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AUSTRALIAN MUSIC
Music plays a key role in any culture’s identity, both by being influenced by the society and by actually creating aspects of it. Australian music is as assorted as the people that live on this continent of diversity. Australian art, in general, has displayed a tendency towards the portrayal of life, rather than of fantastical images or subjects that have no effect on the hearts and minds of the viewer but are purely for aesthetic satisfaction. The music that is generated out of this country is no different. It portrays the very real issues, values and priorities of these people, rather than simply focussing simply on rhyme and rhythm.
Australian Didgeridoo Australian music uses many of the naturally occurring pulses of the environment, creating unique sounds and combinations. This has been accomplished by the Aborigine tribes over the centuries, as well as by the introduction of Western / European influences since the 17th Century. Ancient instruments (such as the Didgeridoo, which is dated back some 1500 years) are still in use by modern musicians and create a haunting unity between old and new, traditional and modern. Even when used in pieces that are, by all accounts, completely modern, these traditional instruments refer to Australia’s roots.
Australian folk music continues to influence the modern music of this country. Folk music is characterised by its being passed from one generation to the next, and telling the story of the everyday lives of its subjects - tales of environmental challenges, living in the bush and interacting with the animals. “Bush” music is a branch of this genre, and tells of the hardships and challenges of living in and developing this arid environment. Folk music frequently exhibited influences from the Gaelic and Celtic regions, introduced by the influx of convicted migrants. However, American country, African, Cajun and many other influences are also detectable.
The jazz music that came from this continent was very popular in the 1920’s, and was influenced (as was most jazz music) by the African and American beats of the time. There are many famous musicians that have made classical music a significant name in the Australian performance arts, while military bands continue to entertain crowds at special events with their eclectic mix of modern and classical pieces.
Today, rock, pop and other such popular genres are streaming out from this talented continent. This medley of styles, instruments, performers and techniques is another testimony to the multi-faceted nature of Australia. |
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