I can’t believe that this morning was our last meeting! I really enjoyed this class a lot.
One thing that intrigued me in general is how each country developed its own kind of scale/mode and rhythm. An example is the “raga” and the “tala” of India. Another is the “maqam” and “iqa’at” of the Arab countries, and many more. It made me wonder what factors contributed to the making of these musical concepts. And, What the reasons are behind the countries’ differences and similarities in terms of musical characteristics and style.
I was also fascinated on how creative our ancestors were. Given the kind of technology and the natural resources around them, they were able to make such interesting instruments that are still used and studied up to now. Indeed it stood the test of time!
With our encounters on different cultures, I marvel on how important the role of music is in their society and religion/spiritualism. In context, I want to believe that music is the key element that keeps their culture alive.
Learning other cultures made me appreciate the Philippine culture more. When I was taking classes on Philippine indigenous music, I didn’t value it as much as I value it now. Before, I thought that because of the 300 years of Spanish colonization and invasions from other countries, the Philippines lost its identity. But I was wrong! The Philippines never lost its identity. It’s embedded in the very blood of our veins. True, we were influenced by different ways of life. But so were others. I don’t believe in such a thing as “pure culture”. Somehow, somewhat, each culture is influenced by another culture. But what makes the difference is how one adopts the aspect as its own.
This course truly inspired me to know more about the Philippine culture specifically its music. Actually, I’m planning to go back to the Philippines after two years. I would love to do some research (book and field research). Then I’m going to show everyone whatever I may find. Please wish me luck on that!
I share your fascination with the creativity of our predecessors- it's really remarkable how many (who were isolated from each other) created similar instruments with slightly different characteristics.
ReplyDeleteIt is very interesting how all of the cultures we studied seemed to make up their own scale and mode system. Also, religion does seem to play a big role in all of the cultures that we studied. In the end, the cultures did seem to have more in common than they did differences. I think that is really cool.
ReplyDeleteGood Luck! Your research sounds quite fascinating. I also found it interesting how you described our culture as a part of our blood rather than something learned at birth. Music does have an innate effect on our inner feelings. People of different cultures often have different senses or appeals such as the tuning of a symphony being the most enjoyable part to one from Africa.
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