shakuhachi Klezmer Music 101 - Jewish Traditions By Megan Romer Updated October 04, 2016. Originally, the word "klezmer," from the Yiddish language, meant "vessel of song" and later, simply "musician." However, it has come to characterize the style of secular music played by Ashkenazi Jews for joyful celebrations such as weddings. What Does Klezmer Music Sound Like? Klezmer music is intended to replicate the human voice including sounds of crying, wailing and laughing. Non-Traditional Influences on Klezmer Music Klezmer music draws on centuries-old Jewish traditions and incorporates various sounds of music from European and international traditions, including Roma (gypsy) music, Eastern European folk music (particularly Russian music), French Cafe music and early jazz. continue reading below our video Dancing to Klezmer Music Klezmer music is made for dancing. These klezmer pieces are meant for dancing, including fast and slow tempos: Klezmer Music and the Holocaust Recommended Klezmer Music Starter CDs
koto3 African Music and Instruments By Espie Estrella African Music Africa is a continent where a rich and diverse cultural heritage exists; hundreds of different languages are spoken in Africa. During the 7th century, Arabs reached North Africa and influenced the existing culture. This is why African and Arab music share a certain degree of similarity and this extends to some musical instruments as well. Musical Instruments The drum, played either by hand or by using sticks, is an important musical instrument in African culture. They use drums as a means of communication, in fact, much of their history and culture have been passed on for generations through music. The variety of musical instruments is as diverse as their culture. Singing and Dancing A singing technique called "call and response" is evident in African vocal music. continue reading below our video Loaded: 0% Progress: 0% This technique is still very much used in today's music, for example in gospel music.
Japanese Music Great Highland Bagpipes History When one thinks of Ireland, its national symbol, the Celtic harp, springs immediately to mind. In the case of Scotland, the same can be said of the Great Highland Bagpipes. Across all continents, more than 200 different varieties of bagpipes are being played today. In every corner of the world where Celtic people have settled, the bagpipes or Piob have been absorbed into and become an important part of the culture. Over the centuries, as people have migrated from country to country along the major trade routes, the bagpipes made the journey with them. Earliest Origins The earliest physical evidence for the existence of the bagpipes is an engraved rendering in Chaldean sculptures dating back to 4000 B.C. The earliest forerunners of the Great Highland Bagpipes—simple, mouth-blown reed pipes—had emerged in the Near East and Egypt by 2500 B.C. Instrument of War Among classical civilizations, the Romans are the best-known advocates of using pipes in battle. Scotland: The Early Centuries
Celtic Music Russmus: About Russian Traditional Music Russian music includes a variety of styles: from ritual folk song, to the sacred music of the Russian orthodox church, and also included the legacy of several prominent 19th century classical and romantic composers. Major contributions by 20th century Soviet composers as well as various forms of popular music are also part of the make-up of Russian music. 18th and 19th century: Russian Classical music Russia has a history of classical music innovation. 20th century: Soviet music After the Russian Revolution, Russian music changed dramatically. Film soundtracks produced a significant part of popular Soviet/Russian songs of the time, as well as of orchestral and experimental music. Music publishing and promotion in Soviet Union was a state monopoly. 21st century: Modern Russian music Russian pop music is well developed, and enjoys mainstream success via pop music media such as MTV Russia, Muz TV and various radio stations. From: Music of Russia