Moving away from silence : music of the Peruvian Altiplano and the experience of urban migration /

Moving away from Silence provides an excellent case study of the trend in ethnomusiciological analysis in which the known elements (music and musical activities) are analyzed to learn about the unknown (human) in networks of relations and cultural discourse. The book contains material that will satisfy both those with theoretical interests and those for whom the study of music and musical styles is the ultimate objective of ethnomusicology. The focus is on the analysis of musical elements and practices, cast against the backdrop of their cultural context with an analytical emphasis placed on people, social practices, and historical moments to highlight, among other factors, similarities and differences between the Conimenos and other social groups. Turino displays a command of the Conimenos' culture and their social structure, their musical practices, and a vast knowledge of social and ethnomusicological theories. Turino presents himself as a strong advocate of comparative ethnomusicology. To this reviewer, the comparative approach, once the sole essence of the ethnomusicological investigation, reflects the colonialistic overtone of its embryonic period. This minute observation is not intended to diminish the value of this work. It is a well-written book which sounds poetic at times. Strongly recommended to all in the field. Kazadi wa Mukuna; Kent State University