Has anyone read the book "Music of the Common Tongue: Survival and Celebration in Afro-American Music" by Christopher Small? I picked it up at the library because it has the *SEXyIST* cover I've ever seen. I tried to find a picture of it online, but only found a newer version. Anyhow, I just started it and it's very interesting. It came out in 1987, and is about the African contribution to culture, specifically music.
Written by New Zealander, who, according to the intro, was raised on and taught European music. As he was teaching in England, in the 70s, and I believe he was in his 40s, he explored new musics, and it seems, new ideas.
I'm asking in part because this is a LONG book, and I'm not sure I'm up for it, and also, because I think it could be quite interesting. I've been feeling like I've had it with being told that England and Europe are so great. One of my jobs is in a movie theater, and I'm sick of the british movies about their fucked up royalty. I've never felt anything when listening to most classical, especially chamber music, but I've always thought that meant there was something wrong with me!
In describing an annual concert in London, he concludes
"The link between the performance of classical music and the objectives of the powerful could not have been more nakedly exposed, nor could the extent to which the young...have assimilated those objectives as their own." p. 170
Any thoughts, comments, other book recommendations welcome!
Lani
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