Ancient traditions - future possibilities : rhythmic training through the traditions of Africa, Bali and India

This book is designed to fill a need for basic rhythmic training through the study of the rhythmic traditions of Africa, Bali and India. While European classical music emphasized the development of harmony, musicians in cultures such as those of Africa, Bali and India developed rhythm to a very advanced degree. Today, there is an increasing interest among contemporary Western musicians in expanding their awareness of these great oral traditions. Jazz, jazz-rock and contemporary classical music have been absorbing many ethnic musical influences through the work of such artists as Don Cherry, John McLaughlin, Oregon, Paul Winter Consort, Do'a, Terry Riley, Steve Reich, and the authors own ensemble, Ancient Future. Contemporary musicians have a unique opportunity to broaden their knowledge and skills through studying the music of cultures foreign to their upbringing. ANCIENT TRADITIONS - FUTURE POSSIBILITIES TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction How to Use this Book SECTION I. ANCIENT TRADITIONS CHAPTER 1: West Africa African Rhythm Exercises Exercise I. Hemiola Exercise II. Additive Rhythms Exercise III. Bi-Rhythms Exercise IV. Additive and Divisive Rhythms Combined Exercise V. Resultants Exercise VI. Partners Exercise VII. Eve Drum Music A. SOVU B. TAKADA DRUMMING Eve Instruments Chart Eve Transliteration Chart Glossary of Eve Terms Glossary of Western Terms Used to Describe African Rhythm CHAPTER 2: Bali Interlocking Parts Kotekan Exercises A Note on Notation Exercise I. Rice-Pounding Music Exercise II. Kotekan Cards Exercise III. Kotekans from the Gamelan Anklung Repertoire Exercise IV. Gender Wayang Exercise V. Kotekans from the Gamelan Semar Pegulingan and Gamelan Gong Kebyar Repertoires Glossary of Balinese Terms Balinese Pronunciation Guide CHAPTER 3: India Rhythmic Cycles of South India The Scheme of the 35 Talas Exercise I. Numerical Group Syllables and Pronunciation Exercise II. Hand Gestures for Talas Exercise III. Changing Phrase Groupings in each of the Five Gatis Exercise IV. Solkattu Glossary of South Indian Terms Rhythmic Cycles of North India Tabla Bol Chart Exercise I. Thekas for Talas Exercise II. Laya Exercise III. Chand Exercise IV. Fractional Laya Exercise V. Accent Patterns Exercise VI. Tihais Glossary of North Indian Terms North and South Indian Pronunciation Guide SECTION II. FUTURE POSSIBILITIES CHAPTER 4: Future Possibilities Exercise I. Balinese and North Indian Rhythmic Concepts Combined Exercise II. African and South Indian Rhythmic Concepts Combined Exercise III. African and Balinese Rhythmic Concepts Combined Conclusion Bibliography Kotekan Card Cut Outs In West Africa, tribal societies such as the Yoruba, the Eve, the Akan and the Iba possess a music rich in rhythmic vitality.