The most populous is that of the Christian Amhara around the capital plateau, but there are other Christian, Jewish, and Muslim peoples, some remote and virtually unknown. The following remarks apply to Amhara lyric poetry.
Sung verse poetry is here the major musical artform, given a very plastic melodic conception based in artistic standards which revel in double meanings. The basic formats together with the ambiguities in phrasing have something in common with poetic forms in Yemen and serve principally to attract interest. The sonorities of instrumental ensembles can also be similar, with the instruments serving primarily to accompany or mimick the voice, but with the notable inclusion of the krar lyre which seems to have direct ties to ancient lyres of Greece and King David (a fixture of Ethiopian iconography). The music itself is very much melodically driven, frequently with interesting harmonic accompaniments which anticipate American "blues" (a traceable influence) and relatively little emphasis on percussion.
There have been a handful of recordings illustrating Ethiopian traditional music appearing over the years, but they have been more tantalizing than notable. By contrast, Ethiopian Westernized night club singing has been drawing attention, partly on account of its clear link with American Jazz traditions. This particular fusion has been an easy one.
Ethiopian Music 5
Out in the community, musical instruments play a social and entertaining role. The single-stringed masenko is played by minstrels who sing of life around them and invent calypso-like, topical verses on the spot. The krar is a lyre-like plucked instrument with 5 or 6 strings while the begenna is the portable harp.
Up in the hills can be found boys looking after cattle and sheep and playing on the washint, a simple reed flute played with one hand.
Ethiopian people know and love their folk songs. Singing is high pitched and shrill Sand frequently accompanied by excited ululation, especially at weddings and other joyful occasions.
No joyous occasion ever passes without the Ethiopians indulging in their unique form of dancing. There are many styles according to the part of the country,...
As one dancer runs out of steam, so another enters the fray with renewed vigor
Many reggae musicians declare their importance to having some connection to Ethiopian musical origins although the Ethiopian musicians will tell you their music has more in common with Jazz.
In comparison Ethiopian music is very similar to various forms of American jazz, reggae, and blues. Many of the same instrumentation is used, however, more string instrumentation is used in Ethiopian music. The music from both countries portrays a story, rather it be instrumental or vocal. The rise of the intonation and the climax is evident in music for both countries.
Despite the fact that Ethiopian music is unique, yet similar to American jazz, reggae, and blues, much of the American pop music is played on the radios throughout Ethiopian.
Ethiopian Music 6
The U.S. And Ethiopia may be miles apart, but they share a common interest in the style and rhythm of their music.
In conclusion, Ethiopian is a country that is rich in traditional and temporary music styles. Although the country has been ravaged by famine, poverty, and war, the music has remained an important influence in the history of Ethiopia. For many years, the music of Ethiopia was unknown because of the strong dictatorship that once rules the land. However, since the mid to late 1990s, music from Ethiopia is becoming more and more popular. With the background and rhythm of American jazz, reggae, and blues, music from Ethiopia is gaining momentum in the American society today.
Ethiopian Music 7
References
Ethiopian Music. Retrieved May 23, 2006 at http://www.scaruffi.com/history/african.html
Abyssinie Swing. Ethiopian Music. Retrieved May 23, 2006 at http://www.rootsworld.com/reviews/book-abbys.shtml
Gebrekidan, Fikru. Roots, Kwas, and Reggae. Retreived May 23, 2006 from htt:/ / www.seleda.com/may00/bawza.shtml
World Fact Book. Ethiopia. Retireved May 23, 2006 at http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/et.html
