Download 1. Describe the term "syncretism" and give one example of a

1. Describe the term "syncretism" and give one example of a syncretic musical style.
Syncretism consists of the attempt to reconcile disparate or contradictory beliefs, often while melding
practices of various schools of thought. The term may refer to attempts to merge and analogize several
originally discrete traditions, especially in the theology and mythology of religion, and thus assert an
underlying unity allowing for an inclusive approach to other faiths. Celtic fusion is an umbrella term for
modern music which incorporates traditional Celtic influences, or Celtic music which incorporates modern
music. It is thus essentially a syncretic musical tradition which borrows freely from the musical traditions
of all the Celtic nations as well as all styles of popular music, and is thus sometimes associated with
Pan-Celtic movement.
2. Give two examples of communities that are formed around music and dance.
Social dance is another realm in which community flourishes--- often created by experiences on the
dance floor. Like the rock concert, the intensity of the event creates a temporary collective of participants
bound by shared knowledge and experience. As a Jane Cowan suggests in her study of dance and
gender relations in the Greek Macedonian town of shoos, the dance experience can be seen as a
metaphor for community.
New England contra dance events create such a collectivity,. Participation in the dance, including playing
music, calling, and dancing, forms the social context through which community is created.
3. What are two approaches to authenticity in the performance of early music?
Authenticity – faithfulness to the conventions of the original performance traditions --- is a central
concern of early music specialists. Clues to early music practice come from a variety of sources. Musical
scores provide melodies, rhythms, harmonies, and song texts, but they often contain no indications
regarding instrumentation, accompaniment, and interpretive features such as tempo and dynamics.
Musicians supplement score by consulting literature musical treatises, instrument tutors, diaries, letters,
travel accounts, and works of fiction contains descriptions of musical events and iconography sourcespaintings, illustrated manuscripts, and sculptures. Facsimiles of original scores, and literary and
iconographic source contemporary to the music itself, are primary sources for early music specialists.
The writings of modern early music scholars are secondary source which performers consult in deciding
how to interpret early repertory.
4. How does informal enculturation differ from formal musical training?
In some societies, informal learning is the principal means of musical transmission, but even in
cultures where formal instruction predominates, enculturation provides the foundation upon which more
structured training is built. Lessons and classes may be supplemented by informal sessions of discussion
and music-making, which provide important opportunities for deepening and testing skills in a more
relaxed setting.
5. What is the relationship between pulse and meter?
Western musicians usually begin their formal rhythmic training by learning to count evenly spaced
pulses in measures or bars of four beats. We say that musical time organized into such regular, repeating
patterns is metrical---- that is, it conforms to a meter, in this case, of four pulses.
6. What is a melody?
In music, a melody, also tune, voice, or line, is a series of linear events or a succession, not a simultaneity
as in a chord (see harmony). However, this succession must contain change of some kind and be
perceived as a single entity (possibly Gestalt) to be called a melody. Since melody is mostly a part of the
musical foreground, it is one of the easiest aspects of music to percept and remember. Melody gives a
piece of music richness and character. Melody also helps the listener remember and identify music. In
most cases, it is the melody of a song that is the most memorable part.