Music of the Common Tongue
Book description
In clear and elegant prose, Music of the Common Tongue, first published in 1987, argues that by any reasonable reckoning of the function of music in human life the African American tradition, that which stems from the collision between African and European ways of doing music which occurred in the…
- Coming soon!
Why read it?
1 author picked Music of the Common Tongue as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
In this utterly unique book, Small contends that music does not consist of “works” but is rather an activity called “musicking” that enacts relationships – between sounds but also among the participants, including the audience. Through musicking we learn about ourselves in relationship to others, and that relationship can be one of submission (sitting quietly listening to an orchestra) or equality (jazz musicians improvising in response to each other while the audience shouts encouragement). In Small’s view, African American music enacts democratic relationships, in which all participate as equals, and individuality is enhanced rather than hindered by group solidarity.
From Charles' list on jazz’s connection to democracy.
If you love Music of the Common Tongue...
We Had Fun and Nobody Died
This irreverent biography provides a rare window into the music industry from a promoter’s perspective. From a young age, Peter Jest was determined to make a career in live music, and despite naysayers and obstacles, he did just that, bringing national acts to his college campus atUW-Milwaukee, booking thousands of…
Want books like Music of the Common Tongue?
Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Music of the Common Tongue.
Share your top 3 reads of 2024!
And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.
1,605
readers submitted
so far, will you?
