1.1 Historical development of ethnomusicology
2 min read•july 25, 2024
emerged from in the late 19th century, focusing on non-Western music and . The field evolved through the 20th century, incorporating and expanding its scope to include popular music and diverse theoretical frameworks.
The discipline was shaped by various historical influences, from the to the . It drew from multiple disciplines like anthropology, musicology, and linguistics, with pioneers such as Erich von Hornbostel and making significant contributions.
Origins and Evolution of Ethnomusicology
Origins of ethnomusicology
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- Late 19th century comparative musicology emerged focused on non-Western music utilizing early recording technologies (wax cylinders)
- Early 20th century transitioned from comparative musicology to ethnomusicology emphasizing cultural context and
- 1950s ethnomusicology established as distinct academic discipline culminating in formation 1955
- 1960s-1970s expanded theoretical frameworks incorporating anthropological theories and developing
- 1980s-present broadened scope and methodologies including popular music studies and integrating gender and postcolonial theories
Historical influences on ethnomusicology
- Berlin School of Comparative Musicology (1900-1933) pioneered systematic study of non-Western music
- established 1947 promoted folk music research and preservation globally
- (1930s-1960s) documented American folk music traditions (blues, work songs)
- formed 1949 advanced global promotion of musical diversity
- Civil Rights Movement (1950s-1960s) sparked increased interest in African American music studies (jazz, spirituals)
- and (1990s-present) facilitated cross-cultural musical exchange and research (internet, digital recording)
Interdisciplinary Influences and Pioneers
Interdisciplinary roots of ethnomusicology
- Anthropology contributed concept, ethnographic fieldwork methods, and
- Musicology provided musical analysis techniques, historical research methods, and notation systems
- Linguistics influenced study of music as communication form and analysis of musical structures as language
- Sociology examined music's role in social structures and as social phenomenon (subcultures, identity)
- Psychology investigated music perception, cognition, and emotional impact (music therapy, cross-cultural studies)
Pioneers in ethnomusicology
- Erich von Hornbostel (1877-1935) developed of instrument classification
- (1881-1959) co-created Hornbostel-Sachs system and authored "The History of Musical Instruments"
- (1881-1945) conducted extensive fieldwork in Eastern European folk music and incorporated folk elements in classical compositions
- (1891-1960) coined term "ethno-musicology" and pioneered study of Indonesian music (gamelan)
- Alan Lomax (1915-2002) developed cantometrics system for analyzing singing styles and conducted extensive field recordings (folk, blues)
- (1918-2005) established concept of bi-musicality and founded Institute of Ethnomusicology at UCLA
Key Terms to Review (22)
Alan Lomax: Alan Lomax was an influential American ethnomusicologist, folklorist, and cultural anthropologist known for his extensive field recordings and research on traditional music from around the world. His work greatly shaped the field by emphasizing the importance of music as a reflection of cultural identity and human expression.
Anthropological Theories: Anthropological theories are frameworks used to understand and analyze human cultures, behaviors, and social structures. They offer various perspectives on how culture shapes human experience, providing insights into cultural practices, beliefs, and their implications in societies. These theories have evolved over time, influencing the study of various disciplines, including ethnomusicology, which examines music within its cultural contexts.
Béla Bartók: Béla Bartók was a Hungarian composer, ethnomusicologist, and pianist who played a crucial role in the development of 20th-century music. His work is noted for its incorporation of folk music elements and its innovative approach to rhythm and harmony. Bartók's dedication to studying and preserving traditional music laid the groundwork for modern ethnomusicology and also significantly influenced concepts of nationalism in music, particularly in Hungary and other regions.
Berlin School of Comparative Musicology: The Berlin School of Comparative Musicology refers to a movement that emerged in the early 20th century, focusing on the systematic study and comparison of music from different cultures, particularly outside of Western traditions. This school laid the groundwork for ethnomusicology by promoting the collection and analysis of musical materials through fieldwork, emphasizing both the music itself and its social context. Its impact on the development of ethnomusicology is profound, as it shifted the perspective from Western music superiority to an appreciation of diverse musical expressions.
Civil Rights Movement: The Civil Rights Movement was a social and political struggle in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s aimed at ending racial discrimination and ensuring equal rights for African Americans. This movement was not only pivotal in reshaping legislation and social norms but also deeply intertwined with various forms of artistic expression, particularly music, which became a powerful tool for advocacy and unity during this transformative period.
Comparative musicology: Comparative musicology is the study of music across different cultures and contexts, focusing on the comparison of musical systems and practices. This approach emerged in the 19th century as a way to understand the relationship between music, culture, and society, bridging the gap between Western classical traditions and non-Western musical forms. By analyzing similarities and differences in music, comparative musicology helps scholars uncover universal elements of human expression and cultural specificity.
Cultural context: Cultural context refers to the social, historical, and cultural factors that shape the creation, performance, and interpretation of music within a particular community. Understanding cultural context is essential for analyzing how music functions within societies, as it influences everything from musical styles to the meanings attached to different performances.
Cultural relativism: Cultural relativism is the concept that a person's beliefs, values, and practices should be understood based on that person's own culture rather than be judged against the criteria of another culture. This approach encourages an understanding of cultural diversity and promotes respect for different cultural expressions.
Curt Sachs: Curt Sachs was a prominent musicologist known for his extensive research on musical instruments and their classification. His work significantly influenced the development of ethnomusicology as a discipline, emphasizing the importance of understanding the cultural context and history of musical instruments in music studies.
Emic/Etic Perspectives: Emic and etic perspectives refer to two different approaches in understanding cultural phenomena. The emic perspective is an insider's view, focusing on the meanings, beliefs, and practices as understood by members of a culture. In contrast, the etic perspective is an outsider's analysis, applying external frameworks and theories to study a culture. Both perspectives are essential in ethnomusicology as they help researchers balance subjective cultural insights with objective analyses.
Ethnographic approaches: Ethnographic approaches are research methods used in ethnomusicology that emphasize the immersive study of music within its cultural context. This involves the detailed observation and participation in the musical practices of a community to understand the social, cultural, and historical significance of their music. By focusing on real-world experiences, these approaches allow researchers to capture the nuances of musical traditions and their meanings to practitioners.
Ethnomusicology: Ethnomusicology is the study of music in its cultural context, combining elements of musicology, anthropology, and cultural studies to understand how music functions in various societies. This field explores the relationships between music, culture, and society, examining not just the musical notes but also the meanings, practices, and social dynamics surrounding music creation and performance.
Fieldwork methods: Fieldwork methods refer to the techniques and strategies employed by ethnomusicologists to gather data and understand music within its cultural context. These methods are essential for documenting and analyzing musical practices, as they allow researchers to engage directly with musicians, communities, and their environments. The historical development of ethnomusicology has been shaped significantly by the evolution of these fieldwork methods, which have moved from early documentation efforts to more participatory and immersive approaches.
Globalization: Globalization is the process by which businesses, cultures, and societies become interconnected and interdependent across the globe. This phenomenon has significant implications for cultural exchange, economic collaboration, and the diffusion of ideas, particularly in the realm of music. It shapes how cultures influence each other, how music serves as a form of identity, and raises questions about cultural appropriation and authenticity.
Hornbostel-Sachs System: The Hornbostel-Sachs system is a classification scheme for musical instruments developed by Erich Moritz von Hornbostel and Curt Sachs in the early 20th century. This system categorizes instruments based on how they produce sound, creating a framework that has influenced the study and organization of musical instruments in ethnomusicology, musicology, and organology.
International Folk Music Council: The International Folk Music Council (IFMC) was an organization established in 1949 to promote the preservation and understanding of traditional music from around the world. It aimed to foster international collaboration among musicians, researchers, and organizations dedicated to folk music, serving as a significant influence in the field of ethnomusicology by supporting the documentation and dissemination of folk traditions.
Jaap Kunst: Jaap Kunst was a prominent Dutch ethnomusicologist known for his significant contributions to the field of ethnomusicology in the early to mid-20th century. He played a pivotal role in establishing ethnomusicology as a formal discipline, bridging the gap between musicology and anthropology, and emphasizing the importance of fieldwork and cultural context in studying music around the world.
Lomax Family Field Recordings: The Lomax Family Field Recordings refer to a significant collection of audio recordings made by folklorist Alan Lomax and his family during the mid-20th century, capturing various musical traditions across the United States and beyond. These recordings were pivotal in documenting and preserving folk music and oral traditions, thus contributing to the historical development of ethnomusicology as a field dedicated to the study of music in its cultural context.
Mantle Hood: Mantle Hood was a pivotal figure in the development of ethnomusicology, known for his contributions to understanding music as a cultural phenomenon. His work emphasized the importance of fieldwork and participant observation in music studies, influencing how ethnomusicologists approach research and understand diverse musical practices worldwide. Hood's emphasis on the significance of music in its social context helped shape the discipline into what it is today.
Society for Ethnomusicology: The Society for Ethnomusicology (SEM) is a professional organization founded in 1951 that aims to promote the study and teaching of ethnomusicology, which is the scholarly exploration of music in its cultural contexts. The SEM serves as a platform for researchers, educators, and practitioners to share knowledge, collaborate on research, and disseminate their findings through publications and conferences, thereby playing a pivotal role in the development of the field over time.
Technological Advancements: Technological advancements refer to the progress and innovations in tools, techniques, and methods that enhance human ability to create, produce, and interact with the world. In the realm of ethnomusicology, these advancements have significantly shaped the ways music is recorded, analyzed, and disseminated, influencing not only the study of music but also the preservation of cultural heritage.
UNESCO's International Music Council: UNESCO's International Music Council (IMC) is a global organization dedicated to promoting music as a means of fostering cultural exchange and mutual understanding among nations. Established in 1949, the IMC works to support the rights of musicians, preserve musical heritage, and ensure access to music for all. Its significance lies in its role in shaping policies that influence the development and appreciation of music worldwide.