Traditional and Modern Music of the Maori

Te Ao Hou, September 1966, Page 59

Traditional and Modern Music of the Maori by T. Barrow Seven Seas Publishing Co., 18s 6d reviewed by J. McEwen This is a fascinating little book of 42 pages which is likely to have a popular appeal. It is no dry-as-dust scientific work, but an interesting discourse on Maori music, both traditional and modern. There is little new material, nor is there any fresh attempt to deal with technical musical matters. It is, however, the first popular book which gives an adequate account of the subject. Dr Barrow is a museum man but unlike many of his colleagues he does not adopt the view that Maori culture ceased to exist when Europeans settled in New Zealand. He brings the subject right up to the present. The book is particularly well illustrated with a number of beautifully reproduced colour pictures dating from the early nineteenth century and others of more modern times. One or two early illustrations of haka are of great interest. The modern illustrations include a few of the Tahitian tourist type but I suppose that is permissible in a book which, although it will be enjoyed by many people here, has not overlooked the interest of visitors to New Zealand. Dr Barrow's book on Maori art was well done and this one is up to the same standard.