A Musical Trip into French Polynesia

A group performing a traditional Tahitian song from the Vaitumu Village in Rurutu Island, French Polynesia

Background Information

    The history of music is deep and a significant part of the Polynesian culture. Music is a form of telling a story, celebrating, and a memory of their past and what they have overcome through the years as well. Dance is a part of their music and is incorporated when performing songs.

    Original traditional songs sung had not been written down and were almost forgotten when the Europeans came across their lands. With the European influence, there was a change but over time they took back their beautiful music and language to share their story.

    There are three different genres found in French Polynesia. The    "manouche" style is from the Marquesas Island and was influenced by European and American music. Blending in jazz and blues with their music to make a unique sound. The "ote'a" is a dancing music style that is performed at celebrations/parties like birthdays and weddings. It is lively and has a profound beat. Lastly, the "himene tarava" style is more the traditional singing style. These are more traditional chants that are performed during ceremonies and celebrations. This style is more focused on vocals than instruments but can be accompanied by an instrument such as the ukulele.

The video above is a song example called Himene Tarava by Polynesian Culture Center which was written by Raymond Mariteragi and released in November 2020. I found this song very touching and powerful.

Traditional Instruments

Different types of instruments they use are drums, flutes, ukuleles, and their voices. 

Drums: An example of a drum they play is called the pahu drum. It can also be referred to as the tariparau drum. This drum is the heartbeat of the performance. 

Voice: In their performance, they use their raw voices alone or accompanied by instrument(s). With their voices, they sing beautiful lyrics in English and their language as well. It is not only the lyrics they sing but the grunts and yells that make it unique. 

Music Elements

Rhythm: The rhythm of the music is very strong and pulsing. It is set by the drums playing. When dance performers are involved the rhythm goes wonderful with their movement. It is very sharp and playful which makes it noticeable.

Beat: The beat of the drums they play is very distinctive. It is very intense, powerful, and pounding when performing traditional music with their dances. 

Vocal Range: The range is very broad. It can be deep, rough, and loud. Or it can also be smooth, moderate tone, and wistful. The raw sound of their voices makes their music unique and riveting.

Sources:

            Schafer, N. “Discover the Vibrant Music Culture of French Polynesia.” Far and Away Adventures, 11 Mar. 2023, farandawayadventures.com/french-polynesia-music-2/.

                        “French Polynesian Culture: Music and Dance.” Travelisto.com, 21 Sept. 2020, travelisto.com/holiday-destinations/french-polynesia/french-polynesian-culture-music-and-dance/.

                                     Teyraud. “The History of Tahitian Drums.” Tahiti Tourisme, 29 Aug. 2023, www.tahititourisme.com/the-history-of-tahitian-drums/. Accessed 6 Nov. 2023.