Palestinian Music and Song: Expression and Resistance since 1900

by Moslih Kanaaneh (Editor), Stig-Magnus Thorsén (Editor), Heather Bursheh (Editor)

Drawing from a long history of indigenous traditions and incorporating diverse influences of surrounding cultures, music in Palestine and among the millions of Palestinians in diaspora offers a unique window on cultural and political events of the past century. From the perspective of scholars, performers, composers, and activists, Palestinian Music and Song examines the many ways in which music has been a force of representation, nation building, and social action. From the turn of the 20th century, when Palestine became an exotic object of fascination for missionaries and scholars, to 21st-century transnational collaborations in hip hop and new media, this volume traces the conflicting dynamics of history and tradition, innovation and change, power and resistance.

Genres: Music

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Layan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read these compilations of essays as part of my thesis preparation. They provide an interesting insight to the Palestinian resistance music over the years under occupation. Indeed each essay has its own writing style and contribution. I liked Issa Boulos's essay and the interview done by Heather Bursheh the most.

[Kassandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like any edited compilation of academic essays, it is highly uneven. The best essay in my view is "The Ghosts of Resistance: Dispatches from Palestinian Art and Music," (Ghadban & Strohm) which provides a great deal of material and insight for the consideration of the roles of the non-profit-industrial-complex in cultural production, and not only among Palestinians. Other fascinating contributions come from Rachel Beckles Willson, Palestinian musician and scholar Issa Boulos, Janne Louise Andersen, and the introduction by editor Moslih Kanaaneh.

[Mills College Library]

780.89927 P157 2013