The Songs of Madosini – Musical differences in a composite design

Abstract

This short article serves as a programme note for The Songs of Madosini, contained on the CD appended to this issue of the journal. Apart from describing the composition structurally and dramaturgically, it suggests that beyond its musical effect the work's more important function is perhaps that of a ‘social intervention’ as its musical performances invariably facilitate deep intercultural exchanges, for which South Africa's society otherwise hardly provides comparable forums.