Transcript LISTEN! - Bedford

Chapter 7
The Early Baroque
Period
Global
Perspectives:
Ostinato Forms
Key Terms
Ostinato
Minstrel
Jangar
Lyre
Pygmy polyphony
Interlocking
ostinatos
Hocket
Hunting song
Global Perspectives 3
Ostinato Forms
One of the oldest, most universal musical
forms
Based on short, repeating melodic
patterns
These patterns may be:
• Melodies
• Bass lines
• Accompanimental patterns
African Ostinatos
Ostinato forms extremely prominent in
Africa
They are practiced with a rich variety of
techniques, genres, and instruments
Examples cover a broad range:
• North African troubadour-like singers who
accompany themselves with one instrument
• South Africa’s electrified, rock’n’roll-influenced
Township Jive
Sudanese Solo Singers
Solo singers of epic songs have deep
roots in Mediterranean culture, dating back
at least to the time of Homer
Solo singers in Africa fill many roles—
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Sing praises of powerful leaders
Narrate historical or legendary events
Ritual participants in weddings, funerals, etc.
Provide informal entertainment
A Minstrel’s Song
Song sung by Doogus Idris
He accompanies himself on the jangar, a
Sudanese lyre
Ostinato accompaniment is varied a bit:
• At times chordal strumming
• At times more melodic
Over this, he sings a rather free melody
Text describes a young man and woman in
love and the dowry he must pay
Pygmy Polyphony
Practiced by many tribes of central African
rainforest
Delicate, complex polyphony–imitated in
music from world beat to rap to pop
• e.g., Zap Mama, the Roots, and Madonna (by
way of Herbie Hancock)
Improvised group singing style used for:
• Ritual songs
• Work songs
• Pleasure and relaxation
A Hunting Song for Chorus
Each singer sings a different, short,
repeating melody
Together, these interlocking ostinatos
create a complex polyphony
Often hocket-like alternation between
parts
This song describes bravery and daring of
elephant hunters
Starts with two soloists, other voices
gradually chime in