Musical Bows of Southern Africa

The book "Musical Bows of Southern Africa" explores the regional diversity and cultural relationships in bow music knowledge and practices, challenging traditional ethnomusicological studies and highlighting the multidisciplinary potential of bow music.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Musical Bows of Southern Africa is a groundbreaking work that brings together current scholarly research to document the rich regional diversity and cultural relationships in bow music knowledge and contemporary practices. Framed as a critical appraisal of traditional ethnomusicological studies of the region, the book complements pioneering research and provides contexts for a contemporary engagement with bow music as an exchangeable cultural practice.

The book is composed of expert contributions written by individuals who are renowned experts in their respective fields. Collectively, these contributions showcase the multidisciplinary potential of bow music, highlighting the various fields of knowledge that intersect with it, such as ethno-organology, applied ethnomusicology, composition, music literacy, social development, cultural economics, history, orality, performance, and language.

Through its comprehensive approach, Musical Bows of Southern Africa offers a deep understanding of the historical, social, and cultural significance of bow music in the region. It explores the ways in which bow music has been shaped by various factors, including colonialism, globalization, and cultural hybridization, and how it continues to evolve and adapt to contemporary contexts. The book also sheds light on the artistic and technical aspects of bow music, including its playing techniques, repertoire, and the role of the bow in shaping musical expression.

Moreover, Musical Bows of Southern Africa emphasizes the importance of preserving and promoting bow music as a cultural heritage. It explores the challenges faced by bow musicians and the efforts made to sustain and revitalize this traditional art form. The book provides valuable insights into the educational and community-based initiatives that aim to promote music literacy, provide training opportunities, and create platforms for bow musicians to showcase their talents.

In conclusion, Musical Bows of Southern Africa is a groundbreaking work that contributes significantly to our understanding of bow music as a cultural practice. It offers a rich tapestry of scholarly research, multidisciplinary perspectives, and practical insights into the preservation and promotion of this unique art form. The book is a valuable resource for researchers, musicians, educators, and anyone interested in exploring the world of bow music and its profound impact on Southern African culture.

Weight: 416g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501370328