Abstract
Musical practices in the Umbanda and Quimbanda religions (twentieth-century Brazilian syntheses of Spiritism, folk Catholicism and Afro-Brazilian religions) illustrate how devotees value innovation and semi-egalitarian participation. Leaders and spirit mediums compose devotional songs, lead congregational singing, play instruments during services and circulate their favourite works. Indeed, these activities are central to their experiences connecting with spirits and developing cosmologies and rituals. The liturgical repertory thereby expands from the bottom up, rather than being preserved from the top down by religious and musical leaders, as is common in the progenitor Afro-Brazilian religions. Nevertheless, some religious leaders, musicians and profiteers try to control the musical creativity of devotees, in ceremonial life and also in the local production and international distribution of commercial audio recordings. The evidence comes from ethnomusicological research conducted in Rio de Janeiro and Porto Alegre, Brazil, and Buenos Aires, Argentina, between 2006 and 2009.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
