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Hawai I Research Paper

Decent Essays

Music of Hawai’i: Traditions and Styles

The people of Hawai’i have enjoyed a longtime tradition of producing distinctive and beautiful music. In fact, this is often one of the major attractions when travelers visit Oahu or any of the Hawai’ian Islands. The music of this magnificent land has been shaped by various cultures and ethnic groups, from Polynesians to Europeans. No matter what kind of music you might listen to when you visit, you can be sure that it will be unique and wonderful to hear.

Mele (Chants)

In the early years of this amazing area, mele were the main folk songs to be heard. These songs were actually chants, and they provided the early natives with a way to record their literature. This literature was “recorded” via mele instead of in writing, and the topics involved all of the aspects of life in Hawai’i. The chants were related …show more content…

Eventually, a specific type of music evolved; the musical style utilizing this instrument that combined traditional Hawai’ian vocals with certain types of Western music. Traditionally, people learn to implement this style via imitation. The term “slack-key” refers to the fact that strings on the guitar are loosened to create an open chord.

Singing Falsetto Style

The falsetto singing style in Hawai’i is typically performed by men. This is achieved by singing in notes that are higher than normal. In some cases, it may even sound as though the singer is yodeling. The style may have evolved from the mele and hymns of earlier times. This vocal style may be heard in numerous Hawai’ian songs.

When you visit the breathtaking islands of Hawai’i, you may experience an array of sights and sounds. Enjoying the music of this area is a privilege that countless individuals have been able to appreciate. Once you hear some of the musical styles known throughout Hawai’i, you may well carry them in your memory

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