Comparative Analysis of Jazz Music and Indian Classical Music
For paper 2, select TWO contrasting musical traditions that interest you – these can be topics we have studied in the course (e.g., romantic music and bebop), or can include additional musical traditions that you have some knowledge of. In a paper of about a minimum of 900 words, maximum 1000 words, analyze and compare these two contrasting traditions by discussing how they incorporate the roles of composer, performer, and listener/audience.
Select one work from each tradition that can serve as an example for that tradition, and that you can use for comparison with the other piece/tradition. Compare the two pieces in terms of (meter, mode, musical device, texture, instrumentation. (2 points for each)
Be specific! Do not say "classical music" (i.e. not just music from 1750-1820) or "jazz" as those are too broad. Differentiate the specific traditions as clearly and specifically as possible.
This paper relates back to issues raised in Module 10 (Composers, performers, and audiences), so begin your work by reading through that module again and thinking about how your chosen traditions relate to some of the issues raised there. Consider some of the following questions to help guide your thoughts as you compare your two chosen traditions:
Answer ALL the questions below
What role(s) do composers play in this tradition? Do they write music down? Teach it orally/aurally to performers? Work it out in their head and through practice, without writing it down? Create recordings rather than written versions? If there are no individual composers, how is music created?
What do the performers in this tradition play? Do they play their own creations or those of a composer? Do they play exactly what is specified or are they able to introduce elements of ornamentation or improvisation (include timeframes)? How much are the performers expected to interpret the music? What kind of situations/places are the performers expected to play in? (And for more historical traditions: What differences are there between the situations the music was originally played in and those it is played in now?)
What kinds of people are the audience for this music? (For historical traditions: What differences are there between audiences then and now?) In what situations/places do they normally listen to it? How do audiences and listeners behave or react while listening to this music? Do they participate in the music? (If so, how?) How do issues of audience taste and preference play into this tradition?
Do not write half the paper on one tradition and half the paper on the other! Try to compare the two traditions directly and discuss in detail how they relate to these issues. One paragraph on each of the main issues (composers, performers, audiences) is recommended, but organize your points within each paragraph clearly and logically (do not just answer the above questions in order). You are not required to use external sources, but anything you do quote from another author must be acknowledged with appropriate and accurate citations.
It is strongly recommended that you start working on this paper early so that you have enough time to think deeply on these issues and organize, write up, and edit your comparisons. Late assignments will be penalized by 10% per day late.
Word count: MIN 900 words, MAX 1000. Include a word count at the bottom of your work.
Submission requirements:
Upload your work as a Microsoft Word (doc or docx) file. No other file types will be accepted. Include your full name and Introduction to Music Online: Paper No.2 at the top of the document.
Your document should have double line spacing on letter-size paper and use Times New Roman, 12pt, or a similar font (3 points).
All submitted work must be your own. Any quoted material must be cited in a conventional manner. Please note that your work will be automatically checked for plagiarism by the Turnitin service, and that any plagiarism infractions will be treated severely.
A Comparative Analysis of Jazz Music and Indian Classical Music.
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Raga Bhimpalasi and Take Five
The purpose of this assignment is to critically analyze and compare contrasting musical traditions, Raga Bhimpalasi, an Indian Classical Music tradition, and "Take Five" by the Dave Brubeck Quartet a Jazz tradition. Indian Classical music was founded on ancient Indian traditions, while Jazz music originates from African-American traditions. Notably, the two genres are vibrant yet distinct. Thus, this paper will explore the cultural significance of the genres, historical backgrounds, and structural characteristics while focusing on the role of the composer, performer, and audience.
Raga Bhimpalasi
Bhimpalasi is a common Hindustani classical music that originates from North India. The music was founded in ancient times and belongs to Bhairavi Thaat, a part of the basic scales of Indian classical music. Notably, Bhimpalasi is emotional and soulful, best suited to be played in the late afternoon. For instance, Mero Allah and Merherbaan adhere to the notable structure and melody that maintain the essence of Raga such as being devotional and melancholy (Art And Artistes, 2013). Traditionally, the artists were expected to maintain raga mood, and emotional expressions that reflect the mood of the song. Importantly, Raga expresses emotions of love and devotion which evoke melancholy, longing, and yearning.
Raga Bhimpalasi is performed in tala, a cyclic rhythmic pattern. The most common tala used in this raga is teental, which consists of 16 beats divided into four equal sections of four beats each. For instance, Mero integrates a cyclic rhythmic pattern in which melody, themes, and thematic materials happen in more than one movement to create a unifying device, either at the beginning or the end of the song. Further, Bhimpalasi uses the scale pentatonic scale as Sa (tonic), Re (major second), Ga (perfect fourth), Ma (perfect fifth), and Dha (minor seventh). The soloist is accompanied by a drone played on the tanpura as he explores melodic and rhythmic aspects while at the same time applying emotional expressions. Further, meend plays a significant role in the song in gliding between notes to create a smooth and expressive melodic contour.
As expected, the performer is expected to have a deep understanding of the classic music, while the audience is expected to devote themselves together with the performer and join in the song through gestures and vow of silence. The artists can perform their songs or other composers but have to strictly adhere to the structure and melody of the raga. Performing their songs allows them to write down and perform their emotions, techniques, and skills while performing other people's work portraying their prowess to interpret a piece and give it its meaning. Further, performers are expected to u...