preview

Swiss Cowdeling Song Analysis

Good Essays

1. In order to properly analyze the contrasts between the Swiss cowherds (Audio 1-2) and the yodeling song (Audio 1-3) in terms of how each qualifies as music, we must first clearly define and understand what music is. The proposed definition of music from the textbook states it as “sounds organized by humans and intended for musical purposes (Lesson 1). The first part of the definition is simple to understand and classify. Birds chirping as beautiful as it may sound, would not fit the classification of music by this definition because birds are obviously not humans. However, it is the second portion of the definition that is more subjective and hard to decipher. Whether or not something was intended for musical purposes can be difficult …show more content…

Thus, the yodeling song is a clear example of music in terms of the textbook definition, while the Swiss cowherds’ song is ambiguous because of the lack of clarity in its musical purpose.
2a. The krar is a type of lyre that composes of “two arms and a crossbar” (Lesson 2). By attaching strings perpendicular to the plane of the crossbar with each string being of different lengths, the plucking or strumming of the strings create sounds of different pitches. This pitch is determined by the placement of the player’s hands on the strings to artificially determine the length of the strings, ultimately leading to the control of different notes that can be produced. The Ethiopian krar from the video happens to be amplified, allowing for the sound to be projected louder. The amplitude of the volume is helpful in the public tourist restaurant setting where the performer is playing the krar. The Ethiopian krar is used in both traditional and popular ensembles so it can be versatile. In the video, the musicians are playing at a traditional restaurant while playing an Ethiopian instrument and Ethiopian tunes. The instrument itself is very much a part of the local culture as much as the music itself. The melody that is being played in the Ethiopian krar video is unique to Ethiopian people as the tune is being played at a traditional restaurant. Through the unique tune, identity and exclusive

Get Access