African Polyphony and Polyrhythm: Musical Structure and Methodology

In this detailed study Simha Arom takes a new and original approach to the understanding of the complex and sophisticated patterns of polyphony and polyrhythm that characterise African music. Considering in particular the harp, sanza, xylophone and percussion music of Central Africa, Simha Arom develops a rigorous method for the analysis of the music and for the recording and deciphering of the many strands of polyphony and polyrhythm. Through a systematic breakdown of the many layers of apparently improvised rhythm he reveals the essential structure which underlies this rich and complex music. Inspired also by linguistic techniques, Professor Arom regards the music very much as a grammatical system.

Author: Simha Arom
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 12/02/2004
Pages: 700
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 2.71lbs
Size: 9.69h x 7.44w x 1.40d
ISBN: 9780521616010

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