and paste these in your learner’s journal. If you are able to make video copies of TV programmes dealing with any of these things, you can play it to the rest of the class.

Step 3

Background

• In India the term SANGITA is used for music as well as dance and drama.
• Indian music is one of the oldest forms of music and dates from about 3 000 years ago.
• People from India have travelled to and have settled in other parts of the world – including South Africa.
• They brought Indian music culture with them.
• Their music culture comprises classical music, religious music (Hindu), folk music, traditional music and popular music.
• The voice is the most important instrument in Indian music.

• The music is primarily transferred orally from generation to generation (as is music in Africa), i.e. by imitation.
• Spreading one syllable over several notes is a typical aspect of the vocal style.

  

• Much use is made of embellishment and improvisation. Improvisations are usually executed by the soloist and the drummer.

Step 4

Instruments

Here are descriptions of three Indian musical instruments:

• The Tabla is the most popular of percussion instruments. In consists of a set of two drums and is played with the hands and fingers.

• The most common instrument is the sitar , which is a stringed instrument. It has seven strings and a long neck. The strings are plucked and the instrument is often used for solo improvisations. There are also 11-13 additional strings (“sympathetic”) strings, which vibrate (instead of being plucked) to give the characteristic sound of the sitar.

• The tambura is similar in shape to the sitar, but has only four strings and no frets. The instrument’s long neck is held upright when it is played.

All these instruments are placed flat on the ground whilst being played.

Identify the instruments according to the above descriptions:

Step 5

The structure of indian music

Indian music basically is composed of three patterns, each of which is represented by a different instrument.

More traditional music – The Cape Minstrels (Module 1)

Like Indian music, the music of the Cape Minstrels is an example of traditional music in South Africa.

• Describe the ghoema drum
• What are the purpose, function and role of the ghoema drum?

In African music culture, the use of musical instruments is much more comprehensive than in Western music culture.

• The primary function of musical instruments is to make/create sound.

• African instruments are often used to express specific characteristics of culture – e.g. ritual symbolism as embellishment on the instruments themselves.

• Musical instruments are used for oral communication, e.g. for passing on of messages to other areas or as war cries.

• Body percussion and singing are as important as music made on instruments.

In the previous two activities you have made become acquainted with the drum as used in Western classical music and in Indian traditional music.

But the drum actually is much more synonymous with Africa!

Step 1

Work in groups and do some research on the purpose, function and role of the drum (or another instrument such as the mbira) in general, or in specific cultures or certain regions. The educator will provide guidance.

Each group will have an opportunity to share their information with the class.

Step 3

By now you ought to have sufficient information to compare Western, traditional Indian and indigenous African music with regard to the following aspects:

What conclusions can you make?

Assessment