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Bau
Lokahi
USA
226 Posts |
 Posted - 10/25/2010 : 11:30:44 AM
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The majority of hawaiian music seems to be in major keys.
Any suggestion on songs with a somber, minor key sound?
Suggestions for slack key tuning with a minor or generaly unusual or for lack of a better word 'atypical' sound?
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wcerto
Ahonui
USA
5052 Posts |
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RWD
`Olu`olu
USA
850 Posts |
Posted - 10/26/2010 : 12:46:31 PM
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A genital chant??  |
Bob |
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wcerto
Ahonui
USA
5052 Posts |
Posted - 10/26/2010 : 1:31:55 PM
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Bob - yes.
From the writings of Kihei de Silva from:
http://apps.ksbe.edu/kaiwakiloumoku/kaleinamanu/essays/he_mai_no_iolani
Mele ma‘i, genital or procreative chants, were traditionally composed at the birth of a child -- especially the first born -- in order to celebrate and encourage the perpetuation of that child’s family line. Hawaiians believed that "through the piko came descendants" [1], and they expressed their belief in chant and dance.
Soon after the birth of a child, the people gathered to name it. Two names were selected for each child, a regular name and a pet name for his sex organs. These parts were not considered ugly or disgusting to the Hawaiians, who loved them as the life-giving power. Consequently they were given a pet name, and then the people composed a song or chant in honor of that name and, of course, a dance to go with it. [2]
The higher the child’s rank, the greater the likelihood that more than one chant would be composed in honor of his or her ma‘i. High rank also increased the likelihood that these mele ma‘i would be composed regardless of primogeniture, that additional mele ma‘i would be composed throughout the honoree’s lifetime, and that all would be viewed as capable of invoking the "sexual prowess and potency [necessary for] the conception of offspring, thus maintaining the ali‘i lineage" [3].
Mele ma‘i originated in the pre-missionary days of complete openness about all things sexual. In those days:
...youngsters grew up prepared in body, mind, and emotions for sexual activity. The attitude a child absorbed was that the genitalia were revered for their role in procreation -- but this need not take the fun out of intercourse. Sex was to be enjoyed. "The sexual act," Mrs. Pukui has written, "was accepted without shame...as being both creative and one of the supreme pleasure." [4]
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Me ke aloha
Malama pono,
Wanda |
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hapakid
Luna Ho`omalu
USA
1533 Posts |
Posted - 10/26/2010 : 2:26:39 PM
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The reason most songs are in major keys is because Hawaiians' first contact with the 12-step scale of western music is through the hymns of the missionaries. As they loosened up, other modes were used, but the traditional sounds still harken back to the hymns. I think it's part of the charm of Hawaiian music and that which makes it accessible and welcoming.
In an all major chord song, there are still places for minors as passing chords.
In Wanda's list above, "Ko Ma'i Ho Eueu" and "Kawika" are chants adapted to music in the modern era, so it's natural to find minor chords. "Na Moku Eha" came from the early 1900s and is rooted in the ragtime era. And "Maui Suppa Man" is a modern song, like "Mokihana Lullabye" and "E Pili Mai", which are all rooted in the modern pop song or ballad. The magic of slack key to is found in the I-V major chords' back and forth and it's simplicity.
Just my 2 cents.
Jesse |
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wcerto
Ahonui
USA
5052 Posts |
Posted - 10/26/2010 : 2:46:08 PM
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| Ah, Jesse, you know your two cents are worth a fortune! |
Me ke aloha
Malama pono,
Wanda |
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noeau
Ha`aha`a
USA
1105 Posts |
Posted - 10/26/2010 : 2:49:56 PM
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| Ke Aliʻi Hulu Mamo is one that uses more than one minor chord and might fit into the original question of a somber song. Actually I think it is more of a solemn ballad or something. The song was composed by HD Beamer for princess Elizabeth Kahanu Kalanianaʻole wife of prince Jonah Kuhiō. |
No'eau, eia au he mea pa'ani wale nō. |
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Bau
Lokahi
USA
226 Posts |
Posted - 10/26/2010 : 3:24:48 PM
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". Two names were selected for each child, a regular name and a pet name for his sex organs. "
doesn't every one do this? In english slang it usualy amounts to titles like 'mister happy' or to quote Mel Brookes the 'woo woo' 
mahalo for the great info everyone. I like the idea of a minor sounding bridge or the passing minor chords as suggested. I love the uplifting sound of the major chords in the music , but also I like music with an intertwine of different moods, because life is bittersweet , like memories of lost loved ones. |
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RWD
`Olu`olu
USA
850 Posts |
Posted - 10/27/2010 : 12:21:10 AM
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I think minor keys are a bit dark.
One of the things that attracts me to Hawaiian music is that it is good natured, reflective, has a sense of longing, love, endearment and innocence. To me, minor keys have a much harder edge. The music tends to evoke sadness, loss, depression, anguish and desperation.
Hey, I really prefer the traditional (non-minor) Hawaiian way of expression.
In fact, it's like a daily treatment I give to myself to fix all the minor key afflictions I have. :)
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Bob |
Edited by - RWD on 10/27/2010 12:24:50 AM |
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wcerto
Ahonui
USA
5052 Posts |
Posted - 10/27/2010 : 12:27:40 AM
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It is the use of major chords that to my untrained, un-musically schooled ear "hooked me". At least I think that is one of the things that caught my ear. It was the sweet, simple melodies coupled with some very deceptively simple poetry that endeared Hawaiian music to me. Then as I delved deeper and learned more about the poetry, about kaona, about various poetic conventions, I loved it more. Those same sweet sounds that one would expect to be bitter, dischordant even, in a song such as "Kaulana Na Pua" or Lai Toodle" still sound as sweet and beautiful as any love song. That is why I am not an advocate of instrumental versions of mele. It may present a deceptively light picture when the mele's words have all the mana.
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Me ke aloha
Malama pono,
Wanda |
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Admin
Pupule
USA
4551 Posts |
Posted - 10/27/2010 : 05:40:13 AM
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Kunia Galdeira shows us that even songs that we are not accustomed to hearing in a minor key can be played in one. Pretty cool, I think.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXOxJvjY6Qk |
Andy |
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thumbstruck
Ahonui
USA
2173 Posts |
Posted - 10/27/2010 : 08:32:39 AM
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| Minor chords are also found in "wahine" and "mauna loa" tunings with a Maj7 and 6th chord, respectively. Iberian rooted music (Portuguese and Spanish - Mexican) use these harmonies in parallel 3rd harmonies. The C6 neck on a steel has an Am in it, as well as an implied Fmaj7 and implied D9. Minor chords can be present in music without a "minor" sound. |
Edited by - thumbstruck on 10/28/2010 1:44:27 PM |
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Bau
Lokahi
USA
226 Posts |
Posted - 10/28/2010 : 02:57:06 AM
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b eautiful andy that is the sort of thing I was looking for , mahalo
also what you said thumbstruck, Ive noticed that about songs in wahine tunings some very nice passing chords with a disonance to them. Spainish music does use a lot of minor chords.
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RWD
`Olu`olu
USA
850 Posts |
Posted - 10/28/2010 : 04:01:46 AM
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Sorry to say it but I would consider going else-where upon hearing a version like this.
Nothing against the the performer or freedom of expression but it just goes in a direction that I dislike. |
Bob |
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thumbstruck
Ahonui
USA
2173 Posts |
Posted - 10/28/2010 : 1:48:09 PM
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| This is the 2nd version I've heard in minors, Aunty Manu Lono does another one here in Seattle. I've also heard Uncle Zeke guys, down in Tacoma, do "Hi'ilawe" with a completely different melody, in majors. |
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wcerto
Ahonui
USA
5052 Posts |
Posted - 10/28/2010 : 1:56:08 PM
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Braddah Smitty does one in minor key, too, of Hi`ilawe on his Only You CD. Aue. Mele.com shows it is no longer available. It is one of my all time favorite recordings, one that we listen to frequently.
http://www.mele.com/music/artist/braddah+smitty/only+you/ |
Me ke aloha
Malama pono,
Wanda |
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Minor key
