Focus: Choral Music in Global Perspective

Focus: Choral Music in Global Perspective explores the traditions and repertoires of choral music around the world, featuring diverse individuals and organizations and examining their music and pedagogical practices. It presents research on how choral cultures interact with societies and transform the lives of their members.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 228 pages
Publication date: 12 March 2019
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Choral music is a rich and diverse art form that spans across different cultures and regions of the world. In "Focus: Choral Music in Global Perspective," author Mark A. Powell explores the little-known traditions and repertoires of choral music from around the globe. The book weaves together the stories of diverse individuals and organizations, examining their music and pedagogical practices while presenting the author's research on how choral cultures around the world interact with societies and transform the lives of their members.

Through an engaging series of portraits that push beyond the scope of extant texts and studies, the author explores the dynamic realm of world choral activity and repertoire. These personal portraits of musical communities are enriched by sample repertoire lists, performance details, and research findings that reposition a once Western phenomenon as a global concept.

The book begins by introducing the reader to the various traditions and repertoires of choral music, including prison choirs in Thailand, gay and lesbian choruses in the Western world, community choruses in the Middle East, and youth choirs in the United States. Powell then delves into the stories of these individuals and organizations, examining their music and pedagogical practices and presenting the research on how choral cultures around the world interact with societies and transform the lives of their members.

One of the key themes of the book is the role of choral music in promoting social justice and equality. Powell explores how choral music can be used as a tool for social change, particularly in marginalized communities. He highlights the work of organizations such as the Prison Choirs of Thailand, which uses music to help rehabilitate prisoners and promote social cohesion. Similarly, he discusses the role of gay and lesbian choruses in promoting LGBTQ+ rights and visibility.

Another theme of the book is the impact of choral music on personal and spiritual development. Powell explores how choral music can provide a sense of community, belonging, and purpose for its members. He discusses the emotional and psychological benefits of singing in a choir, including the reduction of stress and anxiety, the enhancement of self-esteem, and the promotion of social connections.

The book also examines the pedagogical practices of choral music, including the use of different vocal techniques, choral composition, and rehearsal strategies. Powell discusses the challenges and opportunities that arise in teaching choral music to diverse populations, including students with different musical backgrounds and abilities. He highlights the importance of creating inclusive and accessible choral programs that can be enjoyed by all members of a community.

In addition to the personal portraits and research findings, the book includes sample repertoire lists, performance details, and photographs that provide a visual representation of the diverse choral traditions and repertoires explored in the text. These materials are designed to be accessible to a wide range of readers, including musicians, music educators.

"Focus: Choral Music in Global Perspective" is an accessible, engaging, and provocative study of one of the worlds most ubiquitous and socially significant forms of music-making. The book offers a wealth of insights and perspectives on choral music, from its historical roots to its contemporary manifestations, and provides a valuable resource for musicians, music educators, and anyone interested in exploring the world of choral music.

In conclusion, "Focus: Choral Music in Global Perspective" is an essential read for anyone interested in choral music, music education, or social justice. The book offers a wealth of insights and perspectives on choral music, from its historical roots to its contemporary manifestations, and provides a valuable resource for musicians, music educators.

Weight: 444g
Dimension: 170 x 240 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780415896559