MUSIC For Indonesia And India
Be sure to listen to all of the pieces first, then answer the questions and relisten as needed. After you have completed the required reading and listened to each piece as identified, complete the questions below. Keep in mind that the aim of these questions is not necessarily a right or wrong answer (you are NEVER graded on your opinion) but how well you present your ideas, demonstrate your understanding of the material and support your reasoning.
- What is Kecak? Describe this musical form based on your listening and reading (rhythm, meter, harmony, texture). Is the Kecak you listened to for this assignment indeed a Kecak? Based on our reading, describe why or why not? What makes it a Kecak? What qualities might make one question if the piece is an authentic Kecak?
- How does the Kreasi belaganjur contest performance which you listened to differ from Malpal, which is also a belaganjur performance? What is the function of each? What are the differences, both in function and musically? Is one a piece of music and the other not? Why or why not? Be sure to explain and support your answer.
- Within the cultures of India, there are many types of music crossing many facets of their culture and society. Much of our ideas of what we call “non-western” music has also crossed the boundaries of culture and now has a distinctive place in the music of western culture. How is this exemplified in the John Coltrane piece “India”? How does this piece reflect characteristic traits of the music of India (be it raga, Shankar, or others) and traits of more popular Western music which we may be more familiar with within our own culture? Explain. Is there a piece of music you listen to that you believe also exhibit traits of both “world music” and “western music”? If so, which one and how does it demonstrate the crossing of musical cultures? Explain and give examples to support your answer.
