Art Music by Caribbean Composers: Jamaica
Abstract
Jamaica is among the Caribbean islands that Columbus claimed for Spain. In response to its rich diversity of peoples: Europeans, Asians, Chinese, Indians and Africans, the motto of Jamaica is: Out of Many, One People.
"Jamaican music is as varied as the people who inhabit the island... [M]uch folk music retains features and functions of black African music, blended with elements of European (primarily British) music" (Lewin & Gordon, 2007-2011). Jamaican musical genres, such as ska, rocksteady, reggae, and dancehall, are popular and influential internationally.
The classical music tradition in Jamaica dates back to the 18th century.
"Jamaican music is as varied as the people who inhabit the island... [M]uch folk music retains features and functions of black African music, blended with elements of European (primarily British) music" (Lewin & Gordon, 2007-2011). Jamaican musical genres, such as ska, rocksteady, reggae, and dancehall, are popular and influential internationally.
The classical music tradition in Jamaica dates back to the 18th century.
Keywords
Music
References
Jamaica. (2005). In Continuum: Encyclopedia of popular music of the world. http://www.credoreference.com/entry/contpmwl/jamaica
Lewin, O., & Gordon, M. G. (2007-2011). Jamaica. Grove Music Online / Oxford Music Online. http://www.oxfordmusiconline.com
Lumsden, J. (2003). Frederic H. Cowen: A famous Jamaican composer. Jamaica's classical musicians. http://www.joyousjam.com/jamaicasclassicalmusicians/id7.html
Lumsden, J. (2004). Samuel Felsted, organist and composer. Jamaica's classical musicians. www.joyousjam.com/jamaicasclassicalmusicians/id8.html
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15362/ijbs.v17i1.153
Copyright (c) 2011 C. Gangelhoff & C. LeGrand