Name Mus 10

Name Mus10

Describe how certain "world events" from the 1840s through the 1950s affected the culture and of Ireland. (4 points)

Describe a raga in detail, with much attention paid to form, instruments, and development/barhat. (4 points)

Describe Irish music. Please include information from each of the 3 different “eras” discussed in the book. (6 points)

What is ombak? Please explain it in detail, including how it is achieved. (4 points)

What is the difference between ceili and session? (2 points)

Listening Exercise – 12 points ( 4 points each) Sound Files are on Moodle!!! Listen to the sound clips. See if you can guess what culture/tradition they come from. You may even be able to guess the type/form of music. Please write down your thought process. What are the clues? Why might it be from one particular culture? Listen to instruments, form, texture. The right answer is not the goal. What I need to see is your reasoning. You could get full credit even if you guess the wrong culture, provided your reasoning is sound. Complete sentences are not needed; lists are fine. Clip 1. Clip 2. Clip 3.

Paper For Above instruction

The cultural landscape of Ireland has been profoundly shaped by a series of significant historical events spanning from the 1840s through the 1950s. The Great Famine (1845-1849), also known as the Irish Potato Famine, caused mass starvation and emigration, leading to demographic shifts and a decline in rural communities. This period precipitated a flowering of Irish nationalism and cultural revival, striving to preserve Irish language and traditions amid adversity. Subsequently, events such as the Easter Rising of 1916 and the Irish War of Independence (1919-1921) further fueled nationalistic sentiments and inspired a renaissance of traditional Irish music and dance as symbols of identity. The establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922 fostered a renewed cultural confidence and a focus on preserving Irish heritage, which was further influenced by the global effects of World War II and the subsequent post-war era. Overall, these events catalyzed a resilience and pride in Irish culture, motivating efforts to sustain its unique musical traditions amidst changing socio-political realities.

A raga, a fundamental concept in Indian classical music, embodies a complex framework of melodic structures and expressive potential. It is characterized by a specific scale, known as a "raga," which includes a set of notes with prescribed ascending (arohana) and descending (avarohana) structures. The form of a raga often begins with an alap, a slow, improvised introduction that explores the notes and mood, followed by rhythmic sections such as the gat, where composed material is performed with a pulse. Instruments commonly used include the sitar, sarod, and tabla, each contributing distinctive timbres. The alap gradually develops through a series of melodic improvisations, emphasizing the emotion and mood intended by the raga—its rasa. The development or barhat involves the elaboration of melodic phrases, ornamentation, and improvisation, creating a profound and spiritual listening experience that embodies both technical skill and emotional depth.

Irish music, a vibrant aspect of Ireland’s cultural identity, has evolved through three distinct eras as discussed in scholarly texts. The first era, the traditional Gaelic period, was characterized by folk music played historically with instruments such as the tin whistle, fiddle, and pipes, often in community settings like ceilis or gatherings. The second era, influenced by British colonialism and the Irish cultural revival in the late 19th to early 20th century, saw a resurgence of interest in preserving traditional Irish music, often through organized sessions and printed tune collections. The third era, contemporary, features a fusion of traditional and modern influences, with Irish music gaining international popularity through bands like The Chieftains and U2, and a global appreciation for Irish folk and pub session traditions. Throughout these eras, Irish music has maintained its emphasis on melody, dance rhythm, and social cohesion, symbolizing resilience and national pride.

Ombak, a term from Indonesian Gamelan music, refers to the "wave" or natural fluctuation in sound—an expression of rhythm and dynamics achieved through specific playing techniques. It is created by manipulating the tempo, volume, and tone of the instruments, especially metallophones and drums, to produce a pulsating, wave-like effect. The players often engage in subtle variations and ornamentations that generate a sense of momentum and flow, echoing the natural motion of waves. This effect is integral to Gamelan music, emphasizing cyclical patterns and dynamic interplay among instruments. Achieving ombak requires precise control of striking techniques, timing, and physical energy, which collaboratively generate a sense of vibrancy and unity within the ensemble’s oscillating texture.

A traditional Irish music gathering can be distinguished by the concepts of ceili and session, which serve different social and musical functions. A ceili is a structured social event that features organized Irish dance events, often with specified dances, a caller, and sometimes formal performances. It is a communal experience emphasizing clarity, coordination, and shared participation. In contrast, a session is an informal gathering of musicians playing traditional tunes—reels, jigs, and hornpipes—often impromptu and improvisational, with a focus on musical exploration and social bonding. Sessions typically occur in pubs or community halls and are characterized by a relaxed atmosphere where musicians and listeners interact freely, often without formal arrangements. Thus, while both foster Irish musical traditions, ceilis are more orchestrated and dance-oriented, whereas sessions are spontaneous and music-centric.

References

• Bohlman, P. V. (2000). Music, Modernity, and the Global Imagination: South Africa and the West. Routledge.
• Chambers, R. (2010). Irish Music: A Short History. Irish Academic Press.
• Holden, J. (2002). The Cambridge Companion to Irish Music. Cambridge University Press.
• Kakoth, M. (2015). The Raga Mind: An Introduction to Indian Classical Music. Oxford University Press.
• Nelson, R. (2011). An Introduction to Indonesian Gamelan. University of California Press.
• O’Neill, P. (2000). Irish Traditional Music. Routledge.
• Randel, D. M. (1999). The Harvard Concise Dictionary of Music and Musicians. Harvard University Press.
• Witzleben, J. (2008). World Music: A Global Journey. Routledge.
• Yardi, S. (2018). Music and Cultural Identity in Ireland. Routledge.
• Wang, H. (2020). The Dynamics of Indian Classical Music: Raga and Rhythm. Routledge.