Product Description
The Rough Guide to World Music is the unchallenged reference work on sounds from around the globe. This third edition is more comprehensive than ever - updated and expanded throughout and with a number of new countries added. Volume 1: Africa & Middle East has full coverage of genres from Afrobeat to Arabesque, and artists from Amadou & Mariam to Umm Kulthum. The book includes articles on more than 60 countries written by expert contributors, discographies for each article with biographical notes on thousands of musicians and reviews of their best CDs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

imh23
The book arrived quickly and in great order.The transaction was very smooth and easy.Thanks!

In the memory of Giorgos Papasideris + Georgia Mittaki
I think together with our musical knowledge we should investigate and respect peoples's origins
Please make note that Gíorgos Papasideris + Georgia Mittaki were not of Albanian descendant
their great grandfathers were Greeks that migratedfrom Epirus now in Albania.

Work of Lunatic Scholarship Indeed
The first two editions of the Rough Guide to World Music have long been essential reference books for music lovers, and it still holds true with the third edition. Expanded and revised, this is the first volume in a three-volume set, this time around focusing on the music of Africa and the Middle East. Drawing upon a whole host of authors, this work broadens the horizons by looking at every major style of musc in the region, from classical and tribal music, to modern Afro-pop, al-Jeel and Rai sensations. New and popular generes, such as African rap, Arabesque and Toureg music, are also examined in depth, making this volume much more thorough than it's predecessors. The book makes a monumental effort to catalouge the best of newer CD releases, including mention of prominent CD labels, as well as classic hits. Also, in addition to the standard articles, interviews and CD recommendations, most chapters also include a suggested playlist of iPods or MP3 players, giving an overview of the country's musical styles.

The first section focuses on the vast and culturally diverse continent of Africa, and takes up roughly 3/4s of the book. Almost every major country and style is covered - Congolese soukous, Algerian rai, Ethio-jazz, Nigerian Afro-beat, high life from Ghana, East African taraab, chimurenga and mbira from Zimbabwe, and many more. Indeed, South Africa has threeseperate articles focusing on pop, jazz and gospel, respectively. Other articles focus on specific cultures, such as the Kabylie Berbers of Central African Pygmies. New and expanded material includes a look at Toureg music, Libyan music, the San and !Kung bushmen of Namibia, Botswana and post-war Liberia. This makes it an essential buy for those interested in these little known countries. In addition, there are countless profiles, biographies and even interviews with many prominent musicians such as Rachid Taha, Angelique Kidjo, Malouma mint Meidah, Cesaria Evora, Yossou N'Dour, Oliver Mtukudzi and the Drummers of Burundi. Other short side bars and notes highlight topics as diverse as Malagasy reburial rites, Nigerian pop stars abroad, the tribal musics of Kenya, the Chaoui Berbers of the Aures Mountains, and Moroccan music festivals. Theres even an article on pioneering ethno-musicologist Hugh Tracey, who's recordings highlight now lost musical traditions from across sub-Saharan Africa. All in all, a great and wonderfully enlightening look at African music.

Although smaller than the section on Africa, the Middle Eastern section of the book is just as interesting and informative, even if the region is covers is somewhat smaller. The greats of Arabic classical music, such as Abdel Halim Hafez, Farid al-Atrache, Fairouz and, of course, Oum Kalthoum, are all covered. There is also a quite up-to-date (for the moment anyway) chapter covering Egyptian pop music, and seperate chapters for the regional musics of other Arab countries. Whereas they were lumped together in the previous edition, articles on Lebanon, Syria and Iraq have been updated and expanded enough to merit their own chapters, each showing their countries unique styles of music. The many, diverse traditions of Iran, Turkey and Israel are each covered, ranging from the whirling dervishes to bellydance to Persian classical music. There are also seperate articles covering ethnic groups such as the Kurds, Sephardic Jews and the Bedouin. The Caucasian republics - Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan - get pushed into this book too, due to shared cultural heritage with the Middle East. And, to top it off, theres a great new chapter about the rise of Arabesque, eletronic music that draws on Arab and Turkish influences (think Natacha Atlas, or Rachid Taha's remix of "Ya Rayah"). Very cool...

So, is it worth the buy? I'd certainly say so. If your a world music fan, especially one interested in African or Middle Eastern music, this book will become an essential reference for you. Especially if you want to learn more but have no idea where to begin. Even if you consider yourself pretty familiar with the musical styles here, you'll still find plenty of gems you may have missed out on, or never heard of before. Trust me on this one. It's already expanded my CD collection, and I've only had the new edition for a couple of days. The focus has greatly expanded from the previous editions too, which were a little heavily focused on pop music. This edition is more broad, showing a vast array of regional and cultural styles from across Africa and the Near East. It's a must buy, and I strongly recommend it.

Bigger and better!
The Rough Guides--the CDs and the books--offer spectacular resources for anyone interested in international music. This is the first volume in a projected 3-volume set that will replace the current two-volume edition. The material on Africa and the Middle East present about 50% more material than before, and include suggested "playlists" in addition to the biographical and discographical information included in the previous edition. As a radio programmer I find the Rough Guides quite useful.

An Essential Guide for World Music Lovers
Even after all these years, this book is an essential for world music lovers, from novices interested in learning more about something they just heard off the radio to seasoned music lovers interested in rounding out their collections. This encylopedic work (the first volume in the series) gives a brief survey of the different music traditions of Europe, the Middle East and Africa, divided by country, region, style or ethnicity. Each article was written by different authors, so obviously there is some variation, but they include very thorough details on the history, culture, background and style of the music, along with a sample discography at the end. Most articles include one or two profiles of famous artists from that country.

The first section, Europe, covers almost every country in Europe, as well as giving articles on the Saami people of Scandinavia, Gypsy music, regional cultures from Spain (like the Basques and Galacians), and Bhangra, the festive dance music of Britain's Punjabi diaspora! Everything you would expect is here, like Spanish flamenco, Portuguese fado, Greek rembetika, Norwegian fiddles, Scottish bagpipes, Celtic music from Ireland, Swiss alp horns, the haunting vocal music of Bulgaria and so forth. There are also quite a few surprises hidden in here too. Much of this section tends towards the folk, for obvious reasons.

The Middle Eastern chapter covers the music of Turkey, Iran, Israel, Armenia, Georgia and the Arab states (except for parts of North Africa), as well as Kurdistan and the Sephardic Jews. Theres alot of variety here, from the classical Arabic pop music of Oum Kalthoum, Fairouz and Abdel Halim Hafez, to modern Egyptian pop like Amr Diab, Natacha Atlas, and Hakim. Along the way, theres also the haunting sound of the Armenian duduk, Nubian music, Persian and Turkish classical traditions, Lebanese dabke, dervish rituals, Georgian polyphonic singing, Sephardic romances, Iranian-American pop music and Palestinean folk songs (which is great to see them acknowledge that Palestine DOES have a unique culture). This section is very good, with a very rich mix of traditions and cultures.

The biggest part of the book deals with Africa, with a very strong emphasis on regional pop music. Some countries (like Libya, Somalia and Namibia) are sadly overlooked, but all the powerhouses of African music are hero... Ethio-jazz, Algerian rai, high life from Ghana, Congolese soukous, Malagasy pop from Madagascar, Kenyan benga, South African gospel, Nigerian afrobeat, Senegalese mbalax, Moroccan gnawa, mbira music from Zimbabwe, Kabylie Berber music, east African taraab, recordings of the Pygmy people of Central Africa, Mande music of Mali... so much gets covered here, including numerous lesser known traditions (like the music of Zambia, Sierra Leone, or the Indian Ocean). Its by far the most exhaustive part of the book, full of great information, important artists and numerous CD recommendations.

Over all, its a wonderful introduction to the vast (and sometimes confusing) world music scene. The book was written in the late '90s, so some of the information is a little dated and a few REALLY great new artists or CDs aren't mentioned, but thats a minor detail. In fact, many of the CDs mentioned in the suggested listening section remain best sellers today! Theres also the occaisonal trend of focusing in on pop music or CDs more readily available in the west, but again, theres nothing wrong with this. Think of this book more as an introduction or a guide book and you'll be fine. Once you get into world music, or even just a particular culture or region, you'll be good. So check this book out and see what you like (or don't like). ... Read more

Product Description
Deepens understandings of key issues about multiculturalism in music education. Covers a broad range of the world's musics: Japanese, Native American, Australian Aborigine, South African, Hispanic, African-American, Israeli, Hawaiian, Amazon Indian, Tennessee Mountain, and more. Based on a Northwestern University Music Education Leadership Seminar. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great research reference
As a graduate student at Northwestern studying multicultural musics, this resource is really a valuable part of my continuing study.Every writer in this collection has some valid things to say about current issues in music education, and I find this book relevant to current practice in the field of music education, no matter what group you are teaching.Get it to develop some new perspective. ... Read more

Product Description
Designed to develop children's ability to read and understandmusic, The Music Book includes games, word finds, and crosswordpuzzles.The activities support the school's music program, and helpchildren understand elements of music relevant to learning to play aninstrument.Subjects include; staff familiarization, beats and rests,rhythmic content, simple and compound time, musical instruments,history of music and musical trends. ... Read more

Product Description

"Few cello players currently before the public have enjoyed the kind of international success in all conceivable musical career roles as Janos Starker. In his lifetime, Starker has gained renown as teacher, soloist and orchestra player." -- Chicago Tribune

"Starker...remains one of the wonders of the musical world, an artist who finds innumerable ways to shape and color lines." -- Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Starker is not just a cellist. He is widely recognized as one of the finest of the last 50 years." -- Indianapolis Star

"Starker emerges here as the rare artist who respects the past but lives enthusiastically in the present... Essential. All readers; all levels." -- Choice

Janos Starker is universally acknowledged as one of the world's great musicians. Known for a flawless technique paired with expressive playing and interpretation, the Hungarian-born cellist is arguably also the premier teacher of his instrument in our time. String players flock to his masterclasses from all over the world, and cellists compete vigorously to study under him at the Indiana University School of Music. More than the consummate musician, however, Starker is also a raconteur and writer, occasionally quirky and droll, always witty and with a pointed opinion to share.

The World of Music According to Starker is a colorful autobiography spanning the author's fascinating life. From his early musical education during World War II in Hungary, to his world tours, educational philosophy, and recording and pedagogical legacy, Starker takes the reader on a riveting, entertaining, and informative journey. Included in the book are several of Starker's short stories and commentaries on world events, academia, and -- of course -- music that have appeared in newspapers, music periodicals, and trade magazines.

Also includes a bonus CD recording of Starker's last public recital, which is unavailable commercially and includes his only recording of the Strauss Sonata in F, Opus 6.

Included on the CD:Richard Strauss, Sonata in F, Opus 6Ludwig van Beethoven, Sonata in C major, Opus 102 no. 1Johannes Brahms, Sonata in E minor, Opus 38Franz Schubert, Sonatina in D, Opus 137 no. 1 (Starker edition)

Customer Reviews (4)

Unfurling the World of Music According to Starker
Written without the technical competence his fingers are usually spirited with, this is still an intriguing book. Janos Starker barely disguises that he composed this book while bathing. The narrative of his life is interrupted several times with present tense statements concerning his hygiene at the time of writing. "I am flecked with pheasant grease as I compose these words" he writes. "But back to my time in Budapest, or I shall return to it soon. Presently I am bathing, removing these irascible grease spots. I remove the grease with a coarse loofah, then I write a sentence. This is the slow fugue of Janos Starker's life. A sinuous musk snakes from my armpits. The odor, she returns my thoughts to the pungency of Lady Hungary." A strange journey through the life of the notable cellist, his mind, and what is on his mind as he bathes.

An odd object, perhaps, but a beautiful one
In terms of quality of writing, the famous cellist might have stuck to his principal art rather than venturing into autobiography. But then we would be without this odd little gem of self-reflection. That would be a pity.

Starker makes no bones about the fact that he writes from the twilight of his life. That is part of this book's occasionally coarse charm. Like many professional musicians, Starker comes across as something of a crotchety fellow, not only determined to maintain the high artistic standard he early established for himself, but dismissive of those who prove less demanding of themselves.

It could hardly been foreseen that this Hungarian-born Jewish child prodigy,denied a passport from the land of his birth, would play in the great halls of Europe and America-and a number of less great ones far from those cultural centers-and then settle in Bloomington, Indiana with all the fierce loyalty to his midwestern university town that is typical of the emigr?-by-choice. There he became the revered teacher of a cellist friend of my wife's and so found his way onto my reading list.

The World of Music According to Starker reveals the stitchery side of the unglamorous practice room and backstage world that appears to concert-goers as a well-ordered tapestry. Starker's loyalty to his friends-for-life is endearing, as is his enduring respect for the consistently great artists like the idiosyncratic Fritz Reiner. Indeed, consistency is one of Starker's most-admired virtues and in eyes the truest measure of artistry.

Starker occasionally wishes aloud that his contribution might have enriched the lives of others. Indeed.

the World of Music according to Starker.
A wonderful book for anyone to read, especially anyone with visions of entering the madness of the concertizing world. It is hard to imagine his abilities as far as playing difficult repertoire on short notice, even recording it.
He doesn't seem to be a warm fuzzy kind of guy, but is organaized in a way that anyone must respect.
Herb

Starker: a great musician and writer.
This autobiography proved immensely enjoyable for its revelations about the world of music, all the more so coming from a musician originating from a country which knew so much tragedy in the 20th century. Janos Starker's wit and wisdom shines throughout the book and he really knows how to write - he is much more than amere raconteur intent on self-advertisement. I would definitely recommend this to any music-lover or indeed to anyone with a curious turn of mind - such a person would start off with something in common with maestro Starker. ... Read more

Product Description
Reflecting the growing interest in popular music from the developing world, this unique book is the first to examine all major non-Western urban music styles, from increasingly familiar genres like reggae and salsa, to the lesser-known regional styles of Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, the Middle East, non-Western Europe (Greece, Yugoslavia, Portugal), Asia, and the Near East.Manuel establishes parameters that distinguish popular music from both folk and classical music, defining popular music as music created with the mass media in mind and reproduced on a large scale basis as a salable commodity for wide public consumption. While emphasizing stylistic analysis and historical development, he also treats the diverse popular musics as sites for the negotiation and mediation of the dialectics of nationalism and acculturation, tradition and modernity, urban and rural aesthetics, and grassroots spontaneity and corporate or bureaucratic manipulation. With its encyclopedic syntheses of earlier studies and extensive original research, Manuel's book will be an invaluable source for general readers and students of ethnology, popular music, and contemporary culture. ... Read more

Product Description
A retelling of the traditional legend, where the god of the sky persuades the god of the wind to journey in search of music. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

One of my Son's Favorites
My younger son loved this book. Actually, maybe he just loved hearing his Dad say "Quetzacoatl" and "Tezcatlipoca".

He still loves music, and makes music. And he does know music is the gift of the divine.I like to think reading this book (and discussing the beautiful artwork) with him helped.

Attention grabbing!
While there are some issues between the text and the pictures, there is no better storybook to grab the attention of young students studing ancient American archaelogy, folklore and/ or effective book illustration. Each page is a jewel. Grade-A! ... Read more

Product Description
The latest edition in our highly regarded series The World's Great Classical Music, this songbook features 47 faithful intermediate to advanced piano solo transcriptions of works by Tchaikovsky, often regarded as the greatest Russian composer. Includes selections from symphonies, concertos, operas, ballets and piano works, as well as a thorough biography of the composer. ... Read more

Product Description
For undergraduate courses in World Music and Introductory Ethnomusicology, and for use as a supplementary text in general Music Appreciation courses.This dynamic introductory text takes students on a vivid exploration into the major musical cultures of the world by first presenting a lively vignette of a musical occasion, and then placing that occasion in the context of a general description of the society and musical culture. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Good
Good introduction to many musical themes throughout the world.Accessible, well written, and entertaining to read.

Aptly titled
This book presents a series of articles on music and the role of music in a variety of cultures around the globe.The articles each begin with a description of a musical event or concert in a culture, then go on to give more details about characteristics of a wide range of musical styles in that culture.The featured description in each chapter is usually some sort of traditional or classical style for that culture, and popular music in the culture is treated briefly.I found a few of the musical terms hard to understand, never having studied musical theory myself.Perhaps some of these terms would have become more clear through listening to the oft-mentioned accompanying CD, which I unfortunately don't have. There is a glossary in the back of the book, but its definitions are not sufficient to make meanings clear to someone without a thorough grounding in world music.In a few places, the proofreader missed some details, as for example, p. 46 the map of the Middle East shows UAR where the UAE is supposed to be!In addition to the use of technical terms without explanations, the lack of an overall big picture of world music makes this book more of a resource to dip into for background readings than a systematic introduction to the subject.It would work well as readings for a course, but is not ideal for self-study.

Not horrible for an introductory textbook for world music
I am currently a teaching assistant for a class which uses this textbook. Comparatively, this is probably one of the better introductory textbooks for students who are not necessarily musically inclined, such as the class I work with. There is not a great deal of technical music jargon and it provides some decent contextualizations. However, some chapters are lacking in information and can be quite a dull read for students, such as the chapter on Japanese music. And at times authors give too much in the way of personal "fieldwork" anecdotes instead of covering other areas or possible issues. The third edition came out not too recently, but from what I can tell, contains almost the exact same information as the second.

A Great Excursion with a Great Tour Guide!
I first came across this book when still a student taking an introductory course in asian music cultures.It was and is still is a great read especially for students who are non-musicology majors and have a tendencyto get lsot in more technical books.The language, style, presentation anddiscussion is simple and interestingly handled.Not too scholarly as to beoverwhelming. Great background on the socio-cultural context of the music. ... Read more

Product Description
In its first edition, Soundscapes broke newground by organizing the study of world musicaccording to its cultural significance, ratherthan by geography alone.The Second Editionprovides even better coverage of the culturessurrounding the music and focuses more closelyon honing students’ listening skills. The Second Edition also features a striking new design, newchapter organization, and expanded listeningguides. An indispensable companion toSoundscapes and a remarkable collection in itsown right, this three-CD set contains overseventy performances discussed in the text andoutlined in the listening guides. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Soundscapes
The CDs came quickly and in a timely manner.I am frustrated because I received the CDs and all of them work except the third one.The third one is a CD that is a burnable CD that someone put the label on and it is an empty disk.So I paid for three disks and only got two so I am pretty pissed about it.

Awesome price, Great Condition!
Received this in a timely manner, perfect condition, included CD and was packaged nicely! Thanks for the quick delivery and great deal!!

Excellent
Great item, brand new and clean as described.The shipping was faster than the due date. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Fabulous
I really enjoyed this book. It is packed with excellent music related material that makes you feel that you're experiencing the time and places as you read about them. I recommend that anyone starting out in the music world or just want some informational reading about all types of music, to read this book and you will get a well rounded education on music.

Exploring The World of Music***BOOKSELLER90 ROCKS!!!**
To Whom it may concern-

Please know the book was exactly the way they described. Also, I have a final this week and they made it a point to ship it early and they paid the addtl shipping out of their pocket.

BLESS YOU & THANK YOU BOOKSELLER 90 ... Read more

Album Description
The Rough Guide To Indian Lounge features some of India's most seductive sounds combined with hypnotic grooves and exquisite chill out music. From the sublime Indian flute and voices of Bombay Dub Orchestra to the mesmerizing slide-guitars of BBC World Music Award winner Debashish Bhattacharya; this is incredible Indian music at its most alluring.

Artists include - James Asher, Apache Indian, Bombay Dub Orchestra, Atif, Bally Sagoo and Gunjan, Tribali, Niraj Chag, Debashish Bhattacharya & Bob Brozman, Ajoy Chakrabarty, Lopa, Sonorous Star and Karen David ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

a mixed bag
This seems to be less of a Rough Guide to Indian lounge music than just a collection of music. "Lounge," of course, could mean anything, and this compilation includes a bit of everything, with staggering variety. It starts out with a westerner making Indian music (James Asher, who blends dozens of Indian instruments into an enchanting mix) and ends with someone of Indian descent making western music (Karen David, whose totally non-Indian western pop is a letdown and seems incrediabally out of place.) In between there are lots of enchanting songs. The Pakistani pop of Atif, for example, and the incrediabally compelling Apache Indian, who fuses reggae and bhangra in "Om Namah Shivaya," a song about spirituality and meaning in today's world. Though there's no real bhangra music on this compilation, bhangra producer Bally Sagoo interprets a famous Bollywood song, adding modern beats. There's also, much to the credit of this compilation, a Hindustani classical vocal piece by AJOY CHAKRABARTY. There are a few great instrumental pieces, like DEBASHISH BHATTACHARYA's Indian slide guitar which leans toward the classical but in a modern way, Tribali from Malta who explore the sitar, and an intimidating Asian Underground song from SONOROUS STAR, which layers beats over a sitar loop.

All in all, it's a compilation worth having. Almost none of what's here is pure Indian music - it was produced to mark the anniversary of India's independence, and as a lounge album, it explores collabarations between Indian and western music. Not all of the songs are great, but that's a side-effect of having such a wide variety of songs that appeal to a wide variety of tastes. Another slightly irritating thing is that the album is very short - they could have fit more music. But it's still, all in all, a worthwhile album.

Better Than Buddha Bar
Over the years, World Music Network has released several compilations focusing on South Asian music, ranging from classical Hindustani music to Sufi Qawwali from Pakistan to hard rocking bhangra. In recent years, there has also been an explosion of Indian-themed electronica, remixes of the late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, and 'exotic' eastern lounge music. What makes this particular release different from anyone else with a sitar in one hand a synthesizer in the other? Well for one, the selections on this album are outstanding!

Of course, some of the old, familiar faces from the 'Asian Underground' are here - Apache Indian, Niraj Chag, even a cool new track from Bally Sagoo (featuring Indian American singer Gunjan). But there are so many new faces included here too. Big names like the Bombay Dub Orchestra and Calcutta guitarist Debashish Bhattacharya should be familiar to anyone who has been following Asian music these days. And there are also contributions from New Age composed James Asher and classical Hindustani singer Ajoy Chakrabarty. But what really sold me were the artists I hadn't heard of... I was particularly impressed the light Pakistani pop of Atif, the hypnotic ambiance of Tribali, and the haunting voices of both Lopa and singer/actress Karen David.

Over all, this is quite and outstanding CD. While it may not serve as an essential history of cross-cultural fusion from the Indian subcontinent, it certainly is good listening, and even introduced me to several artists I was not aware of. Definitely worth adding to your collection, especially if you want to impress your friends by keeping up on the latest, Indian-themed releases. Welcome to the Asian Underground. ... Read more

Product Description
Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) has a reputation as one of the leading composers of the twentieth century. But the story of his controversial role in history is still being told, and his full measure as a musician still being taken. This collection of essays goes far in expanding the traditional purview of Shostakovich's world, exploring the composer's creativity and art in terms of the expectations--historical, cultural, and political--that forged them.

The collection contains documents that appear for the first time in English. Letters that young "Miti" wrote to his mother offer a glimpse into his dreams and ambitions at the outset of his career. Shostakovich's answers to a 1927 questionnaire reveal much about his formative tastes in the arts and the way he experienced the creative process. His previously unknown letters to Stalin shed new light on Shostakovich's position within the Soviet artistic elite.

The essays delve into neglected aspects of Shostakovich's formidable legacy. Simon Morrison provides an in-depth examination of the choreography, costumes, décor, and music of his ballet The Bolt and Gerard McBurney of the musical references, parodies, and quotations in his operetta Moscow, Cheryomushki. David Fanning looks at Shostakovich's activities as a pedagogue and the mark they left on his students' and his own music. Peter J. Schmelz explores the composer's late-period adoption of twelve-tone writing in the context of the distinctively "Soviet" practice of serialism. Other contributors include Caryl Emerson, Christopher H. Gibbs, Levon Hakobian, Leonid Maximenkov, and Rosa Sadykhova. In a provocative concluding essay, Leon Botstein reflects on the different ways listeners approach the music of Shostakovich. ... Read more

Product Description
An Introduction to Music and Art in the Western World, 10th edition, is a clear and attractive guide to the great artists and composers of the West and the societies in which they lived and worked. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Excellent, but watch for bad copies
I use this text in a 100 level Music and Art appreciation class I teach at the university level.This book is generally excellent until the last chapter, where the emphasis they place on modern art has proven, over the last 15 years since this edition was last updated, to be a little bit out of date.In fairness, more in the art areas than the music areas.Art is an area where value changes over time, and that shows in the last chapter.However, I feel the rest of the text is superb, and works well for my course, and with my students.I cannot seem to locate another combined art and music book that works better.

Simply the Best
It doesn't get much better than this. Substantive and always interesting, I used this with great success for several years teaching music appreciation at the University level. Works equally as well as a supplement to art appreciation and humanism. Sometimes out of print, so get it when you can.

Good for the class
Brought it for a class have not used it out of those confines but good for what I brought it for.

Good overview
This is an excellent chronological overview of the art, music and architecture of the Western world.It's well written and the color illustrations are well chosen and helpful.All in all, it's a good way to brush up on a few thousand years of cultural history in a short time. ... Read more

Product Description
Many people intuitively sense that there is a connection between mathematics and music. If nothing else, both involve counting. There is, of course, much more to the association. David Wright's book is an investigation of the interrelationships between mathematics and music, reviewing the needed background concepts in each subject as they are encountered. Along the way, readers will augment their understanding of both mathematics and music. The text explores the common foundations of the two subjects, which are developed side by side. Musical and mathematical notions are brought together, such as scales and modular arithmetic, intervals and logarithms, tone and trigonometry, and timbre and harmonic analysis. When possible, discussions of musical and mathematical notions are directly interwoven. Occasionally the discourse dwells for a while on one subject and not the other, but eventually the connection is established, making this an integrative treatment of the two subjects. The book is a text for a freshman level college course suitable for musically inclined or mathematically inclined students, with the intent of breaking down any apprehension that either group might have for the other subject. Exercises are given at the end of each chapter. The mathematical prerequisites are a high-school level familiarity with algebra, trigonometry, functions, and graphs. Musically, the student should have had some exposure to musical staffs, standard clefs, and key signatures, though all of these are explained in the text. ... Read more

Product Description
In this volume, 68 of the world's leading authorities explore and describe the wide range of musics of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Kashmir, Nepal, and Afghanistan.Important information about history, religion, dance, theater, the visual arts, and philosophy and their relationship to music highlighted in 76 in-depth articles.Among the many special topics are the Classical traditions of both North and South India, the relationship of music, dance, and theater, and the music of south Asian communities abroad-including immigrants to the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Caribbean.This encyclopedia also discusses such contemporary issues as pop music, film music, cassette technology, and nationalism. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Fantastic resource
This is a very informative collection of articles covering many aspects of South Asian music.It includes articles about North and South Indian classical traditions, folk traditions, dance, and popular music.There are also many articles about the role of music in society, women in music in South Asia, and South Asian music worldwide.Each region of South Asia is also covered with individual chapters.Many of the musical concepts and structures are exemplified in the accompanying CD; the relevant CD tracks are clearly noted in the text.

Living in Dubai, I have found myself immersed in South Asian culture, and recently started studying carnatic music on the veena, simply because it was here.Lacking all knowledge of the contexts in which the veena is played, I found myself floundering in my studies.The first teachers I worked with here either haven't had enough English or enough music theory studies to explain the music.I searched on the Net for information about carnatic music, but found that most of the information was written by Indians for Indians, using terms that I don't understand or can't make sense of.What makes this book different is that it is written for Western audiences, and the Indian terms are fully explained.As a result, this book has been a tremendous resource for me in explaining the music theory that I was struggling with, as well as the context of the music in Indian society.I've never read an encyclopedia cover to cover before, but once I got started reading this one, I couldn't stop. ... Read more

Product Description
Drum Circle Spirit teaches about facilitating community through rhythm-based events. Arthur Hull, recognized as the father of the drum circle movement, uses rhythm circles for spirit - and team - building among personal growth and religious groups, major corporations and to help build community in grass roots organizations around the world. This book includes discussion and education about 'rhythmaculture'; a play-along universal grooves CD with orchestration outlines; drum circle games; facilitation exercises; orchestration exercises; and the author's philosophies, terminologies, and stories. All of these tools are designed to act as a foundation from which facilitators can grow and develop their own styles. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

The bottom line
This book is the bottom line, the base of the pyramid. All others I have read-and I have very many-rest on it. It explains the why, the where and the how of different types of drum circles and how, when one is called upon to do so, to facilitate them so that they live and create music on their own. While there are many facilitator "tricks" and techniques, the message is always that the circle is not to serve as a platform for a facilitator performance, but that the facilitator's job is only to get the music the circle is making past places where it starts to self destruct and back into solid playing. There is a great deal of anecdotal information about how specific difficult situations were handled as well as examples of wonderful, joyful exhuberance. If you are new to drum circles, and especially if you need or want to facilitate them, this is the FIRST book you buy.

The definitive book on circles!!
Arthur Hull hits the nail on the head with his book, Drum Circle Spirit.Without this book to use as a guide, I would feel lost!... I call it simply "REQUIRED READING" for those who care about their community and friends who wish to drum in a group setting. It empowers most anyone to begin and conduct their own drum circle.THANK YOU ARTHUR!

I was really amazed by this book.
As a Christian wanting to start a church-oriented drum-circle, I was somewhat concerned that this book would be full of propaganda that would run counter to my Christian values.(Making it annoying to read at the least, and at worst, difficult to convince other Christians in my church of its value.)While some of the author's values come through (especially with references to "tithing to Rhythm Church" and the like) there's nothing in here to really offend any particular religious belief.There's no "we can heal the world with drums, just think good thoughts and good things will happen to you" message here.It's practical advice on how to bring out the best in a group of drummers.

Arthur's numerous anecdotes are entertaining and informative.They really conveyed the spirit of what Arthur does with his drum-circles.

I'm very anxious to get started applying what I've learned (and will continue to learn) from this book, and it has convinced me to attend one of Arthur Hull's Facilitator Playshops.Arthur's teaching in the book is very clear, presented in small, easily-digested steps, and most of all, very encouraging.The whole book shouts, "You can do this, it isn't that hard!"

I've very pleased that Arthur has taken the time to share his hard-earned wisdom with the rest of us.If you're wanting to start a drum-circle, work with kids through rhythm, or any such activity, you can't afford not to own this book.

What we need
This guy is a modern Trickster! At first you wonder, is this guy a joke? Then as you read more, you realize, yes he is, thank god! But be aware; this is a book about building community; if you want a book about drumming, look to Mickey Hart.

Drum Circle Spirit
This book and CD set has wonderful examples of drum circle games and exercises. He and his facilitators also share their drum stories and let us know how fun it can be to be an "Arthurian" facilitator!Get a bunch of friends together and PRACTICE these games!(It REALLY comes to life after attending one of Arthur's facilitator playshops!!!) ... Read more

Product Description
At 5 years old, he composed a minuet. By six, he was performing for royalty. The compelling story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is a timeless tale of musical genius, its rewards, and its pitfalls.

Author and musician Marcus Weeks takes us around Mozart's world—from the Royal courts of 18th century Europe to the opera houses and balls where Mozart enjoyed triumph and fame. We meet the kings and queens of the age, learn of the young Mozart's favorite games, see the clothes he wore, and the new musical instruments of the time. The lively text also gives readers an appreciation of Mozart's vast legacy of immortal music. ... Read more