Eritrean/Ethiopian liturgical music?

[thunderballs75]

I was wondering if there is a particular significance of the drums in the Eritrean/Ethiopian liturgical tradition? Also, what kind of music do they use? And is their liturgy always said in Ge’ez, or can it be done in the vernacular too?

 

[CDNowak]

My vocation/formation directors in the monastery were bi-ritual (Ge’ez/Latin).

I know the drums are significant, but don’t know the explanation for them. The music is rooted in the traditional music of the area (very impressive, if not what we would consider as reverent in an American parish).

As to language, they primarily still use Ge’ez, however they also would use Tigrinya (sp?), the local language. I do wonder if they will start using English, as the second generation children do not speak either traditional language.

You may be able to get in contact with Fr Awte Weldu through Our Lady of Fatima Cistercian Monastery in NJ.

 

[bpbasilphx]

I know that Amharic is the vernacular of Ethiopia. I can’t speak for Eritrea.

 

[malphono]

I know that Amharic is the vernacular of Ethiopia. I can’t speak for Eritrea.

Amharic (mainly Ethiopia) and Tigrinya (mainly Eritrea) are both Semitic tongues which derive directly from Ge’ez.

 

[thunderballs75]

Well, I know they speak Tigrinya in Eritrea. I actually speak a little myself, because I have an Eritrean friend who taught me.

But do they use the vernacular in the liturgy ever? Or do they only use Ge’ez?

 

[CDNowak]

At least in the US and Canada they will use Tigrinya (Eritrean Communities) or Ge’ez, depending on what the community has managed to preserved.

Not sure about Ethiopians and Amharic, or the use of the local vernacular (English).