Excursions in World Music (8th Edition)

Specifications

Book Description

**”Excursions in World Music” (Eighth Edition)** by Timothy Rommen and Bruno Nettl is a comprehensive exploration of music from diverse cultures around the world. The text introduces readers to a wide variety of musical traditions, emphasizing cultural context, musical structures, and the roles of music in society. The book is designed for students of ethnomusicology, music, and global studies, offering insights into the rich tapestry of music across the globe.

### **Key Features and Content Overview:**

#### **1. Introduction to World Music**
– **Ethnomusicological Approach:** The book begins with an introduction to ethnomusicology, providing tools and concepts for understanding music as a cultural phenomenon. It emphasizes how music is interwoven with history, religion, and social structures in various regions.
– **Global Perspectives:** The authors stress the importance of studying music from a global perspective, promoting an understanding of cultural diversity and the universality of music.

#### **2. Regional Case Studies**
– **Diverse Musical Traditions:** Each chapter is devoted to a specific region or country, exploring the unique musical styles, instruments, and performance practices of cultures such as Africa, Latin America, South Asia, East Asia, the Middle East, and Indigenous North American peoples.
– **In-Depth Analysis:** The book delves deeply into the musical characteristics of each tradition, including rhythm, melody, harmony, and form. Special attention is given to the social and ceremonial roles of music in each culture.

#### **3. Instruments and Musical Forms**
– **Cultural Instruments:** The text introduces readers to traditional musical instruments from various cultures, explaining their construction, playing techniques, and significance. Examples include African drums, Indian sitars, Chinese guzheng, and Native American flutes.
– **Variety of Musical Forms:** The book covers a wide range of musical forms, from folk and classical music to contemporary popular genres, providing a thorough understanding of the scope and variety within each culture's musical output.

#### **4. Music and Identity**
– **Music and Religion:** Many chapters discuss the religious significance of music, such as its role in Hindu and Islamic traditions, or the way music functions in spiritual ceremonies for Indigenous peoples.
– **Music, Politics, and Identity:** The authors examine how music is often used as a form of cultural expression, resistance, and identity in contexts such as colonialism, nationalism, and globalization.

#### **5. Listening Guides**
– **Interactive Learning:** Each chapter includes listening guides that direct readers through key pieces of music from each region, helping them understand specific musical elements and appreciate the cultural context of the works.
– **Accessible Audio:** The book is often accompanied by a companion website or audio files to give students access to recordings that illustrate the diverse musical traditions discussed in the text.

### **Conclusion**
**”Excursions in World Music” (Eighth Edition)** is an invaluable resource for students and enthusiasts of global music traditions. It blends detailed ethnomusicological analysis with a focus on the cultural significance of music, fostering a deeper appreciation for the diversity of musical expression around the world. Through its regional case studies, interactive listening guides, and rich cultural insights, the book serves as both an educational tool and a celebration of the world’s musical heritage.