Question 1
Jazz has always been one of the most popular forms of music in the world. This is mainly because its improvisatory nature can easily be adapted by a community or to portray its individual identity. Originating in the United States, jazz music slowly crept into the larger Europe during the 20th Century. This was a period when most European nations were under the rule of communist governments. Jazz music was a form of cultural export by the United States to Europe through which it sought to spread its influence and neutralize some of the propaganda spread by the communist governments. The communist government viewed jazz as a threat to its basic existence. They were of the opinion that the capitalistic western influence of jazz music would eventually lead to the demise of the communist governments. As it is common with all communist governments, they are of the view that only the regime should influence the general public. Therefore, when another element, in this case, jazz music comes along and starts influencing people, it is viewed as a threat and it is quickly crushed. This is essentially, what happened in Europe, They viewed jazz as a form of rebellion especially among the youth who flocked jazz concerts and formed various listening clubs to listen to jazz. However, the main reason for the banning of jazz music was because of its American origins. The communist governments were naturally opposed to the America government, which was an advocate against communism.
Against the communist government ban of jazz music, some jazz musicians, especially of the Balkanski Dzhaz took great risks performing their music. In my personal opinion, I think this was worth the risks. This is because jazz presented a platform where one could reach huge masses at an instant and pass on a message. This form of music acted as a form of political resistance and presented the people desire for change. The communist governments were hugely oppressive to all people, and the jazz musicians advocated for change. They were prepared for the extreme consequences of performing this version of jazz music, Balskanski Dzhaz, even imprisonment because they truly believed in change. There was no other effective tool to counter the tyranny of the communist government and therefore, their performance of the Balkanski Dzhaz against the governments ban was worth the risk.
Question 2
Ganga is a genre of music characterized by a single vocalist singing one line song line and others later joining in to culminate in an emotive wailing sound.. Since time immemorial, ganga singing has been part and parcel of the Bosnian and Herzegovinian cultures. It has particularly been very popular in rural areas although recently, this genre of music slowly spread to the urban centers. Ganga singing is very important to Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is because it acts as a cultural identifier. It is one form of music that the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina can brag as being their own. In addition, ganga is a strong marker of social unity and pride for all Bosnian and Herzegovinian citizens. This is in fact, one of the reasons why contemporary Bosnian and Herzegovinian artist are incorporating the ganga style into their music because it acts as a cultural identifier. In light of this, it is obvious that ganga music will continue to be practiced in this country for both entertainment’s sake as well as for the sake of cultural preservation.
Question 3
In general terms, traditional music can be defined as a genre of music in which the musicians prolongs the fashions and styles of a past culture or way of life through his music. Therefore, a traditional musician would be one who is greatly influenced by cultural aspects in his musical performance. However, a traditional musician usually has the difficult task of bringing past music spirit alive and at the same keeping the relatively modern public entertained and intrigued.
As a violinist and a singer, Krzysztof Trebunia-Tutka embodies the essential definition of a traditional musician. He is a traditional musician because of he is from a very long line of village musicians. Born in 1970, his ancestors were popular players of the muzyka Podhala. He abides by his family’s traditional style of music, which hugely draws from traditional cultural aspects. He is widely respected in Podhale, and he is credited as one of the finest ever traditional musicians. At the same time, Krzysztof Trebunia-Tutka is also a cosmopolitan, modern citizen who strives to please his modern audience using the traditional form of music. He has deep knowledge of his ancestor’s cultural practices, and this knowledge is very important for his understanding as well as self-conception of his musical activities.
Traditional music is a very important aspect of the Western culture. It avails a platform through which people can keep in touch with their traditional culture and at the same time enjoy themselves. However, traditional musicians in this era have to learn to incorporate new techniques into their music to keep their modern audience interested.
