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African Polyphony and Polyrhythm : Musical Structure and Methodology

Arom, SimhaLigeti, Gyorgy(Foreword by)Boyd, Raymond(Translated by)Thom, Martin(Translated by)Tuckett, Barbara(Translated by)
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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.

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Product Details
Cambridge University Press
052124160X / 9780521241601
Hardback
18/07/1991
United Kingdom
696 pages
180 x 255 mm, 1456 grams