World Music documentaries - MUS 108 - Music in World Cultures

Films On Demand - World Music

Africa Come Back: The Popular Music of Western Africa
Just as Africa has impacted the music of the Caribbean and the Americas, so has the New World reciprocated, strongly influencing the music of Africa.
more...less...
From Films On Demand Database.
Reggae - the Story of Jamaican Music: Episode 1
From Jamaica to the world, this is the story of reggae - told for the first time in two programs. Through sheer force of its personality, reggae music has conquered the world and rocked successive generations. Jamaican music was, and is, a truly urban folk music - unlicensed, uncopyrighted, uncensored, and to this day, untamed.
more...less...
From Films On Demand Database.
Reggae - the Story of Jamaican Music: Episode 2
The second of two programs. Through sheer force of its personality, reggae music has conquered the world and rocked successive generations. Jamaican music was, and is, a truly urban folk music - unlicensed, uncopyrighted, uncensored, and to this day, untamed.
more...less...
From Films On Demand Database.
Soul Stirrings
In this program, full of live performances and lively opinions, actor Morgan Freeman traces the ancestry and growth of sweet soul music.
more...less...
From Films On Demand Database.
Rhythms to Nirvana: An Introduction to Indian Classical Music
Since India’s ancient times, music has been considered a potent vehicle for attaining nirvana, or spiritual salvation.
more...less...
From Films On Demand Database.
Flutes and Whistles
Primitive men developed the first musical instruments when they used tubes of bamboo, bone, or wood to produce whistling sounds. The ancient Greeks later played pan-pipes.
more...less...
From Films On Demand Database.
Sacred Sounds: Music of the World, Songs of the Soul
Full Video (58:10), To comprehend the holy and inspire the believer, the world’s religions have always incorporated music as a form of prayer.
more...less...
This award-winning documentary takes an ecumenical look at a diverse selection of these traditions as performed at the Festival of World Sacred Music held in Fez, Morocco. Along with commentary from festival director Dr. Faouzi Skali and music anthropologist David Lynch, the program features dynamic performances from the Christian, Islamic, and Jewish traditions, including medieval chants, Sufi blessing songs, American gospel, and Israeli popular ballads.

Music of the World series: This series introduces students to the characteristic rhythms, instruments and styles of music from different parts of the world.

Introducing the Music of Africa: Music of the World
Full Video (15:30), African music permeates the many diverse cultures across the continent. The legacy that African musical traditions have passed to contemporary musicians is rich and varied.
more...less...
From the iconic djembe drum to the distinctive a capella choir vocals, Africa's music embraces many instruments and rhythms. This program presents a selection of music from the countries of Africa that have impacted movements such as blues, jazz, rock, and rap.
Introducing the Music of India: Music of the World
Full Video (15:35), Over thousands of years, music has woven through India's rich culture. Though Indian music has changed and diversified, tradition remains strong.
more...less...
This program introduces the origins and cultural relevance of music in India. Indian Classical, Folk and Bollywood melodies and rhythms are discussed. Demonstrations of how to play widely used instruments – the bansuri, tanpura, sitar, tabla, and kinjira – will be of particular interest to music students.
Introducing the Music of Japan: Music of the World
Full Video (15:58), DESCRIPTION
Whether it’s the unique sounds of a Koto, Shamisen, Shakuhachi or Shinobue, or the pounding of traditional drums, Japanese music has evolved over centuries as an integral part of the nation’s rich culture.
more...less...
Featuring Shakuhachi performer Adam Simmons, Koto performer Brandon Lee and Japanese drummer Toshi Sakamoto, this video explores the history of Japanese music, its structures and a range of traditional instruments.