Sunday, July 11, 2010

Songs of Tuvalu


#472
Title: Songs of Tuvalu
Author: Gerd Koch
Publisher:  Institute of Pacific Studies
Year: 2000
Country: Tuvalu
197 pages

This very interesting field study includes not only an introductory essay, songs (with translations and scores), and explanatory notes, but two CDs. I recommend listening to the CDs first, noticing the different styles, then reading about each song as you listen to them again. Koch first visited Tuvalu and made his recordings, then returned many years later. This diachronic exposure allowed him to experience, in vivo and in situ, changes in songs and styles over time. Koch's affection and respect for his participants comes through very clearly and the book is a great pleasure to read.

No comments:

Post a Comment