Song Repertoire Research Articles

Creative dynamism and religious syncretism in Igbo oral funeral songs

Igbo oral funeral songs are dynamic and resilient oral forms. Applying the tenets of an infracultural model of ethnopoetics to study Igbo oral funeral songs collected during fieldwork, in this article, I examine the emerging trend in most Igbo communities of the co-existence, modification, and adaptation of Christian/western ideals into the mainstream repertoire of Igbo oral funeral songs. I therefore examine a situation where Igbo oral performers are drawing inspiration from western religious, linguistic, and cultural philosophies and applying them to the trajectory of Igbo oral funeral poetry. Observing that the reason for this is to accord the deceased a befitting funeral rite, I underscore the resilience of Igbo oral funeral poetry which acculturates western cultural elements into its oral funeral performances which are deployed to help reduce the pain of bereavement and assist the dead to successfully find their way as they journey to join their ancestors.

“Songs of Pain”

This article explores urban Romani song in southern Romania and how ethnicity and gender inform the repertoire and style of two 20th-century female vocalists: Romica Puceanu and Gabi Luncǎ. Both established their renown during the communist period, initially at in-group weddings in addition to family and other social gatherings and eventually at Romanian venues as well. Numerous songs that they performed were also issued on recordings. Puceanu and Luncă were best-known for their quintessentially Romani song genres and style of singing: muzica lăutărească (“lǎutar music” – the music of Romani musicians), namely, cântece lăutăreşti (“lăutar songs”) or “songs of pain.” Cântece lăutăreşti are often characterized by a slow, heartfelt style and express anguish, suffering, and longing. How did ethnicity and gender inform the artistry of Puceanu and Luncă? Which themes in their song repertoires were they drawn to, and how did the lyrics and style of the songs that they sang reflect their roles as female Romani performers not only surrounded by a majority society that had enslaved Roma for centuries and in which anti-Romani racism was (and still is) widespread, but also within a patriarchal society and male-dominated profession? I examine how Puceanu and Luncă became icons of muzica lăutărească in a world dominated by men. I argue that as vocalists who were both Roma and women, they found nuanced ways to express ethnic and gendered identity through song.

Acoustic richness and composition changes of humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) songs on breeding grounds off the coast of Ecuador

AbstractSong evolution and revolution events recorded through time are typical cultural features for humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) populations worldwide. However, it is unknown if song dynamics are equivalent among subpopulations or breeding stocks of the South Pacific Ocean. To contribute to the understanding of the temporal song dynamics of humpback whale song off the coast of Ecuador, we analyzed acoustic richness and repertoire composition based on unit, phrase, and song composition over consecutive breeding seasons from 2012 to 2019. We observed incomplete song revolutions (all themes were replaced except one) and a nonsignificant variation in the acoustic richness during the study period. Our results show that over the years, humpback whale singers incorporate acoustic material from different subpopulations such as Central South Pacific (French Polynesia) and western South Atlantic (Brazil) into their song repertoire. The temporal acoustic contact of different subpopulations migrating through the eastern South Pacific may be reflected in their particular acoustic richness and temporal evolution. Off the coast of Ecuador, humpback whale song patterns point towards an alternative scenario of song evolution, indicating how cultural transmission among subpopulations can alter the song patterns in specific breeding grounds due lack of geographical barriers surrounding the southeastern Pacific region.

APROPRIASI MUSIK KELOMPOK REBANA KASUKA NADA

This research discusses the reasons related to the thoughts of the Kasuka Nada tambourine group in choosing musical appropriation in their performances. Tambourines are mostly dominated by percussion instruments such as flying, but now tambourine music has experienced developments in innovation in terms of music media and song repertoire using adaptations of songs popularized by other singers, and adapting other people's works. This form of tambourine music innovation is called appropriation. The purpose of this study is to describe the process of appropriating music in the Kasuka Nada tambourine group, to describe the factors that influence the Kasuka Nada tambourine group in appropriating, to analyze the musical results of the Kasuka Nada tambourine group's musical appropriation, and to describe how the Kasuka Nada tambourine group performs. . This research was conducted using a qualitative descriptive analysis method, by way of describing the existing facts and then proceed with the analysis. The method used in this study is divided into four stages, namely data collection, data processing, data analysis, and drawing conclusions. The theoretical basis used to dissect this research is the theory of appropriation and performance theory. Based on the data analysis conducted, it was concluded that the purpose of the tambourine group appropriating is to preserve and maintain the continuity of tambourine music. Presenting trending songs and those that are liked by the public and then changing the lyrics to the theme of goodness and commendable teachings which are inserted with prayers are the hallmarks of the Kasuka Nada tambourine group, and there are internal and external factors that influence the Kasuka Nada tambourine group in appropriation of music.

Sexual selection for single song repertoires.

Despite birdsong being one of the most studied models of sexual selection, how it operates in birds that sing only one song remains poorly understood. A recent study using a big data approach reveals a novel aspect of song that may potentially function as an honest signal of male quality and a way to maintain listener attention.

Examining Tori Kelly's vocal improvisation on the song "Don't You Worry ‘Bout a Thing"

This study examines the vocal improvisation in the performance of "Don't You Worry ‘Bout a Thing" from the movie Sing to improve the general comprehension of vocal methods in popular jazz music. This study aims to fill the vacuum in the current literature on vocal improvisation by studying the song's repertoire, with a particular focus on the vocal components. Researchers utilize a descriptive qualitative approach to observe and analyze the music directly, supplemented by intense listening sessions, to reveal the subtleties of vocal delivery. The goal is to explore the complex vocal improvisations that define the song, emphasizing how these aspects contribute to its overall artistic expression. This study not only provides instructional value for budding musicians but also enhances the general audience's understanding and enjoyment of jazz improvisation. This research offers a helpful update to existing knowledge by providing extensive insights into the vocal improvisation techniques used in "Don't You Worry ‘Bout A Thing". It addresses the need for more thorough data in this area. The findings emphasize the significance of improvisation in jazz, demonstrating how impromptu voice alterations can augment a song's emotional profundity and dynamic scope. The primary objective of this study is to enhance the comprehension and admiration of vocal improvisation among a broader range of people, promoting a more thorough involvement with jazz music and stimulating the growth of personal musical abilities and expressions.

Pergeseran Tradisi Bagurau Lapiak di Payakumbuh: Tradisi Klasik ke Modern

Bogurau lapiak was originally a saluang dendang performance held in a shop with a mat and has been around since the 1980s. The performance is performed by senior drummers with one saluang, two drummers, and one janang / arranger of the performance. Today, the lapiak joke has shifted. The most noticeable shift can be seen from the drummers who fill the show are generally backgrounded as solo singers. They lack the skills and repertoire of classical saluang songs. The songs that are widely presented in bagurau lapiak performances now are dangdut songs, minang pop and gamad songs. This situation made senior drummers, rangers and laceurers worry about the loss of classic saluang songs. The presence of the lapiak bagurau show players is caused by several factors, namely, 1) economic factors, 2) technological factors and 3) market taste factors. This study used qualitative research with descriptive analysis methods. Data collection is done by observation, interviews, and documentation.

Duet playing in dementia care: a new therapeutic music technology

Purpose Supporting the relational worlds of people living with dementia, especially the spousal dyad, is a growing focus in dementia care as is advancing the therapeutic use of music in dementia care. This paper describes a mixed-methods, multi-phase, iterative research study designed to develop the Music Memory Makers (MMM) Duet System, a novel therapeutic music technology, that allows non-musicians to play a personalized repertoire of songs arranged as duets. Methods Following a pilot phase to iteratively assess and refine the MMM Duet System for recreational and therapeutic purposes, multiple sources of data were used to investigate five older spousal dyads’ experiences with the system, two couples living with dementia and three who were not. We assessed perceptions of task difficulty, joint agency, and enjoyment as well as therapeutic benefits associated with enhancing the spousal relationship and sense of couplehood. Results Findings suggest playing meaningful songs together is an enjoyable interactive activity that prompts musical reminiscence, involves joint agency, and supports relationship continuity within a relational, positive approach to dementia care. All couples mastered the task, none evaluated it as “very challenging,” and positive couple interactions were evoked, commonly before and after playing the duets. Conclusions The MMM Duet System is recommended for further research and development as an innovative way to support couples living with dementia with commercial implications, and as a new music technology suitable for use as a research tool.

Sang og syngning i skolen

Songs and singing in school: Danish school singing between tangible and intangible cultural heritage For centuries, singing has played a vital role in elementary schools in Denmark. During the 20th Century, singing’s significance – in Denmark as well as elsewhere in Europe – was gradually downplayed, and singing was reduced from an independent subject and an overarching activity to a subdiscipline under the broader subject of “Mus­ic”. In the 2020’s a renewed interest in communal singing is surging in Denmark; this also entails an increasing focus on the benefits of school singing. Political and societal discourse is fraught with wishes of revitalizing singing culture in schools. However, the arguments to support such wishes are quite different in nature, some­times lead­ing to misconceptions. This article aims to show that arguments for school singing fall within a continuum between two poles: In one end of the continuum, singing is valued as a way to preserve a culturally valued repertoire of songs, and in the other end, singing is val­ued as a beneficial activity regardless of what is being sung. The purpose of the article is thus to establish a conceptual distinction that has hitherto been unclear, underscored by the inability of the Danish language to discriminate clearly between “song” and “singing”. To support our case, we mobilize the conceptual pair of tangible and intangible cultural heritage, arguing that these can be mapped on to the distinction between school singing as preservation of songs vs. as an activity in its own right. Further, we trace the occurrence and connotation of the word “song” in Danish public newspapers from the late 18th Century to the 2020’s, showing that the term does indeed fluctuate between connotations of tangible and intangible cultural heritage throughout the period.

Usage of song repertoire and male-male communication in pale-legged leaf-warbler

Usage of song repertoire and male-male communication in pale-legged leaf-warbler

SUZUKI METHOD OF LEARNING THE VIOLIN IN THE AMABILE MUSIC STAGE

This observation aims to find out how important it is to apply the Suzuki method in violin classes at the amabile music studio, what advantages and obstacles I experienced during the learning process and what benefits students get from using the Suzuki method in the violin learning process. Apart from that, the author wants music teachers, especially violin, to know what and how the Suzuki method is used in the violin learning process. The Suzuki Method is an instrument teaching method created by Shinichi Suzuki. The Suzuki method prioritizes auditory training rather than reading a repertoire of songs. From the start of learning, students will not be taught to read first. From the observations it can be concluded that the Suzuki method is very important to use in the violin learning process at the Amabile Music Studio because this method has proven to be quite effective in helping students play the songs well and use the correct technique. Some of the benefits that students get when using the Suzuki method are good hearing training so that students can analysis notes better, good and correct body posture when playing the violin, and strong memory due to constant repetition. Some of the advantages of the Suzuki method itself are the training or learning which is quite detailed, the fingering patterns and the distribution of the bow are all regulated in the Suzuki method, the songs in the Suzuki book also sound familiar and enjoyable. There are three obstacles in using the Suzuki method, namely delays in the ability to read sheet music, minimal parental participation in the student's learning process at institutions and some students only memorize fingering patterns without knowing what notes are being played.

Male and female red-cheeked cordon bleus sing similar yet individualistic songs.

Birdsong is an excellent system for studying complex vocal signaling in both males and females. Historically, most research in captivity has focused only on male song. This has left a gap in our understanding of the environmental, neuroendocrine, and mechanistic control of female song. Here, we report the overall acoustic features, repertoire, and stereotypy of both male and female Red-Cheeked Cordon Bleus (Uraeginthus bengalus) (RCCBs) songs in the lab. We found few sex differences in the acoustic structure, song repertoire, and song stereotypy of RCCBs. Both sexes had similar song entropy, peak frequency, and duration. Additionally, individuals of both sexes sang only a single song type each and had similar levels of song and syllable stereotypy. However, we did find that female RCCBs had higher song bandwidth but lower syllable repertoires. Finally, and most strikingly, we found highly individualistic songs in RCCBs. Each individual produced a stereotyped and unique song with no birds sharing song types and very few syllable types being shared between birds of either sex. We propose that RCCBs represent a promising species for future investigations of the acoustic sex differences in song in a lab environment, and also for understanding the evolutionary driving forces behind individualistic songs.

Contemporary Vocal Repertoire Considerations for the Classical Singer

Abstract: Author Justin John Moniz addresses the exploration of contemporary vocal repertoire for the classical singer. Moniz discusses effective teaching methods rooted in evidence-based practice and advocates for the exploration of student curiosities outside one’s primary area of concentration. Included is a sample list of popular song repertoire for four voice types: soprano, mezzo-soprano, tenor, and baritone. These selections are intended to provide even those most unfamiliar with popular song an opportunity to explore a new style with greater probabilities of ease and coordination.

EXPERIMENTAL WORK ON FORMING VOCAL AND PEDAGOGICAL COMPETENCIES OF STUDENTS OF PRESCHOOL FACULTY OF PEDAGOGICAL UNIVERSITY IN CHINA

The article deals with a relevant topic developed by the author in line with the reform of Chinese education, which covers all levels and spheres of the Chinese educational system, including preschool music education and professional training of future teachers of Chinese kindergartens for musical education and training of preschool children. The article focuses on the vocal and pedagogical training of students. It is stated that at present it does not meet the modern needs of practice, as future kindergarten teachers are taught mainly vocal skills and performance of classical vocal repertoire. The purpose of the article is to reveal the system of vocal and pedagogical competencies developed by the author, which should be formed in students, future kindergarten teachers, as well as the results of its experimental approbation in Jining Pedagogical University (China). The article substantiates the relevance of the topic, presents a brief review of literature and sources, gives a general characterization of the four types of vocal and pedagogical competencies proposed by the author. They include the ability and readiness of students to develop children’s singing voices using vocal and vocal-gaming exercises proposed by Russian and Chinese music teachers; to expressively and figuratively perform children’s songs provided for in the programs of preschool education in China; to learn songs with children, applying scientifically-based methods of work on the song repertoire; to accompany children’s singing on simple Chinese folk musical instruments. The author’s methodological system of forming these competences and the results of its experimental validation are also highlighted. The article also concludes that the application of this methodological system provides a high level of students’ formation of professional competencies necessary for their future professional vocal and pedagogical activity. The materials of the article can be used in scientific research and practice of teaching the course “Vocal" at preschool faculties of pedagogical universities not only in China, but also in Russia.

Песенный фольклор мордвы-мокши Тюменской области в фоно- и видеозаписях

The paper explores audio and video recordings of Mordvin-Moksha song folklore, specifically focusing on songs from the migratory tradition of Kalinovka village, Sorokinskiy District, Tyumen Oblast. The village was established in 1924 by migrants from settlements in Krasnoslobodskiy, Atyuryevskiy, Kovylkinskiy, and Torbeevskiy Districts of the Republic of Mordovia. A total of 19 songs in 29 variations, created between 1989 and 2021, are presented in chronological order. The analysis examines the genres and repertoire of these Mordvin-Moksha songs, including calendar songs, dance songs, round dance songs, wedding songs, as well as non-calendar lyricalepic and lyrical songs. The collection features both traditional Russian songs and contemporary songs in Mordvin-Moksha and Russian. Notably, there are phonorecords of polyphonic samples of lyric-epic, lyrical, circular, and dance songs, as well as video recordings showcasing the ceremonial reconstruction of the Moksha wedding. Through the examination of this folklore collection, it is concluded that the local Siberian tradition remains vibrant and continues to evolve. The various folklore materials, most of which have been transcribed and translated into Russian, will serve as a foundation for further comprehensive descriptions and textological studies. These materials are included in the national corpus of the Mordvin volume of the academic series “Monuments of folklore of the Peoples of Siberia and the Far East,” published by the Institute of Philology of the SB RAS and the Research Institute for the Humanities under the Government of the Republic of Mordovia.

Song repertoires of the Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca of the Tomsk population: a comparative aspect of the advertising song in the urban and natural environment

Song repertoires of the Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca of the Tomsk population: a comparative aspect of the advertising song in the urban and natural environment

Inclusion and Accessibility: The Explosion of the Art Song Canon

Abstract: We are living in a time of unprecedented growth in classical music repertoire. The global crisis of inequity and exclusion has necessitated changes throughout cultural and educational institutions, challenging the conventions of curricular teaching, performance traditions, and genre parameters. Consequently, the canon of art song repertoire has exploded with a wealth of underrepresented voices and their champions. This column acknowledges art song’s capacity to break down barriers of bias and prejudice, while celebrating some people and publications that are paving the way for a vibrant and inclusive world of vocal repertoire.

Recovery of cirl bunting, Emberiza cirlus, song diversity after translocation

AbstractIn order to improve conservation outcomes translocation or reintroduction of individuals may be necessary. When song learning birds are translocated, changes in the cultural diversity of song repertoires, or abnormal vocalizations, in the new population can be a problem. We monitored song production over 8 years in a reintroduced population of the cirl bunting (Emberiza cirlus). Chicks were removed from nests in Devon, UK, between 2006 and 2011, translocated at 6 days old to be hand‐reared and released in Cornwall, UK. Recordings at the release site in 2011 showed a significantly reduced population repertoire and individuals sang abnormal song types compared to the source populations in Devon. However, recordings in 2019, showed population song repertoire had reached the level of source populations of similar size, and song types were species typical. Our study shows that species can recover from a cultural bottleneck and suggests that, for some song learning birds, if translocation of nestlings is necessary it may not lead to long‐term problems for communication and thus population persistence. For future translocations of nestlings, we recommend that efforts are made to provide tutoring to enable song learning. This may be achieved by providing recordings, but may also include providing adult song tutors. In addition, playback of “normal” songs to translocated populations may aid in development of species typical song repertoires, although care must be taken that this is not disturbing the reintroduced birds.

Social Evaluation of Female Preferences in Birds’ Songs and Songs Function in Mating

The selection of a mate is influenced by bird songs, which are known for their complexity and diversity. This essay delves into the realm of female mate preferences within various avian species, presenting both supportive and contradictory evidence regarding the importance of larger song repertoires. It emphasizes the distinction between controlled laboratory settings and ecologically authentic field studies, revealing nuanced findings. Furthermore, it explores additional factors like individual variation, song complexity, cognitive abilities, and contextual adaptability to elucidate this mixed outcome, enriching our comprehension of avian communication dynamics. Male bird songs emerge as essential conduits for conveying vital information that enables females to make informed choices about potential mates. Through song types and tones, they transmit demographic information, social status, and physical condition, offering females a means of remote evaluation. The examination of distinct song behaviors, including duets, flight songs, and the dawn chorus, highlights their significance as indicators of partnership, strength, and commitment. The varied strategies employed by male birds and the selective decisions made by females underscore the profound role of avian songs in shaping relationships and ensuring the perpetuation of species. This marks a substantial contribution to our understanding of avian mate selection dynamics.

Soprano as a phenomenon of artistic representation of the human image in European and Chinese traditions

Soprano as a phenomenon of artistic representation of the human image in European and Chinese traditions