Re: Icelandic folk music / continuous pitch

Vanessa Nowitzky <nowitzky@muse.calarts.edu> wrote:

> >Icelandic folk music (kvaedaskapur) is unique in that it uses
> CONTINUOUS pitch as opposed to definite pitch. So instead of 12 tones,
> there is a continuum... The singer passes through pitch AREAS.

Numerous instruments can play continuous gradations of pitch (like the
theremin; wolves howling or whales singing also seem to do this),
although it is going to be likely that the pause or change-direction
points are going to strongly suggest a familiar scale-type, like a
pentatonic or diatonic mode. Perhaps this is what you mean by "areas"
(the "area" concept should be applicable in much harmonic praxis). But
I'd love to hear for myself. If I can't hear this on the broadcast, is
there a recording (of kvaeda singing) that you can recommend? Thanks,

--
Andrew L. Kaye, Ph.D.
Asst. Professor of Music
Albright College
Reading, PA 19612-5234
USA

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