Ethnomusicology and modern music history /

In recent decades, new trends in ethnomusicology have come into existence as scholars became aware that nonmusical activities influence the principles of sound organization. Thus, methodological approaches from diverse disciplines of the humanities are frequently applied by ethnomusicologists in their quest for why a musical style is the way it is. Equally important, scholars outside the field of ethnomusicology are also using the role played by musical activities as a pertinent and valid source of information about a society, especially one without written tradition, a so-called "preliterate" society. In this volume individual contributions provide case studies of music concepts from various musical traditions that sustain both sides of this argument. As editor Blum puts it, "We are concerned with musical interpretations of history and with historical interpretations of music and musical life" (p. 1). Although these concerns are not being expressed here for the first time, they are presented in a new framework of interpretation, i.e., the necessity of a universal music history that would take into consideration all humanity. This book is unique not only for its approach but also for the scope of its content. It will be a valuable addition to scholars' own shelves as well as to institutional libraries. It is definitely a must for libraries of research centers and institutions with ethomusicology programs. -Kazadi wa Mukuna, Kent State University