The first music I chose to listen to was duduk music. The first example I chose involved mixing different styles and instrumentation. It had duduk playing, and a lyre-like instrument I didn't recognize, as well as violins and a drum kit. I noticed that it was similar to music I am familiar with, especially harmonically. It wasn't exactly minor or major, but the modes used were very reminiscent of minor/major tonality. The instrument uses techniques like bending notes and intense vibrato, which isn't seen very often in classical music. The second recording I listened to was similar in the fact that it combined instrumentation and styles that I am used to with ones that I am not used to. The second recording I listened to was of a live performance, with two duduk players, and other instruments I didn't recognize. The description said there was three duduk players, a bass duduk player, two guitarists, a keyboardist and a dhol player. I didn't recognize the dhol, so I researched it. A dhol is a double headed drum found in India. What amazed me about this recording was how well the more modern and western instruments were able to work so well with the instruments I had never heard of. The third recording I listened to also had orchestral strings, as well as the older duduk music. I was impressed by the duduk's ability to adapt to modern times.
I also listened to the music of the Dayan Ancient Music Association. What really struck me about their music was how festive it sounded. Although the music was sometimes slow, and not necessarily happy sounding, it put me at ease and made me excited in a laid back way. I like how all the parts are playing very similar parts, and they all overlap and blend together. It also felt like it was slowly and steadily speeding up, while still having a very controlled and gentle feeling. I felt like the music wasn't trying to be anything more than just music. Sometimes I struggle enjoying modern music because the composer is trying to make a grand statement, and it gets in the way of the music for me. While I can appreciate trying to use music to be expressive and make an artistic statement, I enjoyed music that was for the sake of music. I felt like the music knew what it was, and was played masterfully to be enjoyable music, and nothing more. I feel like this style of music hasn't been as successful as the duduk music to be commercial in a modern world. The Dayan Ancient Music Association seems to be more of a historic association rather than a modern music group. While I really appreciate what the group has done for showing the world what music was like in past times, I wish that knowledge was more widespread. I loved listening to this music, as it is a form of beauty that I haven't really gotten the chance to appreciate before, and I feel like I was missing out in a way, being only able to hear western instruments and western music.
Comments