Summary
An imene tuki is a traditional hymn of the Cook Islands. It is accompanied singing noted for a drop and raise in pitch at the end of phrases, and rhythmic nonsensical syllables, comparable to Scat singing. Similar syllables and improvisations are found in Tahitian Himene tarava.[1]
Hymn edit
The hymn commonly features four different harmonies. It contains a female soprano melody called a perepere, and a male bass line with rhythmic grunting. The performers also sway their arms left and right to the tune of the music.[2]
Location of performance edit
The song is usually played at church, and other religious locations. The dance is often called "Christian dancing", due its context.[2] An example of one of these performances occurred at the Cook Islands Christian Church at Titikaveka, where it was sung by many native children.[3]
History edit
Imene tuki was first discovered by missionaries arriving in the island in the 19th century. They were impressed by the scattered sounds, rhythmic chanting, and swaying of the music.[4]
References edit
- ^ McLean, Mervyn (1999). Weavers of song: Polynesian music and dance, Volume 1999, Part 2. Auckland University Press. p. 80. ISBN 1-86940-212-X.
- ^ a b Alexeyeff, Kalissa (2009). Dancing from the Heart: Movement, Gender, and Cook Islands Globalization. University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii: University of Hawaii Press. p. 69. ISBN 978-0-8248-3244-5.
- ^ Etches, Melina (25 July 2020). "Children embrace culture". Cook Islands News. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
- ^ Riley, Frank (14 June 1979). "Pace Unhurried on Raratonga". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 17 August 2020 – via Newspapers.com.