Music of the East
Book Details
Author(s)The British East India Company
ISBN / ASINB010RJ99RS
ISBN-13978B010RJ99R3
MarketplaceFrance 🇫🇷
Description
“Music of the East” is a short article that was originally published in a periodical of the British East India Company in 1820. It gives a British impression of the music of the “east”- which referred, in this case, to Turkish and Arab regions, and to China.
The author of the article did not hold Arab and Turkish music in high esteem, considering it unpleasant to European ears. He also noted, however, that the people of the Middle East did not seem to like European music and instruments either.
He describes the various instruments used by the Arabs and Turks, some of which he believed to be of ancient Greek or Jewish origin.
The author also comments on the interest that the chief director of the imperial orchestra of China showed in European music and instruments. The Chinese orchestra director regularly attended the concerts of the British Ambassador’s band. He also had the Ambassador’s band’s instruments measured and drawn so that copies could be made.
The author of the article did not hold Arab and Turkish music in high esteem, considering it unpleasant to European ears. He also noted, however, that the people of the Middle East did not seem to like European music and instruments either.
He describes the various instruments used by the Arabs and Turks, some of which he believed to be of ancient Greek or Jewish origin.
The author also comments on the interest that the chief director of the imperial orchestra of China showed in European music and instruments. The Chinese orchestra director regularly attended the concerts of the British Ambassador’s band. He also had the Ambassador’s band’s instruments measured and drawn so that copies could be made.
