Music By Countries

Asian traditional music is a vast and diverse tapestry that spans across centuries and continents, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of various Asian countries. From the intricate melodies of Chinese traditional music to the rhythmic beats of Indian classical music, and the haunting sounds of Japanese traditional music, the beauty and diversity of Asian traditional music are truly mesmerizing. In this article, we embark on a journey to explore the origins, instruments, cultural significance, major traditions, cross-cultural influences, and contemporary expressions of Asian traditional music.

Origins of Asian Traditional Music

Asian traditional music has its roots deeply embedded in the history and cultural fabric of each region. The origins of Asian traditional music can be traced back thousands of years, evolving alongside the social, religious, and artistic practices of different civilizations. The music reflects the unique worldview, beliefs, and values of the communities that have nurtured it.

The evolution of traditional Japanese music is a fascinating window into Japanese society. Many various historical and cultural influences have shaped Japanese music from its earliest manifestations in ancient and mediaeval times to the present day. This article traces the historical evolution of traditional Japanese music, focusing on the genre’s defining characteristics, its most prominent artists, and its significance in Japan and worldwide.

Ancient and Medieval Periods (up to the 16th century)

Traditional Japanese music has been around since ancient times and the Middle Ages. Gagaku is one of the oldest kinds of Japanese music. It is the music of the royal court. It was brought to Japan during the Nara period (710–794). It came from China and Korea. Gagaku has a slow, steady beat and is played by a large group of instruments, such as the sho, the biwa, and the koto.

Ethiopia and it’s folk music and culture has a long step in the history of civilization. Ethiopia is the only country in Africa never to have been colonized. It can be said that it is one of the most unique folk music and also culture in the world. Folk music of Ethiopia is consist of many type music instruments with thousands years old which survived through the history. The music and culture of Ethiopia has been influenced by christian-ism, Islam, jewism and also Afros. 

Ethiopia has diverse number of ethnic groups ( more thank 75 ethnic groups ). Each ethnic group has it’s own traditional music and sounds.These folk musics have tighten with other cultured aspect of each ethnic group like dances, clothes, spirituality, wars and … .

Georgian folk music is a living yet ancient tradition. Most songs, both sacred and secular, are sung unaccompanied in three-part harmony, symbolically associated with the Trinity. Unlike western music, the Georgian scale is based on the fifth rather than the octave. There are considerable regional differences in singing styles, and some songs, particularly from the Caucasus Mountains in the north of the country, are known to date from pre-Christian times.

Singing is an essential component of Georgia’s legendary hospitality and comprises a major part of the Georgian feast or supra. A supra can last for several hours and will include long and eloquent toasts, each followed by an appropriate song. There is considerable interest in Georgian singing among the young people of the country and all the major choirs support youth choirs of a high standard, whose members keep the tradition going.

Australia is a country rich in diversity, culturally and geographically, a richness embodied in our music which embraces all genres and styles, is both steeped in tradition, and at the forefront of innovation and experimentation.

TRADITIONAL

Music and song are inseparable in Indigenous cultures and part of unbroken traditions dating back thousands of years. Music is found in ceremony and important community activity in all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Cultures. Aboriginal songmen are revered custodians of the songs which represent rich and distinct oral traditions in each community. Sacred and secular songs are also integral to Torres Strait island life and can include western style harmonies derived from contact with other cultures.