Analysis of <i>Edi edise</i>: A composition for African orchestra

Abstract

This work is an original composition for African orchestra. It is a composition for African musical instruments particularly found in Annang land of  Akwa Ibom State and its analysis. In African orchestra, there are categories of instrumental combinations. This paper focuses on the combination of  melodic and percussive instruments and with peculiar rhythms found in Annang land. It takes into account the rich rhythms of Annang people of  Nigeria as would be used in this original instrumental composition to exhibit the rhythms of Africa. The method involved in this study includes  library review, collection of discography, selection of some traditional instruments, watching and analysis of life performances of Annang music  ensembles, and transcribing the various rhythms found therein. The study seeks to bring to the fore, through an instrumental composition, the rich  rhythms of Annang people. Various traditional musical instruments are selected for this purpose to form an African orchestra. This will truly create  an identity for Africa in general and Annang in particular thus will make known Annang rhythms to the world adding to the knowledge base for  musicologists, rhythms of Annang people. This orchestral piece can be used for study and performance of African rhythms, for entertainment and  at concert halls.