Reference no: EM13564522

1. Theater music is the most important music genre in Japan. Compare and contrast the three main kinds of Japanese theater music- Kabuki, Noh and Bunraka Puppet Theater. Be sure to include how theater music relates to the expression of emotion in the culture of Japan.

2. Politics have and still do play an important role in the culture and music of China. Describe the · role of politics in music historically and now in China. Be sure to include the Cultural Revolution.

3. Metal is particularly important in the music of Indonesia. Describe how this is evident in the instruments and sounds of the music of Indonesia. Also include the historical/spiritual background that is important here relating to the metallurgist.

4. The role of religion is fundamental to all aspects of the culture of the Middle East. How does this manifest itself in the music of the Middle East? Include the importance of gender and the hierarchy of acceptable music.

5. What is an ethnomusicologist? How has this profession changed in the last 100 years? How do ethnomusicologists see themselves and their purpose?

6. The origins and purpose of the traditional music of Sub-Saharan Africa (particularly the Shona Bira ceremony) was unique. Describe this music, its purpose, the importance of community and whether you would describe the traditional execution of the music as a "performance" or something else really.

7. What is distinctive about the music of South Africa? How does it differ from many other regions in Sub-Saharan Africa? How did the conditions with which Black South Africans lived under Apartheid affect their music?

8. Describe the European gypsy people and their music as seen in Latcho Drom. How do you think this lifestyle and music has been maintained concurrently and independently with the development of "western art music"? Does this style of music show up in any way in European "western art music"? Why has it survived?

9. Discuss Hindustani classical music (this is the kind of Indian music we heard live in class). Describe in detail how it is performed and conceived. Include terms like drone, raga and improvisation. How did hearing this live in class change your perception of this kind of music?