Ethnomusicology · 1980 · 44 citations · 0 references
HumanitiesEthnic StudiesMusicologyIndigenous StudiesPacific Islander StudiesPoetryCaribbean MusicIndigenous Music StudiesIndigenous Music TraditionsIndigenous Pacific HistoriesVocal MusicIndigenous SongTraditional Song
Maori songs embody core cultural values and are essential to marae ceremonies, spanning styles such as laments, love songs, war chants, welcomes, face‑saving, and witty pieces, and are noted for musical sophistication and lyrical power. Kino Hughes performed the Songs of a Kaumatua in 2002, reproducing the format described.
These songs in many different styles embody the fundamental values of traditional Maori culture and form a vital part of marae ceremonial. Most common song types are represented: laments, love songs, war chants, songs of welcome, face-saving songs and witty occasional songs. They are remarkable for the sophistication of the music and the power and subtlety of the words. Both Orbell and McLean are widely known and respected and have published extensively. Margaret Orbell is the author of a number of books on Maori myths and poetry; Mervyn Mclean is the author of Maori Music (1996) and a study of Polynesian music, Weavers of Song (1999). Their Songs of a Kaumatua sung by Kino Hughes appeared in a similar format in 2002.