The Singing of the New World

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Exploring the role of music in ancient societies, Gary Tomlinson delves into the songs of indigenous peoples encountered by Europeans in the sixteenth century. By integrating cultural history, early European accounts, and rare indigenous documents, he highlights the significance of singing among the Mexica, Incas, and Tupinamba. The book examines the functions of music in rituals and daily life, from Inca ceremonial songs to the cultural practices of the Tupinamba, while also addressing the anxieties surrounding the expressive power of song in both American and European contexts.