Balkania

BALKANIA is compendium to the wealth of rhythmic patterns found in the Balkan music. The traditional music in Southern Europe and the Balkan area has a vast material of rhythmic patterns to offer, being almost always connected to dance patterns. Balkan music is often characterized by its driving rhythms; Beside even time signatures, odd ones, such as 5/8, 7/8, 9/8 and 11/16 and others, are frequently encountered. 


The book discusses the rhythms in the area in general, then diving into a more detailed look at different rhythm types. Musical examples are plentiful. Traditional instruments are covered with pictures and expert commentary. A glossary of terms and map of areas are included. 


This compendium is an invaluable resource to everyone interested in world music, be it individual musicians, composers, arrangers, musicologists and everyone interested in the diversity of the Balkan traditional music landscape. 



Herman Rechberger is a Finnish composer and musician of Austrian origin, currently making his home in Greece. His current interest is the Byzantine music and its notation as well as the traditional music from all over Greece.