World music cultures: an introduction -- Pitch and melody -- Rhythm and loudness -- Texture -- Timbre and musical instruments -- Sub-Saharan Africa -- The Middle East and North Africa -- Central Asia -- India -- China -- Japan -- Indonesia -- Eastern Europe -- Western Europe -- Latin America -- North America.

'World music' emerged as an invention of the West from encounters with other cultures. This book draws readers into a remarkable range of these historical encounters, in which music had the power to evoke the exotic and to give voice to the voiceless. In the course of the volume's eight chapters the reader witnesses music's involvement in the modern world, but also the individual moments and particular histories that are crucial to an understanding of music's diversity. World Music is wide-ranging in its geographical scope, yet individual chapters provide in-depth treatments of selected music cultures and regional music histories. The book frequently zooms in on repertoires and musicians - such as Bob Marley, Bartok, and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan - and attempts to account for world music's growing presence and popularity at the beginning of the twenty-first century. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

From the foremost authority on history and civilization comes the definitive guide to world cultures--showcasing human diversity in all its vast and startling richness. 235 color photographs and 37 maps.

An authoritative introduction to musical periods and styles from ancient times to the present day.

Explore the relationship between music and society around the world This comprehensive introductory text creates a panoramic experience for beginner students by exposing them to the many musical cultures around the globe. Each chapter opens with a musical encounter in which the author introduces a key musical culture. Through these experiences, students are introduced to key musical styles, musical instruments, and performance practices. Students are taught how to actively listen to key musical examples through detailed listening guides. The role of music in society is emphasized through chapters that focus on key world cultural groups.

Identifies more than two thousand ethnic groups around the world, and discusses each group's culture, social and economic conditions, and politics

Music is a powerful art. We sing it, we dance to it, and we listen to it because it moves us as little else can. Classical music in particular has fascinated people for hundreds of years. The works of such composers as Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven have proven so appealing that generations of listeners have returned to them again and again. Young People's Guide to Classical Music invites you to join these listeners.