What Is Considered world Music?A. Music From Europe, Canada, And The United States B. Only Classical Music C. Music From Outside Europe, Canada, And The United States D. Only Religious Music

What is Considered "World Music"?

Understanding the Concept of World Music

World music is a term used to describe a wide range of musical styles and traditions from around the globe. It encompasses various genres, including traditional, folk, and contemporary music from non-Western cultures. In this article, we will delve into the concept of world music, its history, and the different types of music that fall under this category.

The Origins of World Music

The term "world music" was first coined in the 1980s by the British record label World Music Network. The label aimed to promote and document traditional music from non-Western cultures, which were often overlooked by mainstream music industries. Since then, the term has gained popularity, and world music has become a significant part of the global music scene.

Defining World Music

So, what exactly is considered "world music"? The answer lies in the fact that world music is music from outside Europe, Canada, and the United States. This definition encompasses a vast array of musical styles, including traditional African, Asian, Latin American, and Indigenous Australian music. World music is characterized by its diversity, complexity, and richness, reflecting the unique cultural, social, and historical contexts of the regions from which it originates.

Types of World Music

World music is a broad and diverse category, encompassing various genres and styles. Some of the most popular types of world music include:

• Traditional Music: This genre includes traditional music from non-Western cultures, such as African, Asian, and Latin American music.
• Folk Music: Folk music is a genre that originated in Europe, but has been influenced by non-Western cultures. It often features acoustic instruments and storytelling lyrics.
• Classical Music: While classical music is often associated with Western classical music, it also includes classical music from non-Western cultures, such as Indian classical music and Chinese classical music.
• Contemporary World Music: This genre includes modern and experimental music from non-Western cultures, often incorporating elements of traditional music with modern styles and technologies.

Examples of World Music

Some examples of world music include:

• African Music: African music is incredibly diverse, with different styles and genres emerging from various countries and regions. Examples of African music include Afrobeat from Nigeria, Highlife from Ghana, and Juju from Nigeria.
• Indian Classical Music: Indian classical music is a rich and complex genre that has been developed over centuries. It features intricate melodies, complex rhythms, and a wide range of instruments, including the sitar, tabla, and tanpura.
• Latin American Music: Latin American music is a vibrant and energetic genre that encompasses a wide range of styles, including salsa, tango, and bossa nova.
• Middle Eastern Music: Middle Eastern music is characterized by its use of traditional instruments, such as the oud and qraqeb, and its complex rhythms and melodies.

The Impact of World Music

World music has had a significant impact on the global music scene, introducing listeners to new and diverse musical styles and traditions. World music has also played a crucial role in promoting cultural exchange and understanding between different communities and countries.

Conclusion

In conclusion, world music is a term used to describe a wide range of musical styles and traditions from around the globe. It encompasses various genres, including traditional, folk, and contemporary music from non-Western cultures. World music is characterized by its diversity, complexity, and richness, reflecting the unique cultural, social, and historical contexts of the regions from which it originates. By exploring the concept of world music, we can gain a deeper understanding of the rich musical heritage of different cultures and communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the difference between world music and classical music? World music is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of musical styles and traditions from around the globe, while classical music is a specific genre that originated in Europe and is characterized by its use of complex harmonies and formal structures.
• What are some examples of world music? Some examples of world music include African music, Indian classical music, Latin American music, and Middle Eastern music.
• How has world music impacted the global music scene? World music has introduced listeners to new and diverse musical styles and traditions, promoting cultural exchange and understanding between different communities and countries.

References

• World Music Network. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.worldmusic.net/
• BBC Music. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/music
• AllMusic. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.allmusic.com/

Further Reading

• The Rough Guide to World Music by Simon Broughton
• The Oxford Handbook of World Music edited by Richard Middleton
• The Cambridge Companion to World Music edited by Timothy Rice
  World Music Q&A: Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding World Music

World music is a term used to describe a wide range of musical styles and traditions from around the globe. It encompasses various genres, including traditional, folk, and contemporary music from non-Western cultures. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about world music.

Q: What is the difference between world music and classical music?

A: World music is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of musical styles and traditions from around the globe, while classical music is a specific genre that originated in Europe and is characterized by its use of complex harmonies and formal structures.

Q: What are some examples of world music?

A: Some examples of world music include:

• African music: African music is incredibly diverse, with different styles and genres emerging from various countries and regions. Examples of African music include Afrobeat from Nigeria, Highlife from Ghana, and Juju from Nigeria.
• Indian classical music: Indian classical music is a rich and complex genre that has been developed over centuries. It features intricate melodies, complex rhythms, and a wide range of instruments, including the sitar, tabla, and tanpura.
• Latin American music: Latin American music is a vibrant and energetic genre that encompasses a wide range of styles, including salsa, tango, and bossa nova.
• Middle Eastern music: Middle Eastern music is characterized by its use of traditional instruments, such as the oud and qraqeb, and its complex rhythms and melodies.

Q: How has world music impacted the global music scene?

A: World music has introduced listeners to new and diverse musical styles and traditions, promoting cultural exchange and understanding between different communities and countries. It has also played a crucial role in shaping the global music industry, influencing the development of new genres and styles.

Q: What are some popular world music instruments?

A: Some popular world music instruments include:

• Sitar: The sitar is a traditional Indian instrument that is characterized by its intricate fretwork and sympathetic strings.
• Oud: The oud is a traditional Middle Eastern instrument that is characterized by its pear-shaped body and long neck.
• Tabla: The tabla is a traditional Indian instrument that is characterized by its two drums and complex rhythms.
• Qraqeb: The qraqeb is a traditional Middle Eastern instrument that is characterized by its metal discs and complex rhythms.

Q: How can I learn more about world music?

A: There are many ways to learn more about world music, including:

• Listening to world music albums: Listening to world music albums is a great way to explore different genres and styles.
• Attending world music concerts: Attending world music concerts is a great way to experience live music and connect with other music lovers.
• Taking world music classes: Taking world music classes is a great way to learn about different instruments and musical styles.
• Reading about world music: Reading about world music is a great way to learn about the history and cultural context of different genres and styles.

Q: What are some popular world music festivals?

A: Some popular world music festivals include:

• Montreux Jazz Festival: The Montreux Jazz Festival is a popular world music festival that takes place in Switzerland.
• Womad Festival: The Womad Festival is a popular world music festival that takes place in the UK.
• New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival: The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival is a popular world music festival that takes place in the US.
• Toronto International Festival of Authors: The Toronto International Festival of Authors is a popular world music festival that takes place in Canada.

Q: How can I support world music artists?

A: There are many ways to support world music artists, including:

• Buying their music: Buying their music is a great way to support world music artists and help them continue to create music.
• Attending their concerts: Attending their concerts is a great way to experience live music and connect with other music lovers.
• Sharing their music: Sharing their music with friends and family is a great way to help them reach a wider audience.
• Donating to their crowdfunding campaigns: Donating to their crowdfunding campaigns is a great way to support world music artists and help them fund their music projects.

Q: What are some popular world music labels?

A: Some popular world music labels include:

• World Music Network: World Music Network is a popular world music label that specializes in traditional and contemporary world music.
• Nonesuch Records: Nonesuch Records is a popular world music label that specializes in traditional and contemporary world music.
• Real World Records: Real World Records is a popular world music label that specializes in traditional and contemporary world music.
• Putumayo World Music: Putumayo World Music is a popular world music label that specializes in traditional and contemporary world music.

Q: How can I get involved in the world music community?

A: There are many ways to get involved in the world music community, including:

• Joining world music organizations: Joining world music organizations is a great way to connect with other music lovers and stay up-to-date on the latest world music news.
• Attending world music events: Attending world music events is a great way to experience live music and connect with other music lovers.
• Volunteering at world music festivals: Volunteering at world music festivals is a great way to get involved in the world music community and help make the festivals happen.
• Starting a world music blog or podcast: Starting a world music blog or podcast is a great way to share your passion for world music with others and connect with other music lovers.