Explore African Music

Compositions

Folk Symphony

Composer: Fela Sowande

Year: 1960

Description: Based on Yoruba melodies, represents culmination of Sowande's style, blends traditional Nigerian and Western classical music

Instrumentation: Orchestra

Influence:

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African Suite

Composer: Fela Sowande

Year: 1955

Description: Incorporates melodies from Nigeria and Ghana, showcases blending of traditional African and Western classical music

Instrumentation: String orchestra

Influence:

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Organ Works

Composer: Fela Sowande

Year:

Description: Sowande is considered the father of the 'Nigerian organ school' due to his compositions for the organ

Instrumentation: K'a Mura, Yoruba Lament, K'a Mo Rokoso (unpublished)

Influence: Yoruba rhythms, melodies, and aesthetics

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Choral Pieces

Composer: Fela Sowande

Year:

Description: Features Yoruba texts and traditional Nigerian musical elements alongside Western choral structures

Instrumentation: Oh Render Thanks, Roll De Ol' Chariot, The Wedding Song

Influence:

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Art Songs

Composer: Fela Sowande

Year:

Description: Reflects Sowande's interest in incorporating African-American musical influences (with roots in traditional African music) into his compositions

Instrumentation: Because of You, Songs of Contemplation, Out of Zion

Influence:

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Scenes from Traditional Life

Composer: Akin Euba

Year:

Description: Evokes the essence and spirit of traditional African music through piano

Instrumentation: Piano

Influence: Traditional African music

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Four Pictures from Oyo Calabashes

Composer: Akin Euba

Year:

Description: Demonstrates Euba's 'African Pianism' concept, blending traditional African and Western classical music

Instrumentation: Piano

Influence: African Pianism

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Saturday Night at Caban Bamboo

Composer: Akin Euba

Year:

Description: Demonstrates Euba's 'African Pianism' concept, blending traditional African and Western classical music

Instrumentation: Piano

Influence: African Pianism

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Igi Nla So (A Big Tree Bears Fruit)

Composer: Akin Euba

Year: 1963

Description: Early exploration of Euba's 'African Pianism' ideas

Instrumentation: Piano and Yoruba drums

Influence: African Pianism

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Themes from Chaka

Composer: Akin Euba

Year:

Description: Pianistic realization of African polyrhythm, part of Euba's 'African Pianism' style

Instrumentation: Piano

Influence: African Pianism

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