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About Asia Culture, Value, Arts and Music: Musical Tradition Buddhism
About Asia Culture, Value, Arts and Music: Musical Tradition Buddhism
Lopez
8- Pahiyas
Ms. Rivellas
major concern is with one of the large urban, literate cultures and its also requisite. The tonal vocabulary of 12 tones generated in a cycle
three national variants. Before looking at these musical systems in of fifths is the first common factor. From this tonal vocabulary
detail, it is useful to compare the entire culture with those of the various scales of five to seven notes are chosen. As in the West, the
other major “big” three, South Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. total number of notes in an East Asian scale is often seven, but each
Theoretical systems scale tends to have what could be called a five-tone (pentatonic)
All four major literate cultures, in their ancient forms, laid a strong core. The one scale in which no half steps appear (the so-called
emphasis on the extramusical qualities of music. For example, the anhemitonic pentatonic) is common all over the world, although
study of such concepts as the power of vibrations (in ancient Indian casual listeners often mistake it as being characteristically
music theory) and the relationships between music and other “Oriental.” A few moments spent listening to authentic East Asian
elements in the universe (in Assyrian records as well as in the recordings will reveal clearly that the five black notes on the piano
writings of medieval European scholars) can be matched in East Asia do not represent all the sonic resources of Asian music. Indeed,
by the joint efforts of Chinese musicologists and astrologers to bring there are a great variety of East Asian musics. Some are historically
the music of the empire in tune with the universe. related and others are indigenous. Their three most common
In addition, all four cultures developed mathematically and characteristics are linearity, transparency, and word orientation.
acoustically based music theories. The pitches produced by dividing Linearity means an emphasis on melodic tension and release
the length of a string were the basis of the three non-East Asian supported by or held in further tension by rhythmic devices. This
music theories. String acoustics were known in China as well, but line-and-rhythm orientation and lack of interest in Western-style
East Asian writings use the overtones of end-blown bamboo tubes to harmony are, in fact, major distinctions between most of the world’s
illustrate their systems. It is fascinating that, whatever their origin, music and that of the West. In traditional East Asian music, as well as
the Middle Eastern and South Asian theories produced highly in most other non-Western traditions, all melodic instruments play
variable tone systems while the two ends of the old continent (i.e., the same basic melody. No one fills in the texture with chords. If
the West and China) generated 12 tones based on a cycle of pitches harmonic texture is used, its function is to provide colour rather
5 tones apart (such as C to G to D in the West). This cycle than to generate tension or release by chord progression.
of fifths produced 12 pitches that were mathematically correct, but Heterophony (more than one version of the melody being heard at
the 13th pitch did not match the 1st pitch. In the West this so-called the same time) may occur to enrich the line. The sense of moving
“Pythagorean comma” became bothersome as Western through a time continuum toward an ending, however, is basically
music oriented toward vertical sounds called harmony in which the developed through the tension produced during the wait for a pitch
distance between pitches in chords needed to be the same in every to resolve to a pitch of rest just one tone above or below. In
key. In the 17th century Western acousticians developed a formula Western single line (monophonic) music one feels this melodic
that allowed them to bypass the “natural” tone system by making all tension when, for example, in the key of C major the note B or D
pitches equidistant. The same formula was discovered by a Chinese resolves to C. A Westerner may feel an additional sense of harmonic
mathematician and musicologist, Zhu Zaiyu, in the late 16th century; accompaniment in such an example. While such harmonic
but such “well-tempered” tuning was not accepted in Chinese music orientation is not part of traditional East Asian listening and
practice until very recently, when Western music styles combined although the scales and pitches may be different in East and West,
with indigenous traditions. This is one reason why Asian music this basic principle of melodic tension is the same.
sometimes sounds “out of tune” to Western ears. Transparency refers to the preference in East Asian music for
The scientific base of music is reshaped by each culture into a chamber-music sound ideals; no matter how large an ensemble may
system that meets its needs and tastes. There are differences in the be, the individual instruments are meant to be heard. This differs
sound, the instrumentation, and the forms of Western and Eastern from the orchestral sound ideal, popular in 19th-century Western
music. However, if the wonder of such variants is to be fully music, in which the intention is to merge the sounds of the
appreciated, it must be understood that music is not in fact an individual instruments into one musical colour. A transparent
international language. It consists of a whole series of equally logical texture is a logical choice for a tradition that wishes to emphasize
but sometimes very different closed systems. The word closed is lines; orchestral colour helps to merge various lines into single
used to mean that the musical facets mesh perfectly within a given vertical sonic events called harmony.
system, but they often may prove difficult or impossible to transfer Word orientation refers to the fact that until the 20th century there
to another system. In this light, a given passage of Chinese music was little abstract instrumental music, such as a sonata or
when analyzed or judged with the logic of Beethoven is chaos, but a concerto, in East Asia. A piece had either a text or a title that
Beethoven seems equally illogical when viewed in the context of evoked an image, such as Moon Over the River or Spring Sea.
Chinese, or for that matter Indian, music theory. Such intercultural Perhaps this relates to a general sensitivity to nature in East
clashes can be constructed between almost any of the larger Asian culture as a whole. Whatever its source, it has produced many
systems. In this context, one can see that Chinese music is tonally sonorous and pleasing results.
more foreign to Middle Eastern or Indian music than to Western,
though historically it had closer relations with the other two. There Asia Facts
are, of course, many other musical concepts and styles that traveled Our Asia Facts for Kids shall provide lots of interesting and fun facts
over the Silk Roadbetween China and other parts of Asia, which are on the Asian continent.
treated in the article Chinese music. Asia is the largest continent of our planet, both in size and also when
we consider the population. The Asian continent includes 48
countries, that are members of the United Nations. The continent is
Musical traits common to East Asian cultures
located mainly in the eastern hemisphere and in the northern
In these primary considerations a view of some
hemisphere
general aesthetictraditions common to much of East Asian music is
Andrea P. Lopez
8- Pahiyas
Ms. Rivellas
1. There are 48 countries in Asia (see list on the right of the 10 Some countries in Asia are at high risk for negative impacts of
biggest countries) that are recognised by the United Nations climate change. In 2004, a tsunami hit the coast in India, Thailand,
(Palestine, however, has 'only' observer status as it does not control Indonesia and other countries and killed more than 250,000 people
the majority of the claimed land). Two of the Asian countries also in more than 14 countries.
share part of their territory on the European continent; Street in Vietnam
these countries are Russia and Turkey. 13. People of Asia: There are many ethnic groups in Asia. This is a
2. More than 4.4 billion people live on the continent. Asia is thus huge continent, where vastly different cultures are practiced. In
the most populous continent. India and China, the most populous countries in Asia, there are many
3. Largest Country: Russia by landmass, even though roughly 40% of different ethnic groups all with their own distinct language and
the country belongs to the European continent. China is the largest culture. Imagine that in India more than 850 different native
country by population. Did you know that in China as many people languages are spoken and used in daily conversations! India is not
live as in Australia, New Zealand, North America, South America and only the second most populous country in Asia, it has also the
Western Europe combined? largest number of poor people and child labourers. One in four
Shanghai in China is the world's most populous city! Indians cannot read or write. Then there are the Arabs, the Russians,
4. Asia Facts - Largest City: Shanghai in China. With more than 24 Koreans, Japanese, Indians, Indonesians and so many more different
million inhabitants Shanghai is also the largest city in the world by cultural groups. There are also vast differences in living standards
population. Tokyo has the largest metropolitan area and has more and poverty. In South-East Asia, most people live in rural areas
inhabitants than the whole of Canada! outside the big cities which are underdeveloped. In fact, four out of
5. Asia Facts - Smallest Country: Maldives. The Indian ocean country ten poor people who live with only $1.9 per day, live in Asia!
is one of the smallest countries in the world and Asia's smallest However, there is also the tiny country of Singapore which is one of
country. It consists of 26 coral atolls which in total consist of more the richest, most modern and influential cities in the world.
than 1190 islands. Singapore is a leading country in modern technology and innovation
Orang Utan in Borneo and a major financial centre.
6. Biggest Island: Borneo in South-East Asia is also the third largest zǎo ān
island in the world and the largest in Asia. The island belongs to 14. Languages in Asia: In Asia more than 2,300 languages are
three countries: Malaysia and Brunei in the north while Indonesia recognised. The most spoken languages are Chinese (all dialects) has
claims the southern part of the island. Borneo is home to vast more than 1.39 billion speakers while Hindi-Urdu languages (used in
rainforests and many animals only live on this island such as the India and Pakistan) are spoken by more than 588 million people and
Bornean Orang-Utan. there are many different languages in the Hindi-Urdu language
7. Longest River: Yangtze River is the longest on the Asian continent. group, more than 1,600 languages exist alone in India. In Indonesia,
It is in China. (6,300metres/3,915miles). The Yangtze is the third 600 languages are spoken and in the Philippines over 100 languages.
longest river in the world after the Amazon and the Nile. 15. Asia Facts: Religion: Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism and
Yangtze River Confucianism are the main religions in Asia. Many religions originate
8. Highest Mountains: Mount Everest. The mountain in Asia, such as the Islam which is also the most widely followed
(8,849metres/29,035ft) is located in the Himalayan mountain range. religion in Asia. Judaism and Christian faith is practised by smaller
The Himalayas between Nepal and China are the world's highest population groups in the region.
mountains. 16. Tourist attractions in Asia: The most popular attractions are:
Mount Everest in the Himalaya mountains Great Wall in China
9. Asia Facts - Biggest Lake: Caspian Sea. The coastline is shared by Grand Palace in Thailand
five countries: Russia, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Grand Palace in Bangkok/Thailand
Iran. The lake is also among the deepest lakes in the world with a Kyoto and the cherry bloom in Japan
maximum depth of more than 1,000m/3,300ft! Baku, the capital of St Basil's Cathedral and Kremlin in Russia
Azerbaijan, is located at the Caspian Sea. Hagia Sophia in Turkey
Baku at the Caspian Sea Gardens by the Bay in Singapore
10. Driest Place: The Gobi desert is the largest desert in Asia and the Taj Mahal in India
fifth largest desert in the world. This is a cold desert where the Petra in Jordan
temperatures can be very low and sometimes even snow can occur. Petronas Twin Towers in Malaysia
Yurt in the Gobi Desert Bali island in Indonesia
A yurt is a typical round tent covered with mats or fabric and is built 17. Main natural resources in Asia are minerals such as aluminium,
by the nomads living in and travelling through the Gobi desert. tin, coal, gold and iron ore. Arab countries also are rich in fossil fuels
11. Asia Facts: There are 12 landlocked countries in Asia: The largest as they have the world's largest deposits of natural gas and oil. Saudi
landlocked country in the world is Kazakhstan in Asia. Kazakhstan is Arabia is the world's largest oil producer. Interesting fact: The
the 9th biggest country in the world! Among the landlocked country of Bhutan in the Himalayas produces most of the renewable
countries in Asia are also Bhutan, Laos, Nepal and Mongolia that are energy through hydropower!
located in the interior of the continent and do not have access to 18. Seven of the Asian countries belong to the Commonwealth
any ocean. States. Queen Elizabeth II of England is the head of the
12. Clima: The Asian continent has a very diverse climate ranging Commonwealth. The Asian nations belonging to the Commonwealth
from arctic climate in Siberia (Russia) to tropical climates in South- are: Bangladesh, Brunei, India, Malaysia, Pakistan, Singapore and Sri
East Asia. Siberia is also on of the coldest places on earth. In the Lanka.
tropical regions of South-East Asia, also the most tropical storms
occur. Cyclones occur mainly in the Philippines and south of Japan.
Andrea P. Lopez
8- Pahiyas
Ms. Rivellas
Africa
Culture, Value, Arts and Music African Food- The environment plays a huge part in what kinds
In African culture, the “self” is not separate from the world, it is of foods are consumed in different parts of the African continent.
united and intermingled with the natural and social environment. Most cuisines include fruit, grain, vegetables, milk and meat
products. Quite a number of cultural groups have very similar foods
It is through relations with one’s community and surroundings that in their cuisines. For example, a very common maize/corn-based
an individual becomes a person of volition, whose actions and dish is pap, also named ugali, sadza, nsima, nchima, chima, poshto,
decisions affect the entire group rather than just oneself. tuozafi, ubgali, bugali, sokoro, sokora, depending on which part of
the continent you are eating it.
There is a Xhosa proverb that is common to all African cultures and Music of Africa- African music is as diverse as the people, and has
languages, “Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu,” (“A person is a person also been influenced by music from the western world. Traditional
through persons”). music in southern Africa usually involves drums and singing, and
such instruments as the thumb piano accompanied by rattles made
The rich and diverse African culture varies not only from one from some dried fruit or vegetable with seeds inside
country to another, but within each country as well. The culture of Some Interesting African Cultures
each ethnic group centres on family and can be found in each
group’s art, music and oral literature.
• Men from the Latuka tribe in Sudan still practice the tradition of
kidnapping a woman that they want to marry. After a Latuka man
Throughout Africa, the people speak a variety of languages, practice has taken his bride-to-be, he goes back to the father of the woman
numerous religions and reside in various types of dwellings. to ask for his blessing.
The vast majority of people living in Africa are indigenous; however, • To protect their skin from the sun, the Himba people of northern
people from all over the world have migrated to Africa for hundreds Namibia cover themselves with a mixture of red soil and milk fat,
of years. Arabs began crossing into North Africa from the Middle and so they appear to have reddish skin. The otjize mixture is
East in the 7th century, A.D., bringing with them the religion of considered to be a beauty cosmetic. They also use wood ash for
Islam. Europeans began settling in the southern portion of the cleansing the hair because water is scarce.
continent in the mid-17th century, as did South Asians, who settled
in the areas of Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa. Over the
• The Algerian men of the Ahaggaren Tuareg group wear a veil
centuries, African culture has meshed with cultures from around the
almost all the time, occasionally taking them off when in a family
world, although much of traditional African customs have remained
group or while they travel.
throughout.
Although the musical styles and instruments vary from region to The wedding is held at night when the moon is full.....The wedding is
region, there are some common forms of musical expression. The held at night when the moon is full. It is considered bad luck if the
most significant instrument in African music is the African drum. It wedding takes place when the moon is not bright. The wedding
expresses the mood of the people and evokes emotion. The beat of celebrations can last several days but the bride’s parents do not
the African drum is the “heartbeat of the community” and its attend because it is too sad for them and the event is intended to be
rhythm is what holds the dancers together. a joyous one. A man can have as many wives as he can afford and
the wives share the responsibilities of the daily chores, such as
Dance is an integral part of the African culture, and it utilizes babysitting, pounding corn, preparing meals and washing clothes.
symbolic gestures, masks, costumes, body painting and props to The practice of polygamy brings more families together and deepens
communicate. The dance movements can be simple or complex with
the interest of the welfare in others. The protection of the family is
intricate actions including fast rotation, ripples of the body and
the core value in most African tribes. Members in the tribe care for
contraction and release. Dance is used to express emotion, whether
one another, share wealth and food and assure that no child is
joyful or sorrowful and it is not limited to just the dancers. Often
spectators will be encouraged to join in. abandoned.In African culture, a child learns at an early age how to
become a good member of his tribe. Each member of the tribe
belongs to an age group that has special services within the tribe.
Traditional African Masks -The African masks that are used in
Each person is expected to contribute to the tribe by doing his share
dances have religious, ceremonial and functional origins. The artist
of the work and obeying its customs.
who carves the mask will ceremonially purify himself and offer
prayers to his ancestors for guidance before he begins the actual
carving of the mask. The rite of passage.....The rite of passage is a controversial African
custom that varies from tribe to tribe. Circumcision, which is usually
The African mask represents a spirit and it is believed that the spirit performed on males is, in some cultures, performed on females as
possesses the dancer as they wear the mask. The chosen dancer well. The ritual is usually spread over a period of several months and
goes into a trance-like state in order to receive guidance and wisdom the one being circumcised is forbidden from screaming or crying
from the ancestors. The dancer will utter and moan the messages because doing so is considered cowardly behaviour.
received and a wise man, who accompanies the dancer will translate
the message.
Circumcision....The African customs of tribal circumcision has often
caused mutilation and even death. The victim seldom seeks medical
Art -Although music and dance are extremely important African care from a hospital because they are often abandoned by their
traditions and are very common forms of communication, many family and their tribe for doing so. It is believed that complications
African people express themselves in other art forms as well. arising from circumcision are the fault of the victim because they are
either being punished for having done something wrong or they are
The Zulu people are well known for their intricatebeadwork. The too weak to be qualified as men.
colour of each bead carries a specific meaning. The beads have been
used to carry messages known as “ucu,” a Zulu term loosely
translated as “love letters”.