The influence of globalisation on musical composition has grown
remarkably in recent years. This reflects the wider impact of late 20th
Century demographic and technological shifts on culture. Great movements
of people followed the end of the cold war, with migrants in their
millions responding to the call of more affluent nations for willing
workers. The industrialisation of many developing countries similarly
fuelled the movement of people, with ethnic tensions following the
withdrawal of colonial powers displacing many others. The globalisation
of information, the 'internet' accompanied by widespread exploitation of
satellite communications technology, has brought new images and sounds
into our work and dwelling places. These shifts have accelerated the
practices associated with musical globalisation, causing new 'accented'
cultures to develop, absorbing, influencing, reflecting and refracting
new host milieux. These changes have impacted on musical practices,
destabilising core assumptions and disturbing long established
hierarchies. The present volume explores these developing influences
through a consideration of extant works, experimental composition and
contingent analysis