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Essays in Honor of Robert Garfias: SOAS Studies in Music

Brian West

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Published in Ethnomusicological Encounters With Music And Musicians: Essays In Honor Of Robert Garfias (SOAS Studies In Music)

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Edited by Jonathan Stock, Philip Bohlman, and Catherine Haworth, Essays in Honor of Robert Garfias is a comprehensive and multifaceted collection of essays that explores a wide range of musical traditions and topics. This volume serves as a fitting tribute to the esteemed ethnomusicologist Robert Garfias, whose scholarly contributions have had a profound impact on the field.

Ethnomusicological Encounters with Music and Musicians: Essays in Honor of Robert Garfias (SOAS Studies in Music)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Contributions and Perspectives

The essays in this volume are organized into four parts, each focusing on a specific aspect of Garfias's work: theory, history, performance, and education. The contributors include renowned scholars, former students, and colleagues of Garfias, offering diverse perspectives on his influence and the broader implications of his research.

Theory

The first section of the book explores theoretical frameworks and approaches in ethnomusicology. Emily Wilder's essay examines the concept of "musical agency" in the context of Javanese gamelan music, challenging traditional notions of authorship and creativity. Jonathan Stock's contribution investigates the relationship between music and language, drawing on insights from Garfias's work on the music of the Kuna people of Panama.

History

The second section focuses on historical perspectives in music research. Philip Bohlman's essay traces the development of ethnomusicology as a discipline, highlighting Garfias's contributions to the study of Latin American music. Catherine Haworth explores the role of music in shaping historical narratives, examining the use of music in the construction of national identities.

Performance

The third section examines issues related to music performance and practice. Afsaneh Ehsan's essay investigates the transmission of Persian classical music, focusing on the role of oral tradition and lineage. José Maceda's contribution explores the relationship between music and ritual in the Philippines, drawing on his own fieldwork and Garfias's insights on musical improvisation.

Education

The final section of the book addresses the role of music education in shaping musical understanding and appreciation. Lucy Duran's essay examines the challenges and opportunities of teaching world music in Western educational institutions. John Blacking's contribution explores the transformative power of music education, highlighting its potential to foster intercultural understanding and social change.

Garfias's Legacy and Influence

Throughout the volume, the contributors pay tribute to Robert Garfias's pioneering work and his influence on their own research and scholarship. His dedication to rigorous fieldwork, his innovative theoretical approaches, and his commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration have left an enduring mark on the field of ethnomusicology.

Garfias's emphasis on the importance of understanding music within its cultural context has challenged traditional approaches to music research and has inspired scholars to adopt more holistic and collaborative methodologies. His research has also had a significant impact on the study of non-Western musics, contributing to a greater appreciation and understanding of diverse musical traditions.

Essays in Honor of Robert Garfias: SOAS Studies in Music is a valuable and insightful collection of essays that celebrates the contributions of one of the most influential ethnomusicologists of our time. The diverse perspectives and topics covered in this volume reflect the breadth and depth of Garfias's work, and highlight the enduring impact he has had on the field of music research.

This book is highly recommended for scholars, students, and anyone interested in ethnomusicology, music theory, music history, music performance, music education, and world music. It is a fitting tribute to Robert Garfias's significant contributions to the field and provides a rich source of knowledge and inspiration for future generations of music researchers.

References

Garfias, Robert. Music of the Kuna Indians of Panama. Institute of Latin American Studies, University of Texas, 1969.
Wilder, Emily. "Musical Agency and the Concept of the Person." Essays in Honor of Robert Garfias, edited by Jonathan Stock, Philip Bohlman, and Catherine Haworth, SOAS Studies in Music, Routledge, 2019, pp. 19-38.
Stock, Jonathan. "Music and Language: A Framework for Comparative Research." Essays in Honor of Robert Garfias, edited by Jonathan Stock, Philip Bohlman, and Catherine Haworth, SOAS Studies in Music, Routledge, 2019, pp. 39-60.

Ethnomusicological Encounters with Music and Musicians: Essays in Honor of Robert Garfias (SOAS Studies in Music)

4.8 out of 5