Abstract

"Exoticism" literally means the infatuation with any foreign culture. One can extend that definition to the trend, style or aesthetics that dictate a synthesis of elements outside of one's culture with those of his own. In many cases, this term is actually synonymous with "Orientalism." The Orient, in the European sense, encompasses three main cultural and musical centers: the Islamic Near East and Asia Minor, India, and the Far East. ;Oriental Exoticism in music can be classified in four groups: Alla Turca; East Meets West; Chinoiserie; and Lingua Franca. In Chapters III to VI, the writer selects the following four pieces to represent each of the groups of exoticism practiced by composers : Carlo Domeniconi: Koyunbaba; Ravi Shankar: L'aube eEnchantee; Benjamin Britten: Songs from the Chinese, op. 58; and Dusan Bogdanovic: Introduction and Passacaglia for the Golden Flower. ;Special musical idioms, techniques, and 'philosophy' employed in the pieces specified above will be thoroughly explored. A general historical background rather than a specific discussion of Exoticism in all genres is presented. Eastern religions, philosophies and literature are discussed when directly related to the main pieces