MUS 006 / ANTH 006 Quiz 2 Vocab Set

Rhythm

Organization of music

Meter

Regular grouping of beats

Nonmetrical/Free Rhythm

Music that lacks a consistent beat, allowing for a free style form of music

Additive Meter

Musical structure organized by grouping smaller, unequal units - such as 2s and 3s together

Syncopation

Musical technique disrupting the expected rhythmic pulse by accenting weaker beats

Call-and-Response

A musical technique in which one singer or musician 'calls' out a phrase, in which the rest of the group 'responds' shortly after

Ostinato

Continual repeated musical phrase or rhythm

Pitch

The quality of how high a sound is made

Timbre

The tone color of a sound produced by a voice or instrument

Microtones

Musical intervals existing between the standard 12 notes in western music, especially seen in Arabic Maqam

Ornamentation

The process in which extra notes are added to a primary melody

Monophony

One single melody performed by one or more performers

Heterophony

A single melody that's performed in slightly different ways by two or more performers

Drone

A continuous and sustained sound or note

Melismatic

Vocal technique in which multiple notes are sung over a single syllable

Folklore

Traditional beliefs, customs, stories, and other practices that have defined the spirit of a local peoples

Folklorization

The process of turning organic cultural practices and folklore into a displayed presentation

Nationalism

An assertion that one's nation is a superior nation compared to other nations

Flow

Rhythmic and melodic delivery of lyrics in relation to a beat

Mande Empire (AKA Mali Empire)

Powerful West African state founded by Sundiata Keita and ran from 1200s to the 1600s

Mandinika

West African peoples that span from Senegal to Burkina Faso

Sunjata Keita

Founder of the Mande Empire, known for his origin story and unification of various small kingdoms of West Africa

Jali/Griot

Hereditary musician/historian of the Mande People, serving the royal court and wealthy patrons

Balafon

18-21 key xylophone with wooden bars and gourd resonators

Kora

21-25 string 'spiked bridge harp' or 'harp-lute' played on a 7 note scale

Djembe

Goblet shaped wooden drum popular in West Africa

Ngoni

Spike lute with 3-5 strings, considered a distant relative to the American banjo

Kumbengo

An instrumental ostinato that serves the foundation of a piece

Birimintingo

Fast, rhythmic and melodic solos that serve to complement the piece

Sona Jobarteh

Modern-day Griot from the Jobarteh line of Griot tradition, first female serious Griot

Bassekou Kouyate

A modern griot who used music to argue for religious tolerance in Mali

Ewe

Major ethnic group in West Africa

Agbekor

Ancient, energetic warrior dance and music style of the Ewe and Fon peoples

Mbira Dzavadzimu

A sacred handheld instrument consisting of 22 thick keys, often played with a hosho rattle

Deze

Gourd Resonator for the Mbira, used to create a buzzing sound

Hosho

Traditional Zimbabwe rattle, paired with a Mbira during ancestral worship

Kushaura

In English means to start, is the main part in Shona Mbira music

Kutsinhira

In English means to follow, echoes the melody followed in Kushaura

Huro/Mahon'era

Traditional Shona vocal styles used to accompany Mbira music

Bira

A spirit possession ritual at which Mbira is played

Chimurenga

A style of pop music that came about during the fight for independence in Zimbabwe

Thomas Mapfumo

Famous Chimurenga singer known for songs about the revolutionary struggle

Robert Mugabe

Zimbabwe's first leader after independence, known for disastrous economic policies

Jah Prayzah

Modern Zimbabwe pop musician known for blending traditional music with contemporary sounds

Stella Chiweshe

Famous Mbira musician who learned Mbira music for both sacred and secular contexts

Trad music

In Ireland, consists of ornamented tunes and soulful songs rooted in Irish history

Sean-nos

Gaelic-language songs done as a solo, highly ornamented and melismatic

Pádraigín Ní Uallacháin

Irish songwriter best known for her work in Sean-nos

Ceili Bands

Rural Irish pop music of the 20th century, combining traditional Irish music with early American Jazz as emigration to America became widespread.

Gaelic Harp

A type of harp that contains Metal strings, and was the instrument of Gaelic chieftains. Today is a symbol of Ireland.

Uilleann Pipes

The characteristic national bagpipes of Ireland. Known for its complex, mellow and melodic sound.

Bodhran

Traditional Irish handheld frame drum.

Bouzouki

A Greek chordophone, that has since been adapted into Irish traditional music.

Tin Whistle

Six-holed, high-pitched flute.

Irish Flute

Side-blown, flute that contrasts the tin whistle, producing a lower tone.

Pub Sessions

Informal gatherings of musicians in which traditional and regional music is played.

Medley/Suite

A varied mixture of music played, often composed from various sections of preexisting music.

Jig

A compound meter in 6/8, or groups of three.

Reel

A duple meter or in groups of 2.

Silabh Luachra

Distinct geographical upland region in Ireland, whose regional music is more on the Polka side.

Communism

Political and Economic system that in the context of Bulgaria, had a Communist government during the later half of the 20th century.

Gaida

Traditional bagpipe found across the Balkan region of Europe, including Bulgaria.

Zurna

Traditional woodwind instrument played in Bulgarian weddings and festivities.

Narodna Muzika

In English means people's music, is a term to describe folk music in Bulgaria and came about during the communist regime where folk music became institutionalized.

Philip Koutev

Bulgarian composer who founded Bulgaria's first professional and state supported ensemble in 1951.

Women's Choir

Contains the usage of drones, tight vocal harmony, and sharp ornamentation. Would eventually become popular in the West for its mysterious and exotic brand of music.

Wedding Bands

As weddings are linked to Bulgarian tradition, and as traditional folk music becomes less sought after nationally with the constant push by the state of Narodna Muzika, by the 1980s more western styles of music like Jazz becomes popular with those who had extra money to spend on weddings.

Ivo Papazov

Originally named Ibraym Hapazof, was a Roma clarinetist who was popularizing Jazz music in Bulgaria during this time in the 1980s.

Roma Peoples

Ethnic group in Bulgaria that has often been subject to persecution and discrimination.

Le Mystere Des Voix Bulgares

In English, 'The Mystery Of Bulgarian Voices.' A series of album recordings of a women's choir singing Bulgarian Folk Songs.

Popfolk/ Chalga

A mix/fusion of American-Euro pop music with traditional/local influences (i.e Turkish and Roma influences), continuing a trend seen in World Music.

Kyuchek Rhythm

A heavily syncopated, energetic beat of Romani music that has since influenced the Chalga genre.

Qur'an

The central religious text of Islam, the primary religion of the Arab world.

Hadith

The recorded sayings of the Prophet Muhammad. As the second most important source in Islam, it provides the daily life, ethics, and theology of Islam.

Haram

In English means 'forbidden'. In terms of music, some sects of Islam believe that music should not be a part of Islam, while other sects consider it central for worship.

Pop-nasheed

Pop versions of devotional Islamic songs (similar to Christian contemporary).

Tajwid

The set of rules governing the recitation and pronunciation of the Quran.

Adhan/Azan

The Islamic call to prayer, recited five times per day.

Tarab

Arabic term for 'ecstasy', represents a deep interactive connection between the performers and the audience through captivating music.

Cairo

The largest city in Egypt, but more importantly in a musical context is the premier music hub in the Arab world and the center of classical Arabic music.

Maqam

The Arab system of melodic notes, allowing for more improvisation with structured scales divided into 24 pitches per octave.

Rast

The most common Maqam, with half-flat in the 3rd and 7th degrees.

Hijaz

The oriental interval (AKA the Maqam most heard in western contexts).

Iqa

The Arab system of rhythmic modes based on a combination of low sounds and high sounds.

Wasla

Suite of different vocal and instrumental genres in Arabic music.

Takht

A traditional, small acoustic ensemble. Considered the foundation of traditional Arab music.

Taqasim

A melodic and non-metric instrumental improvisation in Arab music.

'Ud

A round backed traditional Middle Eastern lute.

Qanun

A large traditional Middle Eastern stringed instrument (zither) consisting of 72-78 strings.

Riqq

Arabic tambourine.

Nay

Arabic vertical cane flute.

Umm Kulthum

Legendary Egyptian singer, and songwriter known for being the most iconic Arab singer of the 20th century.

Ughniya

Refers to a long, composed song popular in the mid-20th century.