Music survey listening exam 1

“Pata Pata” by Miriam Makeba

b. Country of Origin: South Africa

c. Instrumentation: The song features a blend of traditional and modern instruments, including:

• Guitar

• Percussion (such as drums and hand claps)

• Brass instruments

• Bass

• Vocal harmonies

d. Brief Cultural Context: This song was originally recorded in 1957 and became an international hit in 1967. The song is based on a dance style popular in South Africa during the 1950s, particularly in the townships of Johannesburg. Miriam Makeba, known as "Mama Africa," used her music to bring global attention to South African culture and the struggles under apartheid. The song’s lighthearted and danceable rhythm contrasts with the deeper themes of resistance and identity that Makeba often explored in her music.

Sinawi

b. Country of Origin: Korea

c. Instrumentation: Sinawi ensembles typically include:

• Gayageum (zither-like string instrument)

• Geomungo (another zither)

• Haegeum (two-stringed bowed instrument)

• Piri (double-reed wind instrument)

• Daegeum (large bamboo flute)

• Janggu (hourglass drum)

• Buk (barrel drum)

d. Brief Cultural Context: Sinawi originated from Korean shamanistic rituals (Gut) and is characterized by improvisational interplay between instruments. The music allows for spontaneous variations, creating a dynamic and expressive performance. Over time, Sinawi evolved beyond its ritualistic origins and became a foundation for other Korean traditional music styles, including pansori (narrative singing) and sanjo (solo instrumental music). It remains an important part of Korea’s cultural heritage.

Jingnan Sizhu, Huanlege-Song of Joy

b. Country of Origin: China

c. Instrumentation:

• Erhu (two-stringed bowed instrument)

• Pipa (plucked lute)

• Dizi (bamboo flute)

• Yangqin (hammered dulcimer)

• Sheng (mouth-blown free-reed instrument)

• Ruan (plucked string instrument)

• Percussion (woodblocks, small drums, clappers)

d. Brief Cultural Context: means (literally "silk and bamboo") music originates from southern China and is traditionally played in teahouses, local gatherings, or informal social settings. This style is a regional variation from Hubei province, known for its lively and elegant melodies. This song reflects the celebratory and communal spirit of this music, often performed during festive occasions or leisurely entertainment.

Sankyoku

b. Country of Origin: Japan

c. Instrumentation:

• Koto (a 13-string zither)

• Shamisen (a three-stringed lute)

• Shakuhachi (a bamboo flute) or sometimes a kokyū (a bowed string instrument)

d. Brief Cultural Context: This music, meaning "three pieces" or "three instruments," emerged during the Edo period (1603–1868) as an elegant form of chamber music performed by aristocrats, samurai, and later by the urban merchant class. The genre is often associated with Jiuta (a type of song accompanied by koto and shamisen) and can include vocal elements alongside instrumental performance. It was traditionally performed in intimate settings and continues to be an important part of Japan’s classical music heritage.

Jingju, A Scene from Farewell My Concubine ​“Drunken Concubine at Mid Autumn Festival”​

b. Country of Origin: China

c. Instrumentation: features a traditional Chinese orchestra, including:

• Jinghu (a small, high-pitched two-string fiddle)

• Erhu (a two-stringed bowed instrument)

• Pipa (a plucked lute)

• Yueqin (a moon-shaped lute)

• Dizi (bamboo flute)

• Sheng (a mouth organ)

• Percussion instruments (gongs, cymbals, and clappers) to emphasize movements and expressions

d. Brief Cultural Context:
This is a famous story from Chinese history and opera, depicting the tragic farewell between the warlord Xiang Yu and his beloved Yu Ji after his defeat. This scene is often performed as a stand-alone piece and is associated with the legendary Yang Guifei, though it shares thematic similarities with other pieces. In this scene, they express sorrow and betrayal through stylized singing, exaggerated movements, and symbolic gestures. This style combines music, singing, dance, and acrobatics, and it remains one of China’s most celebrated traditional art forms.