Give an example of how caste influences musicians in India (answers may vary). Can outstanding musical ability ever transcend caste in India? Explain your answer with an example
What will be an ideal response?
- In South India the majority of classical musicians have been high-caste Brahmins.
- "Devadasis, a caste of women dedicated to service in temples . . . have been among the most celebrated in music and dance traditions."
- Members of the barbers' caste are known for playing the double-reed nagasvaram and tavil drum associated with sacred events.
- But Ilaiyaraja, from the lowest (untouchable) Harijan community is an acknowledged master, illustrating how "genius . . . can transcend caste."
Art & Culture
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Which of the following terms was assigned to those who painted draperies over the "offensive" areas of the nude figures in Michelangelo's Last Judgment?
a. braghettoni b. conversos c. alumbrados d. moriscos
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How did Bartok's ethnomusicological work affect his compositional style?
a) It helped him incorporate current popular styles such as jazz into his music. b) It spurred him to follow the 12-tone compositional method. c) It allowed him to draw from the "uncontaminated" musical styles of folk cultures. d) It created new, rural audiences for classical music.
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