Stamp dimensions

Each volume of Cahiers d'ethnomusicologiepublished annually since 1988, focuses on a different theme, the stamp being the subject of the issue released at the end of last year. Written by recognized experts in their field, the twelve studies approach this parameter of sound either from a global perspective, or by focusing on a particular practice. In the first category are contributions devoted to the many ways of shaping and modulating vocal timbre, to the perception of various sizzling sounds as an integral part of instrumental playing and not simply as added noise, and to the transformation of tastes in the search for the ideal sound within the musical systems of Central Asia. Other chapters explore, for example, the evolution, acoustics and playing of the Kabul rubāb, which has supplanted other regional variants of this fascinating instrument; the langspil, an Icelandic meditative zither whose strings can be strummed or plucked, and which is enjoying a revival in its homeland; the history of Mongolian diphonic singing, its relationship with the natural environment, its aesthetic variants and recent mutations; the epic singing of the aedes of the Palawan archipelago (Philippines); the malbar drum, used in Hindu rituals on Reunion Island and whose practice has acquired religious status; the place of the voice in the music of balafon orchestras in Senufo country (northern Côte d'Ivoire), in relation to stage and ceremonial performance. This volume is rounded out by an interview with Rosalia Martinez, a Chilean resistance fighter and specialist in Andean music, and concludes with an anthology of book and CD reviews, tributes to deceased ethnomusicologists and short summaries of theses. A number of multimedia documents have also been added on the publisher's website.

Cahiers d'ethnomusicologie 34 - Couleurs sonores, a publication of the Ateliers d'ethnomusicologie, edited by Laurent Aubert, 336 p., Fr. 36.00, Infolio Éditions, Gollion 2021, ISBN 9782889680320