Type: Book
by
- Harold Courlander
Among the first and finest studies of African-American folk music, this book focuses primarily on the origins and musical qualities of typical genres ranging from simple cries and calls to anthems and spirituals, ballads and the blues. Traditional dances and musical instruments are examined as well. Authentic versions of 43 songs are presented, along with a valuable bibliography and discography.. xi + 324pp.
NEGRO FOLK MUSIC,
U.S.A.
Harold Courlander
According to the author of this scholarly yet highly readable study, "Negro folk music . . . is the largest body of genuine folk music still alive in the United States, and this alone justifies an effort to see it in the round." Mr. Courlander then proceeds to do just that, offering a thorough, well-researched exploration of the origins and development of this rich and varied musical tradition, including authentic versions of over 40 folk songs. These include such time-honored selections as "Wake Up Jonah," "Rock Chariot," "Wonder Where Is My Brother Gone," "Traveling Shoes," "It's Getting Late in the Evening," "Dark Was the Night," "I'm Crossing Jordan River," "Russia, Let That Moon Alone," "Long John," "Rosie," "Motherless Children," "John Henry" (three versions) and many more.
Since its first publication, Harold Courlander's book has been admired for its perceptive history and analysis of the origins and musical qualities of typical genres ranging from simple cries and calls to anthems and spirituals, ballads and the blues. Traditional dances and musical instruments are examined as well. Also discussed are such matters as the Negro folk musician's attitude toward tones and sounds, non-European vocal and instrumental effects, the persistence of old ways of projecting musical meanings and the effects of Negro tunes and styles on popular music in the United States. Especially interesting is the author's discerning study of the influence of Negro musical tradition on jazz, and how jazz as a popular art form developed out of folk style.
Mr. Courlander, a well-known novelist, folklorist, journalist and specialist on African and African-American cultures, has included a valuable bibliography and discography in this model study, considered among the first and finest surveys in its field.
Unabridged Dover (1992) republication of the edition published by Columbia University Press, New York, 1963. 43 songs. Additional music examples. 11 line illustrations. Bibliography. Discography. Index. xi + 324pp. 5 3/8 x 8 1/2 Paperbound.
ALSO AVAILABLE
AMERICAN FOLK TALES AND SONGS, Richard Chase. 240pp. 5 3/8 x 8 1/2. 22692-1 Pa.
SONGS OF WORK AND PROTEST, Edith Fowke and Joe Glazer. 210pp. 7 7/8 x 10 1/4. 22899-1 Pa.
Free Dover Music Catalog (59057-7) available upon request.
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