Thesis

The Renaissance Kyrie and Bunun Pasibutbut, though from two mutually isolated cultures on opposite sides of the world, share musical elements that transcend the time and space between their origins. I will be comparing a Kyrie from Missa D’ung aultre amer by Josquin des Prez (c.1450-1521) , to a pasibutbut of the Bunun tribe. Beside the surface similarities – both are performed by male acapella ensembles, and both are performed for sacred rituals – the two genres also share a four-part polyphonic texture, modal harmonic patterns, as well as melismatic melodies. In addition, both pieces are sung with a dark, pure tone, which gives both pieces the gravity appropriate for the corresponding religious rituals.

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