essay
Bushman vocal music: the illusion of polyphony
language, identity, and conceptualization among the khoisan • Köln • Published In 1998 • Pages: 359-370
By: Olivier, Emmanuelle.
Abstract
In this paper, Olivier examines whether or not the vocal music of the Ju|'hoansi is indeed 'contrapuntal vocal polyphony.' On first hearing Ju|'hoansi vocal music, one is 'struck by the complex juxtapositions of voices, constantly changing...a melodic line emerging while the other voices interlace around it, and then blends into the background whilst another person takes role of leader' (page 360). Through a technique of 're-recording,' Oliver is able to isolate three tessituras, or vocal lines of different pitches, each carrying a different melody, with the basic melody sung in the principal tessitura. Half the vocal music repertoire is sung by healers who obtain their songs when they are asleep or in trance, from the spirits of the dead. The song is embellished both in the dream, but also by other singers once the basic melody is introduced to the public.
- HRAF PubDate
- 2005
- Region
- Africa
- Sub Region
- Southern Africa
- Document Type
- essay
- Evaluation
- Creator Type
- Ethnomusicologist
- Document Rating
- 5: Excellent Primary Data
- Analyst
- Ian Skoggard ; 2003
- Field Date
- no date
- Coverage Date
- not specified
- Coverage Place
- Nyae Nyae region, Namibia
- Notes
- Emmanuelle Olivier
- Includes bibliographical references (p. 369-370)
- LCCN
- 98215630
- LCSH
- San (African people)