Product Description

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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #907949 in Books
• Published on: 2004-12-02
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 696 pages

Language Notes
Text: English (translation)
Original Language: French

Customer Reviews

Thorough and multifaceted coverage of a fascinating topic
Arom's treatment of African music is fantastic. The reader will benefit from Arom's direct experiences with African music in many ways. Not only does he provide musical transcriptions, but also discusses the equipment and techniques used for recording. He also discusses the social aspects of the music, which are inseparable from it. There is a large section in which he shares the results of his musical analysis--specifically, the ways in which he categorizes African music based on their rhythmic activity. He creates his own analytical methdologies and creates very specific terminology to describe the rhythmic structures found in African music. As a graduate student in music theory I found this book very helpful in my research and analysis of composers who try to emulate the rhythmic structures and phenomena found in African music. It's a terrific resource.