ETHN 209 - Music of the Balkans and Middle East

Semester Offered: First Semester
Credits (Range): 3
Attribute: CNDP, 3HU, CD

Situated at the juncture of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, the Balkan region is a fascinating place to explore the confluence of musical styles. This course begins with an introduction to the Middle Eastern practices (especially Turkish) most influential in the Balkans, including Islamic genres and practices; rhythmic and melodic modes; and instruments. We will then move on to a survey of the musical practices of Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Yugoslavia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Albania, Macedonia, Greece, and Bulgaria in historical and contemporary contexts, tracing out importnat changes to social and aesthetic dimensions in the last century.Students will master the dominant musical characteristics that stress musical unity of the region and explore themes pervasive throughout the area, including ways musical practice have been impacted by socialism, ethnic nationalism, war, gender, repressive policies against ethnic and religious minorities (including the “gypsies”), democratization, and orientalism.
Instructor: J. Fraser
Prerequisites & Notes
Enrollment Limit: 30
Consent of Instructor required