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3 CD set containing various music examples from the authors' fieldwork, as well as fieldwork of other ethnomusicologists and relevant commercial recordings. ... Read more

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From cha cha chá to jeliya and Hindustani raga to hip-hop gamelan, this exciting new text takes students on a journey through diverse musical cultures and traditions of the world. With a clear and accessible presentation style and lively and engaging writing, it is an ideal introduction to world music for non-music and music majors alike. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

good book
This was a required book for a class that I took. I liked that all the terms weren't overwhelming as some texts can be. My teacher knows the author and seemed to have respect for him (obviously or she wouldn't have used the book!!) He described things well because he had actually studied all the music that he wrote about.

Great book even if you want a quick guide to world music. ... Read more

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BLACK MUSIC OF TWO WORLDS defines the scope of world music studies, by exploring the impact that both African and European cultures had on music of the Americas. ... Read more

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A Classic Look at a Vast Wonderous World of Sounds.
This is essential reading for anyone seeking an introduction to and overview of the complex sonic wealth of musical forms from Africa and the African Diaspora.

It is a fine orientation from an intrepid Brit who has been seeking these wonders since the early 1950's.

It was hard enough to find recordings of compelling planetary noise for a kid in the 70's in provincial America.

Roberts was discovering it all in its homeworlds before I was born.

Roberts work helped me make sense of Merengue, High Life, Blues Shouters, Santeria Drummers and many other glistening things from the hearts and minds of Africa here and there. ... Read more

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A. J. Racy is well known as a scholar of ethnomusicology and as a distinguished performer and composer. In this pioneering book, he provides an intimate portrayal of the Arab musical experience and offers insights into how music generally affects us all. The focus is tarab, a multifaceted concept that has no exact equivalent in English and refers to both the indigenous music and the ecstatic feeling associated with it. Richly documented, the book examines various aspects of the musical craft, including the basic learning processes, how musicians become inspired, the love lyrics as tools of ecstasy, the relationship between performers and listeners, and the influence of technological mediation and globalization. Racy also probes a variety of world musical and ecstatic contexts and analyses theoretical paradigms from other related disciplines. Written in a lucid style, Making Music in the Arab World will engage the general reader as well as the specialist. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Universals in the Specific: Art Music in Arab Culture
Even though this scholarly but highly readable book concerns Arabic art music, the principles discussed can be applied to Western classical chamber music, opera, jazz, and even the Grateful Dead and their ardent fans, the Dead Heads. After all, Racy, as both ethnomusicologist and respected musician, observes the variation of musical inclinations and the different sophistication of listeners; the performance of music in different venues of home, concert hall, night club, and recording studio; and within social events as weddings and religious celebrations. The development, training, and social status of Arabic musicians seems to be universal. Even the objectives of art versus popular music are similar when comparing the heightened emotional state, indeed ecstasy, of Arabic tarab and the aesthetic appreciation of European lieder, operatic arias, and quartets. There is also a communal mutual appreciation that can act synergistically, as when a group of musical connoisseurs attended a concert by Umm Kulthum and when Dead Heads gathered for a concert of the hippie house band. Also, the spiritual opening through deep sama'a listening of an Arabic ensemble is not different than that that may occur by listening to some J S. Bach compositions or a Mahler symphony. Racy discusses the interactions of band leaders and players and the factors leading to both an inspiring and inspirational performance, when composition, improvisation, musicians, audience, and event situation come together in a stunning, magical way. Thus, although the details of compositions and poetic lyrics, terminology, history, and ethos presented in the book are unique to Arabic culture, there are also universals that can be appreciated by all peoples.

Still, this is a thorough analysis of the Arabic musical idiom and the musical culture of its people. It is the richness of this examination that makes this book special and worthwhile. I find it a perfect companion to Scott L. Marcus' survey book, Music in Egypt.

Exceptional Book about Arab Music
This is by far the most accurate and extensive book written about tarab music along with its culture and art.Prof. Ali Jihad Racy examines the concept of tarab in many ways by dividing this book into 7 chapters.An introduction to tarab, the culture or tarab, Performance, Music, Saltanah, Lyrics, and finally a perspective look at tarab in the modern world.
I recommend this book for individuals seeking a deep and clear understanding of this underappreciated art and what classical Arab music is all about.
... Read more

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This unique book/audio package lets children sing and play songs from around the world by making their own musical instruments. The book includes easy-to-follow instructions for making and playing 10 percussion instruments by using recycled, everyday items. Each instrument project includes background information on its culture of origin, activities and games involving the instrument, a suggested reading list for more information on the culture, and a song to play with the instrument. The delightful accompanying recording features traditional songs so kids can play and sing along. The book is full of close-up photos to help in making and playing the instruments. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

songs and activities
This book is very useful for teaching multicultural songs, especially if you lack knwoledge in that area.The book has
activities for each song as well as five book recomendations for each country. ... Read more

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Popular music has been a major force in the world since the 19th century. With the advent of electronic and advanced technology it has become ubiquitous. This is the second volume in a series of encyclopedic works covering popular music of the world. It consists of some 460 entries by 130 contributors from around the world. Entries range between 250 and 5000 words and are arranged in four parts: performers and performing; musical production and transmission; musical instruments; and musical forms and practice. Entries include musical examples, bibliographies, discographies and filmographies. ... Read more

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This book is written from a composer's point of view andis intended to be a reference book for the analysis of arrangingtechniques. Its aim is to help composers and arrangers improve theircompositional skills as well as their understanding of various musicalstyles. Through a study and analysis of the scores and styles of themaster composers, the author gives a broad view of the music of boththe past and of the present. This allows the musician to navigatewithin the contemporary music scene with an essential awareness of andappreciation for all genres of music. The skills and concepts taughtin this book will help the aspiring arranger harmonize melodies andwrite counter-melodies quickly and efficiently utilizing variouscombinations of instruments and voices, whether for pops orchestra,television, or recordings, according to the demands of moderncommercial music. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Good Arranging Book
I found this to be an excellent book on arranging for the person new to it or for someone like myself who hasn't done much lately and wishes to get back into it.The recorded examples help a lot as I can remember when the books only gave the written music and you had to hunt down the recordings to hear the actual music played. The book is well done and has many examples of different musical styles and a variety of different voicings.I enjoy this book very much.

Great Book!
Great book.Covers the basics and yet is not boring to the experienced musician.

Great book
I"ve little experience with orchestration and this book helps, giving solid foundation and there's alot to "get" as a beginner. The attached CD also helps. I've gone through the book once. Planning to go through it again.

A great resource
I highly recomend this book to be in your collection if you want to learn arranging and orchestration. It covers alot of ground. Make sure you know your theory first, as a fair knowledge is assumed here, which I liked. I'ts in-depth and has many many great points and wise advice on what to do in various situations. The author is a Jazz guy so the use of the word "Commercial" in the title meas "Jazz". Theres nothing for arranging rock or pop and only a little on film-scoring. The CD's have audio examples but not of every example in the book - just the ones composed by the author, however they are great to have and read-along with.

For musicians with 2nd yeear theory in college
Excellent text book.Author is disolutioned as to who is reading the book.Tries to explain (in quotes) what you should know about history and theory couses after second year theory in college.Great book for those with at least two years of music theory in college.It is beyond the quarter unit course that I taught, in orchestration, with seniors, at a four year institution.If you have the information of a graduate college student it is excellent.I would love to take a graduate course from this gentleman.He has a very diversified education in many musical venues. ... Read more

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Learn basic drumming technique with this tasty and creative introduction to the popular World Music Drumming curriculum. Students will experience calypso, rock, swing, Middle Eastern patterns and much more! Eight multicultural songs and ensembles reinforce the drumming patterns in a sequential, easy-to-teach approach. The 128-page Teacher Edition comes complete with score, reproducible student parts and lesson plans with objectives, teaching process and supplementary strategies. For added fun, a performance/accompaniment CD is available separately to help learn the songs and percussion parts. Jammin' that goes from smooth to crunchy! Available separately: Teacher Edition, Performance/Accompaniment CD, Classroom Kit (Teacher and P/A CD). Suggested for grades 2-5. ... Read more

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Even fallen humans compose beautiful symphonies, music that touches emotions as nothing else can. Resounding Truth shows Christians how to uncover the Gospel message found in the many melodies that surround us. Theologian and musician Jeremy Begbie believes our divinely-inspired imagination reveals opportunity for sincere, heartfelt praise. With practical examples, lucid explanations, and an accessible bibliography, this book will help music lovers discover how God's diversity shines through sound. Begbie helps readers see the Master of Song and experience the harmony of heavenly hope. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Intersting and Insightful
Begbie draws on numerous disciplines such as music theory, music history, philosophy and Christian theology to explore music and Christianity.He also connects with modern culture and how music is approached in both sacred and secular contexts.Among the most interesting points were his discussion of time and creation and how they relate to our view of music.It's a very well written book, and was more interesting and easier to read than most academic books.Because of the depth of theological discussions this book would probably even be of interest to people who are interested in Christian theology even if music is not a primary interest.

Profound insights into music by Jeremy Begbie
RESOUNDING TRUTH: Christian Wisdom in the World of Music (Engaging Culture) (Paperback) by Jeremy S. Begbie

Jeremy Begbie is professor of Theology at Cambridge University.Most of his work deals with cross-pollination between Christian theology and the arts.There is currently a Youtube link with a fine presentation by Begbie called "THE SENSE OF AN ENDING: The Musical Self" from University of California TV back in the 90s.[...]
After seeing that video (which you can buy online and I recommend), I wanted to read his writing and finally found this reasonably priced volume aimed at a non-academic audience. It is a kind of introductory course on how Christians have sought to understand what music really is and to discover both the source of, and proper uses of, the powers of music to enhance life and deepen faith.He starts with a historical review of thought on the subject including classical views and includes a nice section on Luther's views on music--as well as of Calvin, Zwingli, and other influential Christian thinkers.He includes the work of several "modern" composers with a spiritual bent.(E.g. He discusses how these have found ways torepresent timelessness as well as temporality in their works.)He discusses the tensions between composer and performer.He discusses the ambivalence of many Christians regarding the fleshly and the spiritual powers of music.He overviews everything that the Bible says about musical instruments.

In the main part of the book he presents his own work and thoughts on the subject, covering but amplifying what is in the Youtube video.It is very thought provoking, profound, and wonderful--a rich and pretty much non-technical presentation.I imagine a musician would get more out of it than me, but he lets the reader share in a musician's insights.As a confessional Lutheran, I am irritated to see the word "Theology" taken to mean merely "thinking about God" (beyond what can be derived from the Scriptures), but at the same time, I believe that thinking about God in all aspects of life, including music, and seeking all kinds of sound wisdom is a worthwhile activity, as long as it supplements and serves rather than replaces in our life the bigger foundational messages of the Scriptures.In Begbie, you get a beautiful and compelling picture of how a Christian's life work is enriched by integrating it with his faith.He is a world-class scholar, a fine Christian and a gifted teacher.He is NOT a modernist or post-modernist in his views, but appears to be Biblically sound, committed to following the teachings of Scripture rather than deconstructing them.

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Customer Reviews (2)

JUST FOR CLASS PURPOSES...
IM NOT INTO SECULAR MUSIC SO I RATED THIS ALBUM ACCORDINGLY, ALTHOUGH THE SPEED OF DELIVERY WAS EXCELLENT! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND ORDERING FROM AMAZON.COM AND SOME OF THE PARTICIPATING SELLERS BECAUSE THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE IS EXCELLENT!!!

Needed it for class...
Bought it because it was required for class. It has a really nice arrangement of different styles of music. ... Read more

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An excellent introductory treatment! This volume helps readersdevelop an understanding of one of the great periods of Western music. It examinesthe music of the medieval world in light of the technical and esthetic elements thatcombined to forge it. Due to its obscure theological and philosophical bases, themusic of the Middle Ages is often confounding to modern ears. This book seeks tohelp readers appreciate medieval music by presenting it as the sympatheticcorrelation of artistic craftsmanship and philosophical development. ... Read more

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     Exploring Popular World Music is the first introductory level text written to introduce students to popular music styles from around the world. Focusing on styles that all students will know -- from Reggae to Klezmer, from Afro-Pop to Kodo drums--the book offers a comprehensive, listening-oriented introduction to the world's popular musical cultures.
    Each chapter will focus on a specific music style and its associated geographic locale. The salient musical and cultural features associated with each example are discussed in detail to increase our appreciation of the music. Relevant artists will be highlighted and suggestions for further reading and listening will be offered. By the end of the book, the student should be able to 1) recognize a variety of world music styles, 2) articulate musical and cultural knowledge associated with each style, and 3) identify important artists related to the genre.
    Supplementing the text will be a web site fcreated by the author) featuring the author's world music map, enabling students to explore pop music cultures as they relate to each other; as well as an iTunes playlist for all the highlighted selections in the book. This book should strongly appeal to Intro to World Music Courses for non-majors who wish to study popular rather than traditional musics of the world, which would encompass a large majority of students enrolled in these courses. ... Read more

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Evocative music from the classic feature films "Pride and Prejudice," "Sense and Sensibility," "Emma" and "Persuasion" arranged by Richard Harris for piano solo. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Beautiful
A nice collection of different pieces from Jane Austen movies.I found the music to sound very much like the music in the movies, and have loved playing it!I highly recommend it if you have enjoyed the music from Jane Austen movies, particularly "Emma" and "Sense and Sensibility."

For the record
Not all Austen adaptations are created equal.This collection is from the best:

"EMMA" (1996 version with Kate Beckinsale, NOT Gwynneth Paltrow) composed by Rachel Portman: Frank Churchill Arrives; End Titles

"SENSE AND SENSIBILITY" (1995 version with Emma Thompson) composed by Patrick Doyle: My Father's Favourite; Devonshire; All The Better For Her; Excellent Notion; The Dreame

"PRIDE AND PREJUDICE" (1995 mini-series with Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth) composed by Carl Davis: Pride & Prejudice - Theme; Canon Collins; The Gardiners; Summary

"PERSUASION" (1995 version with Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds) composed by Jeremy Sams: Persuasion - Main Theme; Tristesse; Italian Aria;

If You Love Jane Austen
If you love Jane Austen movies and play the piano then this is the book for you. The selectionsare from various movie adaptations of Jane Austen's beloved stories.You are sure to recognize many of them and re-viewing the movies again will remind you of others. The pieces in this selection are fairly easy; I've been playing for 3 years.My teenage daughter plays form the book almost every day.

Songs from Austen movies - accomplished pianists needed!
I bought this book based on the delightful bunch of Masterpiece shows that have been airing on PBS of late. I loved the music in so many of them (and other BBC recreations of the Austen classics), and was lulled into believing that after 12 years of piano lessons, I would be able to tackle these songs. I was wrong. Of the dozen or so songs in the volume, I was only able to play 4 on sight, and will need to go over the others with an accomplished piano teacher! So in summary, I am happy that I can play some of them (happily the Pride and Prejudice theme from the Colin Firth series), but wish some were easier so I could play them all without extra aggravation! Has someone put together an easy play book? This is not it.

Most of this is beautiful!
I bought this book and several others that have not arrived yet. It is a lovely book and I'm so happy to have it in my collection. It includes:
From EMMA by Rachel Portman:
Frank Churchill Arrives
End Titles

From SENSE & SENSIBILITY by Patrick Doyle
My Father's Favorite
Devonshire
ALl the Better for Her
Excellent Notion
The Dreame

From PRIDE & PREJUDICE by Carl Davis
Theme
Canon Collins
The Gardiners
Summary

From PERSUASION by Jeremy Sams
Theme
Tristesse
Italian Aria

I purchased this book without really knowing which music was included, but I definitely wanted the Sense & Sensibility pieces.I really enjoy all of them, especially the pieces from Persuasion.Funny, but that soundtrack never stood out to me when I watched this film. I really wouldn't have thought those pieces would be my favorite. Italian Aria, though, is gorgeous and, though simple, even my 11 year old son came over to the piano when I was playing and exclaimed how pretty the music was!The pieces range from cheerful and upbeat to haunting and sad.Additionally, some sound as if they were written during the baroque period, and some sound as if they were written during the Romantic period. A real variety of music is presented here.

I am thoroughly enjoying this book. The transcriptions are really for beginners to intermediate level players.The easier pieces, though, are not "EASY PIANO". It's just easier because the tempo is simple and there are only a couple of sharps or flats at one time.There is nothing too difficult here, but they still sound wonderful.

... Read more

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Music in the Post-9/11 World addresses the varied and complex roles music has played in the wake of September 11, 2001. Interdisciplinary in approach, international in scope, and critical in orientation, the twelve essays in this groundbreaking volume examine a diverse array of musical responses to the terrorist attacks of that day, and reflect upon the altered social, economic, and political environment of "post-9/11" music production and consumption. Individual essays are devoted to the mass-mediated works of popular musicians such as Bruce Springsteen and Darryl Worley, as well as to lesser-known musical responses by artists in countries including Afghanistan, Egypt, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, and Senegal. Contributors also discuss a range of themes including the role played by Western classical music in rites of mourning and commemoration, "invisible" musical practices such as the creation of television news music, and implicit censorship in the mainstream media. Taken as a whole, this collection presents powerful evidence of the central role music has played in expressing, shaping, and contesting worldwide public attitudes toward the defining event of the early twenty-first century.