Exploration of Global Music Styles and Terms

afrobeat

A music genre that combines West African musical styles with American funk and jazz.

Afrobeats

A contemporary music genre originating from West Africa, characterized by a fusion of various styles including hip hop, dancehall, and highlife.

Alap-Jor-Gat-Jhala

A structure in Hindustani classical music that includes four sections: Alap (improvisation), Jor (rhythmic section), Gat (composition), and Jhala (fast-paced conclusion).

balafon

A wooden percussion instrument similar to a xylophone, used in various African music traditions.

Balinese Gamelan

A traditional ensemble music of Bali, Indonesia, featuring a variety of instruments including metallophones, gongs, and drums.

bodhrán

A frame drum used in Irish music, typically played with a wooden stick.

Bollywood

The Hindi-language film industry based in Mumbai, known for its musical films and vibrant soundtracks.

call and response

A musical technique where a leader sings or plays a phrase and a group responds with a repeated phrase.

ceili

A social gathering in Ireland featuring traditional music and dancing.

choreography

The art of designing sequences of movements in which motion, form, or both are specified.

drone

A sustained sound, often used in music, that provides a harmonic foundation.

fiddle (in Irish music)

A violin used in traditional Irish music, often played with a distinctive style.

field recording

The practice of capturing sound in its natural environment, often used in ethnomusicology.

filmi music

Music that is produced for Indian films, often incorporating various genres and styles.

Fleadh

An Irish festival of music and dancing, often featuring competitions.

Fontomfrom

A traditional Akan royal drum ensemble music from Ghana.

fusion

A genre that blends elements from different musical traditions.

gamelan

An ensemble of traditional Indonesian musical instruments, primarily made of metal and bamboo.

gamelan beleganjur

A type of Balinese gamelan ensemble used in ceremonial processions.

gong

A large, flat, circular metal disc that produces a resonant sound when struck.

gong cycle

A rhythmic pattern in gamelan music marked by the striking of gongs.

griot

A West African storyteller, historian, and musician who preserves oral traditions.

guru

A teacher or master in Indian classical music.

highlife

A music genre that originated in Ghana, characterized by jazzy horns and multiple guitars.

Hindustani raga

A melodic framework for improvisation in North Indian classical music.

innovation

The introduction of new ideas or methods in music.

Irish music revival

A movement to revive and promote traditional Irish music and culture.

Javanese Court Gamelan

A traditional ensemble music from Java, Indonesia, associated with the royal courts.

jeli tradition (jelilu)

A West African oral tradition of storytelling and music performed by griots.

Karnatic Classical music

A system of classical music associated with South India.

Keita family

A prominent family in West African music, known for their contributions to the kora tradition.

kora

A 21-string lute-bridge-harp used in West African music.

layered ostinato

A musical texture where multiple repeating patterns are layered on top of each other.

musical innovation

The creation of new musical forms, styles, or techniques.

ombak

The wave-like quality in Balinese music created by the interplay of instruments.

ornimentation

The embellishment of a melody with decorative notes.

paired tuning

A tuning system where two instruments are tuned to the same pitch.

playback singers

Vocalists who record songs for films, which are then lip-synced by actors.

praise songs

Songs that honor and celebrate individuals or deities.

raga

A melodic framework in Indian classical music, consisting of specific notes and moods.

Ravi Shankar

A renowned Indian sitar virtuoso and composer known for popularizing Indian classical music.

revival

The act of bringing back traditional music styles or practices.

Rolls, crans, trebles and cuts

Techniques used in Irish fiddle playing to create ornamentation.

sacred verses

Text considered holy or divine, often used in religious music.

Sean nos

An old style of unaccompanied singing in the Irish tradition.

session

An informal gathering of musicians to play traditional music.

sitar

A plucked string instrument used in Hindustani classical music, known for its long neck and resonant sound.

slurring

A technique in music where notes are played smoothly and connectedly.

syncretism

The blending of different cultural elements in music.

tala

A rhythmic cycle in Indian classical music.

tin whistle

A simple woodwind instrument commonly used in Irish music.

traditionalism

The adherence to traditional music forms and practices.

Uileann piping

A type of Irish bagpipe known for its rich tone and complex melodies.

Vedas

Ancient sacred texts of Hinduism, containing hymns and rituals.

vedic chant

A form of chanting that involves reciting verses from the Vedas.

violin (in Karnatic music)

A string instrument used in Karnatic classical music, often played with a bow.