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Australia: Aboriginal Music

Various Artists
Australia: Aboriginal Music It is thought that the Indigenous peoples of Australia (Aborigines) have inhabited the varying terrains of the continent for more than 40,000 years. Although only three percent of Australia's population (as of 2013), the first Australians belong to more than four hundred distinct tribal groups and speak over two hundred languages. Aboriginal music is essentially vocal music and mainly the prerogative of men, although women may provide vocal support in some ceremonies. Music is primarily sung during ceremonial rites of passage and funeral rituals. Singers may occasionally be accompanied by the droning rhythmic patterns of the didjeridu (didgeridoo), a long, tubular wind instrument usually made from eucalyptus wood, or by sticks. The album includes ten songs — Rain Dreaming songs, clan songs, dance songs, and women's songs — in nine languages. The liner notes present detailed information about regional variations in the music and about each selection. This album is part of the UNESCO Collection of Traditional Music.

Track Listing

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101
Rain Dreaming (ngapa) ceremony (excerpts) n/a 10:54
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102
A re-singing of Rain Dreaming songs after the ceremony Dinny Djalbaldjari 03:11
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103
Rain-making song (excerpt from a series) Bill Anda Nunggulmarra 01:01
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104
Balgan songs (selected items) Wadi Ngyerdu 06:13
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105
Djabi song: The Windmill Of Wallanie Plains Andy 00:48
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106
Wongga dance songs (selected items) Tommy Barandjak, Harry Ferguson 06:33
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107
Brolga bird clan songs Dabulu, Magurn, and party 04:08
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108
Women's Wu-ungka songs Utekn, Yuimuk 02:04
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109
Morning Star, Pigeon, and Rain songs n/a 03:07
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110
Stingray, Dolphin, Curlew, and Shark songs Warnungamadada clan, Warnindilyagwa clan 06:29