Musical Instruments and Sound-Producing Objects of Oceania: The collections of the Australian Museum

Atherton, Michael

ISBN 10: 3034306180 / ISBN 13: 9783034306188

Published by Peter Lang AG, Internationaler Verlag der Wissenschaften, 2011

About this Item

Fine. Paperback. 2010. Originally published at $50.95.

Seller Inventory # W128039d

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Musical Instruments and Sound-Producing Objects of Oceania: The collections of the Australian Museum
• Publisher: Peter Lang AG, Internationaler Verlag der Wissenschaften
• Publication Date: 2011
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 3034306180
• ISBN 13: 9783034306188
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

This book contributes to our knowledge and awareness of musical instruments and sound-producing objects in the region called Oceania. The author uses principles of organology to describe a research project at the Australian Museum. He explains the classification, provenance and cultural significance of diverse objects that were individually examined and measured.
Four main sections are reflecting the regions of Oceania: Indigenous Australia, Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musical instruments and sound-producing objects reveal a great diversity, as do the instruments in the Melanesian section, in particular Papua and New Guinea; some objects being exquisitely designed and crafted. The Polynesian section includes objects collected on the voyages of Captain James Cook, as well as different types of flute. By combining introductory essays with quality photographs and a numbered catalogue of basic nomenclature, vernacular names and dimensions, the book constitutes a valuable resource.

About the Author

Michael Atherton is a Professor of Music at the University of Western Sydney. He is a composer, multi-instrumental performer and ethnomusicologist with expertise in Australian musical instruments and Asia-Pacific musical identities. His numerous recordings include creative realizations of ancient Egyptian music, cross-cultural collaborations, film scores, and electro-acoustic improvisations.