AFR 222(F) Rhythm and Jazz in America, Brazil and Cuba (Same as Latina/o Studies 221 and Music 220)*
It is commonly thought that the three primary elements of music are melody, harmony and rhythm. In this course rhythm is taught as the most significant among these in defining American, Afro-Cuban and Brazilian Jazz. Using recordings, in-class performance, and historical, theoretical texts on Brazilian Samba, Latin Music, from bossa nova to salsa, and biographies of key artists such as Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong, Caetano Veloso, this class examines the rhythmic basis of various genres, the relation of each to their African roots, as well as the cultural influences and artists that helped to create them. In-class professional demonstrations of the musical styles being studied will be an important component of this course.
Format: lecture/discussion/performance. Requirements: two 8- to 10-page research papers; basic analysis assignments of musical compositions; attendance at all classes; class participation. Those with appropriate performance skills have the option of substituting a performance accompanied by a two-page description for one of the two papers.
Prerequisites: no previous musical training is necessary but familiarity with music notation helpful. Permission of instructor. Enrollment limit: 19 (expected: 19). Preference given to Africana Studies concentrators or Music majors.
Hour: BRYANT