Category: Music

  • Can indigenous knowledge help mathematics?

    A university in Australia, the Australian National University, has developed a course in mathematics that includes teaching about Indigenous Knowledge. For anyone interested in mathematics, particularly where the arts are concerned – see the read more section below – a course that includes this kind of knowledge is invaluable. There are many ways of explaining…

  • This week’s Spotify playlist

    Each week a playlist on the streaming platform, Spotify, is created to go along with the blog. The list relates to articles on the blog, some obvious and others not. The playlist brings together music from diverse sources and genres, linked through common themes. To hear the playlist click on the player above or open…

  • Thula Mntwana/ Dingaka Lullaby

    Thula Mntwana is a well-known and much-loved song from South Africa, but it has a troubled history. In 1964 the film Dingaka was released. It told the story of a man seeking revenge on those who had killed his daughter, and his subsequent trial for murder. The film (you can see it on the YouTube…

  • Of shearing and songs

    In April 1956, the magazine Te Ao Hou,offered an article to its readership about Tuini Ngāwai, the Māori musician, teacher, shearer and cultural ambassador. Tuini Moetū Haangū Ngāwai was born in 1910 and survived her twin, Te Huinga, to become one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most well-known and respected songwriters. She was also an accomplished…

  • Choir news

    Over the past few months the choir at the Left Bank Gallery has been working on pieces to perform. Amongst them has been Puhihuia – an article about this piece appeared on the blog in March – and the South African piece, Dingaka Lullaby (Onika’s Song). Dingaka Lullaby was created for a film called Dingaka…

  • How technology can help Cantonese opera

    In the city of Hong Kong the centuries-old art of Cantonese opera is making use of technology to help students to learn the artform and sustain it. Professor Leung Bo Wah, Head of Cultural and Creative Art at the Education University of Hong Kong, has created a virtual reality programme, using the same 3D imaging…

  • This week’s Spotify playlist

    Every week a curated list of music and sounds goes along with the blog. The pieces in the playlist relate to the articles on the blog, some obviously and some obliquely. Those with a paid subscription to the streaming service can listen to the entire playlist uninterrupted. Anyone with a free subscription will be able…

  • This week’s Spotify playlist

    Each week the blog is accompanied by a playlist of music and sound that reflects the articles. Sometimes the connections are obvious, often not. To listen to the playlist click on the play button on the player above or search for “Music to read a blog by” from within the app. Paying subscribers will hear…

  • Paradise Road

    On the 27th April 1994, the first democratic elections in South Africa were held, ultimately leading to Nelson Mandela becoming President. It was a time of hope and positive change was in the air. There was jubilation and joy, and community, much celebrated around the world. Music had supported and helped to lead the way…

  • This week’s Spotify playlist

    Each week a Spotify list is curated to go along with the blog. Each piece on the list is relevant to the blog entries, with a mix of old and new music and sound from across the globe. Those with a Spotify subscription will be able to listen to the entire playlist without interruption, those…