Listening to the Silence: African Cross Rhythms Video (DVD)

Listening to the Silence: African Cross Rhythms Video (DVD) The natural sounds of silence to Africans is a sound that can be used as the starting point for traditional music. The peacful sounds of nature include the songs of cicadas, the routine tasks that are done each day and the other background sounds that are what we often think of as silence. The background of these sounds is explored in this 33-minute film that shows the viewer just how the many traditional sounds of Africa are belnded together to create its many different musical traditions. In Ghana, see children's bands as well as adult dances that are sensually done to local music. Find out about the funeral music of the region and what the traditional drums sound like. Many examples of traditional African music are included in this film that captures music from the Frafra, Ewe and Ga people of Ghana as well as others from the region. The music uses the participation of those around it to create complex rhythms that communicate the people's sensibilities. View a Preview Clip