The Xingu river valley of Brazil contains an array of native cultures that maintain their cultures despite colonization. Each tribe and ethnic group has its own musical culture based upon their native locale: some make incredibly long bamboo flutes, others use the river as a drum, and some use canyon walls as natural amplifiers. Led by a virtuoso of many wind instruments, this educational music documentary explores the cultures and sounds of several notable cultures of the Xingu region.
Carlos Malta always has his traditional fife on hand and the many subjects of this film are happy to play and share. He and native musicians, dancers, and singers share in impromptu jam sessions, share techniques, and musical philosophies, and display the varied rituals and celebrations for which the specific flutes and musical elements are used.
XINGU: The Origins of Brazilian Music is a film that gives the viewer a similar experience whether they watch: most of the space in this film is given to music. Carnival celebrations, fireside flute sessions, and ornate rituals fill the screen and speakers from start to finish. At around 90 minutes in runtime, this documentary would be difficult to squeeze into one class period, but it would be very useful for anyone studying native music or ritual, the ethnomusicology of the Xingu region, or anyone interested in Brazilian roots music.
Carlos Malta is absolutely enthralled with the discussions and musical interplay he mediates and it shows in his music. Those looking for what amounts as much to a personal concert as a documentary will be interested in seeing XINGU: The Origins of Brazilian Music. Each culture is fascinating: Some maintain ancient traditions while others have been assimilated into greater Brazilian or Catholic culture, but through all the music and traditions we can see a common thread—or rather hear one. The Xingu musical tradition relies on a 4 note system representing a mother and four sons.
These thematics repeat wherever Carlos leads the cameras and microphones. Anyone interested in learning about the indigenous ‘drum and fife’ culture of northeastern Brazil will be interested in Brazil Ethnomusicology - XINGU: The Origins of Brazilian Music. Highly Recommended.
Where does this title belong on library shelves?
Brazil Ethnomusicology belongs on documentary shelves next to other musical and cultural titles in both academic and public libraries.
What kind of film series could use this title?
Any series on Brazilian music, roots music, or native culture will benefit from the addition of Brazil Ethnomusicology.
What type of instructors will use this title?
Ethnomusicologists, students of musical notation, and anyone interested in native Brazilian culture will want to see this film. Consider screening this title in a classroom setting if you are an educator at a music conservatory.
Is this title available for Public Performance Rights?
Educational DVD with PPR: $295
Digital Site License with PPR: $395
DVD + DSL bundle PPR: $450
K-12, Non-profit, Public Library with PPR: $125