Excursions in World Music

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 364 pages
• Published by: Pearson Prentice Hall
• Edition: 4th Edition January 2004
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0131403052
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0131403055
• Book Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.5 x 0.6 inches
• Weighs: 1.2 pounds

Book Description
This dynamic book takes readers on a vivid exploration into the major musical cultures of the world by first presenting a lively vignette of a musical occasion, and then placing that occasion in the context of a general description of the society and musical culture. KEY TOPICS The book divides the world into ten major culture areas-and devotes a chapter to each, exploring the musical cultures of such fascinating lands as India, the Middle East, Indonesia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America. The presentation features a synthetic treatment of musical life and ideas about music, musical style, music history, and musical instruments; briefly describes additional musical genres or contexts; and considers recent developments. For individuals interested in the music of the world. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

The publisher, Prentice-Hall Humanities/Social Science
Extensively revised to maintain its contemporary edge, this dynamic introductory text takes students on a vivid exploration into the major musical cultures of the world by first presenting a lively vignette of a musical occasion, and then placing that occasion in the context of a general description of the society and musical culture. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Reader Reviews
This review is from: Excursions in World Music (3rd Edition) (Paperback) This book presents a series of articles on music and the role of music in a variety of cultures around the globe. The articles each begin with a description of a musical event or concert in a culture, then go on to give more details about characteristics of a wide range of musical styles in that culture. The featured description in each chapter is usually some sort of traditional or classical style for that culture, and popular music in the culture is treated briefly. I found a few of the musical terms hard to understand, never having studied musical theory myself. Perhaps some of these terms would have become more clear through listening to the oft-mentioned accompanying CD, which I unfortunately don't have. There is a glossary in the back of the book, but its definitions are not sufficient to make meanings clear to someone without a thorough grounding in world music. In a few places, the proofreader missed some details, as for example, p. 46 the map of the Middle East shows UAR where the UAE is supposed to be! In addition to the use of technical terms without explanations, the lack of an overall big picture of world music makes this book more of a resource to dip into for background readings than a systematic introduction to the subject. It would work well as readings for a course, but is not ideal for self-study. Comment | | (Report this)