ANTH 204 Lecture Notes - Lecture 17: Cross Rhythms, Cross-Beat, Sub-Saharan Africa
Document Summary
Northern half is savannah belt, southern half is forest belt. Denkyria, mole-dogbon and ewe) have their own music and dance traditions. First black african country to gain independence from colonial rule. Poly-rhythm: two or more rhythmic patterns played simultaneously. Rhythmic patterns overlap and interlock to create rhythmic groove. Poly-meter: two or more metric types played simultaneously. Poly-rhythmic patterns organized around 2 vs 3 cross rhythm (2 pulse timeline and 3 beat timeline). West african polyrhythmic ensemble: vocals and percussion. Each instrument plays a different recurring rhythmic pattern (ostinato). Each part refers to central asymmetrical timeline played on a loud instrument with a distinct timbre (bell). 6/8 timeline = ||: x - x - x x | - x - x - x :|| Polyrhythmic ensemble performance: all rhythmic patterns must be in synch or grove will feel unbalanced and might crash.
