Colonialist, nationalist, and regionalist ideologies have profoundly influenced folk music and related musical practices among the Garhwali and Kumaoni of Uttarakhand. Stefan Fiol blends historical and ethnographic approaches to unlock these influences and explore a paradox: how the œfolk designation can alternately identify a universal stage of humanity, or denote alterity and subordination. Fiol explores the lives and work of Gahrwali artists who produce folk music. These musicians create art as both a discursive idea and as a set of expressive practices across strikingly different historical and cultural settings. Juxtaposing performance contexts in Himalayan villages with Delhi recording studios, Fiol shows how the practices have emerged within and between sites of contrasting values and expectations. Throughout, Fiol presents the varying perspectives and complex lives of the upper-caste, upper-class, male performers spearheading the processes of folklorization. But he also charts their resonance with, and collision against, the perspectives of the women and hereditary musicians most affected by the processes. Expertly observed, Recasting Folk in the Himalayas offers an engaging immersion in a little-studied musical milieu.

A comprehensive book on the music of the Himalayas, it is a document of hopes, aspirations, misery and economic plight of the Himalayan people. Just as a white sheet can be tinged with many shades, the music of rustics tinge hues the melancholic mind of men and women and this book is indeed a record of that dying music.

In this volume, sixty-eight of the world's leading authorities explore and describe the wide range of musics of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Kashmir, Nepal and Afghanistan. Important information about history, religion, dance, theater, the visual arts and philosophy as well as their relationship to music is highlighted in seventy-six in-depth articles.

Kirin Narayan’s imagination was captured the very first time that, as a girl visiting the Himalayas, she heard Kangra women join their voices together in song. Returning as an anthropologist, she became fascinated by how they spoke of singing as a form of enrichment, bringing feelings of accomplishment, companionship, happiness, and even good health—all benefits of the “everyday creativity” she explores in this book. Part ethnography, part musical discovery, part poetry, part memoir, and part unforgettable portraits of creative individuals, this unique work brings this remote region in North India alive in sight and sound while celebrating the incredible powers of music in our lives. With rare and captivating eloquence, Narayan portrays Kangra songs about difficulties on the lives of goddesses and female saints as a path to well-being. Like the intricate geometries of mandalu patterns drawn in courtyards or the subtle balance of flavors in a meal, well-crafted songs offer a variety of deeply meaningful benefits: as a way of making something of value, as a means of establishing a community of shared pleasure and skill, as a path through hardships and limitations, and as an arena of renewed possibility. Everyday Creativity makes big the small world of Kangra song and opens up new ways of thinking about what creativity is to us and why we are so compelled to engage it.

The complete, full color guide to singing bowls, in large 8.5"x11" format with over 140 photos. Learn all about singing bowls from the leading expert, including the history, manufacture, modern and traditional use of these iconic instruments. The Singing Bowl Book explains the never before told 1,000 year history, connecting multiple cultures and traditions across Asia. Filled with accurate information and many color photo examples, The Singing Bowl book is the first and only factual book about singing bowls. It includes shopping advice, playing instructions, history, manufacture, metal testing, traditional and modern use of metal singing bowls. Also includes detailed and invaluable information for collectors about antique singing bowls and the traditions that created them. Author Joseph Feinstein is creator of The Singing Bowl Museum and founder of Himalayan Bowls, the first singing bowl shopping site. Joseph is a former university teacher who left teaching to research singing bowls. The Singing Bowl Book is the culmination of 20 years work. Joseph traveled extensively in 10 countries, worked with university and museum experts, examined thousands of bronze objects and took hundreds of photos for this book. He is the leading singing bowl expert and caretaker of the world's best singing bowl collection. In Nepal they call him "the singing bowl king." He now shares all his knowledge and special examination techniques. This is an easy to read and fascinating examination of cultural sharing through amazing artistry. Combining metallurgical research, immersive cultural study and 2 decades of hands-on experience, this is the most complete and accurate examination of metal singing bowls. Learn where singing bowls came from, what they are made of, how they are made and how they are used. Learn the difference between new singing bowls and genuine antiques with side by side comparison. Get valuable consumer advice and learn the common sales tricks. With over 140 color photos taken by the author, The Singing Bowl Book documents all Joseph's knowledge with photo examples. Includes details about the different types of metal singing bowls, advice how to shop for singing bowls, price information, playing instructions, traditional use in Asia as well as modern use in the USA and Europe. This is a useful shopping guide for beginners as well as an essential read for any veteran collector. Get the most from your singing bowl experience. Learn the fascinating history and ancient manufacturing techniques. Learn the common sales tricks and false myths. Discover the beauty and magic of these ancient objects as you journey with the author from California to Nepal and beyond. The Singing Bowl Book covers the full range of metal singing bowls, including cast brass, hand hammered bronze and antique singing bowls. Crystal bowls are not discussed.

Colonialist, nationalist, and regionalist ideologies have profoundly influenced folk music and related musical practices among the Garhwali and Kumaoni of Uttarakhand. Stefan Fiol blends historical and ethnographic approaches to unlock these influences and explore a paradox: how the œfolk designation can alternately identify a universal stage of humanity, or denote alterity and subordination. Fiol explores the lives and work of Gahrwali artists who produce folk music. These musicians create art as both a discursive idea and as a set of expressive practices across strikingly different historical and cultural settings. Juxtaposing performance contexts in Himalayan villages with Delhi recording studios, Fiol shows how the practices have emerged within and between sites of contrasting values and expectations. Throughout, Fiol presents the varying perspectives and complex lives of the upper-caste, upper-class, male performers spearheading the processes of folklorization. But he also charts their resonance with, and collision against, the perspectives of the women and hereditary musicians most affected by the processes. Expertly observed, Recasting Folk in the Himalayas offers an engaging immersion in a little-studied musical milieu.

A comprehensive book on the music of the Himalayas, it is a document of hopes, aspirations, misery and economic plight of the Himalayan people. Just as a white sheet can be tinged with many shades, the music of rustics tinge hues the melancholic mind of men and women and this book is indeed a record of that dying music.