African Polyphony and Polyrhythm

Simha Arom

ISBN 10: 0521616018 / ISBN 13: 9780521616010

Published by Cambridge University Press, GB, 2004

About this Item

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.

Seller Inventory # LU-9780521616010

Bibliographic Details

• Title: African Polyphony and Polyrhythm
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press, GB
• Publication Date: 2004
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521616018
• ISBN 13: 9780521616010
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: New
• Weight: 1230 grams

About this title

Synopsis

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.

Book Description

In this detailed study Simha Arom takes a completely new and original approach to the understanding of the complex and sophisticated patterns of polyphony and polyrhythm that characterise African music.