Title
Work Songs,Used
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All societies have relied on music to transform the experience of work. Song accompanied the farmer's labors, calmed the herder's flock, and set in motion the spinner's wheel. Today this tradition continues. Music blares on the shop floor; song accompanies transactions in the retail store; the radio keeps the trucker going on the longdistance haul.Now Ted Gioia, author of several acclaimed books on the history of jazz, tells the story of work songs from prehistoric times to the present. Vocation by vocation, Gioia focuses attention on the rhythms and melodies that have attended tasks such as the cultivation of crops, the raising and lowering of sails, the swinging of hammers, the felling of trees. In an engaging, conversational writing style, he synthesizes a breathtaking amount of material, not only from songbooks and recordings but also from travel literature, historical accounts, slave narratives, folklore, labor union writings, and more. He draws on all of these to describe how workers in societies around the world have used music to increase efficiency, measure time, relay commands, maintain focus, and alleviate drudgery.At the same time, Gioia emphasizes how work songs often soar beyond utilitarian functions. The heartwringing laments of the prison chain gang, the sailors shanties, the lumberjacks ballads, the field hollers and cornshucking songs of the American South, the pearldiving songs of the Persian Gulf, the rich mbube a cappella singing of South African miners: Who can listen to these and other songs borne of toil and hard labor without feeling their sweep and power? Ultimately, Work Songs, like its companion volume Healing Songs, is an impassioned tribute to the extraordinary capacity of music to enter into daytoday lives, to address humanitys deepest concerns and most heartfelt needs.
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This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: How many pages does 'Work Songs' have? A: This book has three hundred sixty-eight pages. It offers an in-depth exploration of the history of work songs across different cultures.
- Q: What is the binding type of 'Work Songs'? A: The book is hardcover. This durable binding enhances its longevity and makes it suitable for repeated reading.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Work Songs'? A: The author is Ted Gioia. He is known for his extensive work on the history of jazz and music.
- Q: What genre does 'Work Songs' belong to? A: The genre of this book is History & Criticism. It delves into the cultural significance of music related to labor.
- Q: How do I use 'Work Songs' for educational purposes? A: You can use it as a supplementary resource for studies in music history or cultural anthropology. It's suitable for both individual and group discussions.
- Q: Is 'Work Songs' suitable for younger audiences? A: Yes, it can be suitable for older teens and adults. The content focuses on historical narratives and might require guidance for younger readers.
- Q: How should I store 'Work Songs' to keep it in good condition? A: Store it upright on a shelf to avoid bending the spine. Keeping it away from direct sunlight will also help preserve its cover and pages.
- Q: Can I clean 'Work Songs' if it gets dirty? A: Yes, you can clean it gently with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using liquids that might damage the paper and binding.
- Q: What if I receive a damaged copy of 'Work Songs'? A: You can return the damaged copy for a replacement. Check the retailer's return policy for specific instructions.
- Q: Is 'Work Songs' a good choice for someone interested in labor history? A: Yes, it provides rich insights into the role of music in labor across various cultures. It’s an excellent choice for enthusiasts of labor history.
- Q: How does 'Work Songs' compare to other music history books? A: It focuses specifically on work-related music, offering unique cultural perspectives that may not be covered in broader music history books.
- Q: What themes are explored in 'Work Songs'? A: Themes include the relationship between music and labor, cultural expressions through song, and the emotional power of work songs.
- Q: Does 'Work Songs' discuss modern work songs? A: Yes, it traces the evolution of work songs up to contemporary times. The book connects historical context with present-day practices.
- Q: Who published 'Work Songs'? A: The book is published by Duke University Press. This publisher is known for its academic and scholarly titles.
- Q: Will 'Work Songs' help me understand different cultural practices? A: Yes, it provides insights into various cultural practices related to work and music, enhancing your understanding of global traditions.
- Q: What is the overall message of 'Work Songs'? A: The book emphasizes the profound impact of music on human experience, particularly in the context of labor and community.