Palestinian Music and Song
Expression and Resistance Since 1900

Moslih Kanaaneh (Edited by), Stig-Magnus Thorsén (Edited by), Heather Bursheh (Edited by), David A. McDonald (Edited by), Issa Boulos (Contributions by), Nader Jalal Albis (Contributions by), Randa Safieh (Contributions by), Janne L. Andersen (Contributions by), Sylvia Angelique Alajaji (Contributions by), Michael Schulz (Contributions by), Carin Berg (Contributions by), Yara El-Ghadban (Contributions by), Kiven Strohm (Contributions by), Rachel B. Willson (Contributions by)

9780253011060

Paperback / softback, published 7 November 2013

240 pages, 8 b&w illus.
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.6 cm, 0.363 kg

"This monumental contribution to Palestinian studies bridges the work of practitioners and scholars to make available rare oral histories, offer insights onto contemporary musical life, and redress issues of indigeneity and cultural resistance. Impressive in its scope and depth, the anthology's organizational structure enlivens debates between scholars while providing an historical apparatus for better understanding conditions of postcoloniality. It is an indispensable resource for those interested in Middle Eastern folklore, music, history, and politics."—Journal of Folklore Research
"Overall, this book is a highly worthwhile read. With its variety of formats, it is appropriate for public libraries as well as academic ones."—Fontes Artis Musicae
"This is a book in which we see Palestinian music making Palestinian history. Crucial reading on resistance, with timely contributions by an impressive gathering of scholars, musicians, activists and organizers."—Martin Stokes, King's College London

Drawing from a long history of indigenous traditions and incorporating diverse influences of surrounding cultures, music in Palestine and among the millions of Palestinians in diaspora offers a unique window on cultural and political events of the past century. From the perspective of scholars, performers, composers, and activists, Palestinian Music and Song examines the many ways in which music has been a force of representation, nation building, and social action. From the turn of the 20th century, when Palestine became an exotic object of fascination for missionaries and scholars, to 21st-century transnational collaborations in hip hop and new media, this volume traces the conflicting dynamics of history and tradition, innovation and change, power and resistance.

Introduction Palestinian Music: Surviving in SongMoslih Kanaaneh
Part 1: Background
1. Palestinian Song, European Revelation, and MissionRachel Beckles Willson
2. A Musical Catastrophe: the direct impact of the Nakba on Palestinian musicians and musical lifeNader Jalal and Issa Boulos interviewed by Heather Bursheh
3. Negotiating the Elements: Palestinian Freedom Songs from 1967 to 1987Issa Boulos
Part 2: Identity
4. Transgressing Borders with Palestinian Hip HopJanne Louise Andersen
5. Performing Self: Between Tradition and Modernity in the West BankSylvia Alajaji
6. Realities for a Singer in PalestineReem Talhami interviewed by Heather Bursheh
7. Identity, Diaspora and Resistance in Palestinian Hip HopRanda Safieh
Part 3: Resistance
8. Performative Politics: Folklore and Popular Resistance during the First Palestinian IntifadaDavid A. McDonald
9. Hamas' Musical Resistance Practices: Perceptions, Production, and UsageMichael Schulz and Carin Berg
10. Palestinian Music: Between Artistry and Political ResistanceStig-Magnus Thorsén
11. The Ghosts of Resistance: Dispatches from Palestinian Art and MusicYara El-Ghadban and Kiven Strohm