Zack Todd

Global Ostinato Forms

Required for 2 points credit. Please type your answers.

Deadline is Mon., Nov. 27, 2017, 11:59 PM. Please submit to Blackboard, Tests &
Quizzes, Global Ostinato.

Reading:
Kerman & Tomlinson Listen¸ “Ostinato Forms,” pp. 112-3, on Blackboard,
under “Content”. Answer the following questions.

1. African Ostinatos, p. 112

The rich array of ostinato form is displayed up and down which continent?

Africa

2. A Minstrel’s Song, p. 112

Traditions of solo song accompanied by an instrument like the kora, harp, or
lyre were found when and where?

These traditions were found in the ancient times in parts of Europe and
Africa, as well as areas in the Middle East around the Mediterranean Sea

3. What was the original social function of West African minstrel song?

While West African minstrel songs were used in a large variety of social
settings, they were mainly used to praise patrons and rulers, narrate
historical/legendary events, and to enhance weddings (as well as other
celebrations).

Listening:

Foday Musa Suso, “Laminba”, Blackboard, under “Content”

The Gambian singer-reciter accompanies himself. Employs ostinato, especially at
1:01. Answer the questions.

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 1. Name and describe the instrument that accompanies the singer in the
Gambian song?
____________________________________________________________
_
Kora; A kora is a plucked string instrument, similar to both the lute and the
harp. It has 21 strings total, with there being two separate sets of strings. The kora
is played with both hands at the same time.

In this Gambian song, in which range and how does the player create
an ostinato pattern?
____________________________________________________________
______
In this particular song, the obstinate is made on the lower set of strings. It
is created by plucking a rhythm that repeats over and over again.

Pygmy polyphony, “Elephant-hunt song”, on Blackboard, under Content

Sung by Mbuti pygmies of the Congo. Accompanied by two sticks struck together
to mark the beat.

1. Describe the social aspects of pygmy polyphony.

Pygmy polyphony is used in many social situations by the Mtubi
pygmy communities. Some examples of use would be working or rituals. They
would also do this for recreation rather often.

2. Pygmy polyphony involves what kind of musical technique that is common

to many kinds of African music?
Interlocking ostinato; Technique where voices form an interweaving,
repetitive texture comprised of short melodic lines.

3. What instrument accompanies the Elephant-hunt song?

Two sticks (similar to Claves); These were used simply to keep the beat

4. How does the elephant-hunt song begin? How is the ostinato eventually
formed?
It begins with two soloists alternating between various melodic lines,
with a background chorus very softly chanting a melody very similar to an
ostinato. The actual ostinato is not officially solidified until after the chorus
grows in volume and establishes a prominent role in the polyphonic texture.

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Once the ostinato has been established, it remains constant until the end of
the song.
5. The intricate, repetitive texture of the pygmy chorus’s short melodic lines
are reminiscent of what sort of early European music?
It is very reminiscent of the isorhythmic motets of the Middle Ages. To
be even more specific, it is quite similar to the technique known as hocketing.

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