If you ask the average young adult what comes to mind when they hear the term “music” they are likely to respond with a fresh singer, band, or genre of “pop” music. Often times society places their opinion of classical music and popular music on completely different wavelengths of importance in the world. The modern perception of classical vs. popular music has led to a heavily decreasing audience for classical groups and performances, a desire for repetitive and simple melodies, and a negative stigma against classical music’s importance.
When music began to become structured as a part of civilization around the 13th century, the only place one could go to hear music was a concert hall or royal palace. This tradition lasted all the way until the mid-20th century, when jazz and rock spun off as new “genres” from traditional classical themes. Before this, classical music was the popular music; going to the symphony was a common activity among both the upper and middle class. One could argue that modern popular music is simply a revolution of classical music; for classical music has s...
TitleAuthor/ EditorPublisherDate James Galways’ Music in TimeWilliam MannMichael Beazley Publishers1982 The Concise Oxford History of MusicGerald AbrahamOxford University Press1979 Music in Western CivilizationPaul Henry LangW. W. Norton and Company1941 The Ultimate Encyclopaedia of Classical MusicRobert AinsleyCarlton Books Limited1995 The Cambridge Music GuideStanley SadieCambridge University Press1985 School text: Western European Orchestral MusicMary AllenHamilton Girls’ High School1999 History of MusicRoy BennettCambridge University Press1982 Classical Music for DummiesDavid PogueIDG Books Worldwide,Inc1997
Current western classical music did not occur overnight. It was a long process that had its beginnings in the sacred music of the Middle Ages. War, disease, famine, political unrest and advancements in science brought changes, to not only how music was perceived, but also in how it was presented, giving modern western classical music its rich history today.
Music is timeless. Its evolution constitutes part of history and through its creation history is created, as well. Music can be used to trace tendencies all around the world for each period since it has been one of the ways through which the humans have been able to express themselves. Music has also served as the tool to identify certain periods of time, that way, each generation is influenced by the iconic musical styles that prevailed during the previous one. However, the so known classical music, which is comprised by the work of great composers like Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, or Brahms starting from the 11th century to the present day and includes the Classical period and several other, has influenced appreciably the production of popular music nowadays. The song “Karma” by Alicia Keys is a vivid example of this musical custom. In this song, the artist merges samples of Johannes Brahms’s Violin Concerto, Op. 77 to conform a mix of two very different musical styles.
What would the world be like without music? The world would be a very silent place. Music is in many ways the material of our lives and the meaning of society. It is a reminder of how things were in the old days, a suggestion of how things are, and a view of where society is leading to. Music is the direct reflection of the picture of art, music, and literature. Music can be a way to deliver messages, being poetic, a fine art, or it can just be for entertainment. No matter what it is used for, music is the perfect art there is and there are various types of music; such as classical and romantic. This paper will discuss how classical music and romantic music had a turning point in humanity’s social or cultural development, and how they have
During the classical era the social function of music began to change from earlier aristocratic and religious connections toward more public and secular activities associated with the middle class. The rise of public concerts, the spread of commercial opera houses, the growth of music publishing, the increased number of musical pieces composed and played were all direct effects of the changing musical times.
When portrayed on television classical music tends to be depicted as too classy, too boring, or for smart nerdy individuals. I agree with this portion of the article. If this style of music wasn’t portrayed so negatively I wholeheartedly believe it would gain more popularity. This comes back to a point stated before, when something is made out to be only for a certain type of person it loses its ability grow. If something is portrayed a certain way by the media most people won’t actually research it themselves, instead they believe everything they see and leave it at that. So, when something such as classical music is portrayed negatively most audiences will believe it and look no further into it, even if they are interested in
Taking a look back into our history, it is very hard to graze over the fact that music has reigned as one of the most influential components of artistic expression in our time. It has been a part of numerous peoples' lives across the globe since the beginning of time. Music has been able to not only define the people that craft it, but encompass and define a whole time period and culture in its own, leaving a very bold mark upon history. Two pieces of music that have played integral roles during their time are “In Paradisum” (by an anonymous individual) during the middle ages (600-1450), and “Same Love,” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, featuring Mary Lambert during the 21st century (2001-2100, specifically released in 2012). These musical pieces, although from two very different spectrums in history, share a few notable similarities, as well as some remarkable differences that embody the ever so changing sound of art in time.
There was a time when I used to think that classical music is boring. As a college student studying classical music now, I’m bit embarrassed to admit that, but as a curious 10-year-old who had just discovered mainstream music for the first time, the piano pieces I was learning quickly faded into last year’s news. My music world, limited to only Christian music and classical
If one were to look back into the world’s history, one would find that an important and consistent element is the world of music. Music has presented itself in various forms throughout its spread and through our identification of its magical realm, people have been fortunate enough to come across a means of relation. Whether it is blues and reggae or rap and pop rock, there is music out there for everyone. Music can serve as a stabilizer for some, a relaxant to others, and to many a form of inspiration.
The world is changing and so is the style of music. Often people who do not have any musical background might think that classical music is boring and only for more mature audiences. In fact, the sales of traditional Western classical music albums are decreasing and many symphony orchestras and operas are struggling to find endowments and audiences. It is considered that classical music today occupies a position similar to that of religion, as a form of art rather than entertainment or just a background noise (Johnson, 2002). Unlike popular music, classical music may be more sophisticated and complex in its form. Because of this, how can classical music be heard more easily in order for audiences who are more used to popular
It is clear that music shaped the social climate and the social climate shaped music. By analyzing the musical meaning of the songs of the time period, one can gain insight into the postwar era society. The music of the post war era helped establish a generation gap and ultimately was a precursor for the civil revolution of the sixties. Given the gravity of the social changes inspired by music, it is evident that musical meaning plays a vital role in shaping culture.
Steven, Kelly, N. (2002). A Sociological Basis For Music Education. International Journal of Music Education. 43. Pp. 40-49
Bennett accurately states that people do not embrace music that the global culture industries throw around in the hopes of creating a connection. People have and continue to think judiciously about popular music and the importance it evokes. It needs to be known that many opinions and moods that social beings have about popular music take place within controlled or persuasive environments. The influence that these environments hold allows people to restrict their cultural predilections and practices, or to create their own relationship to the musical texts. Bennett’s ignorance toward the structural context within which a person’s relationship with music evolves is essential to form a sufficient judgment of musical practice. The restriction on Bennett’s scope of study is directly related to his inability to study more than a minority in the European Culture. By diversifying his study like he has claimed to, would allow copious more readers to be engaged with his
Music Appreciation has broadened my view to listen to different eras of music that I was not accustomed to. It was pleasant listening, reading, and learning about different periods of music. This course has given me an exceptional amount of knowledge on different styles of music, identifying different elements in music as well as learning about legendary composers who have influenced music throughout history. Not only has music been around for decades, it has developed a history of great composers who have left an imprint in history by their extraordinary compositions of music they developed during their times of glory, like Ludwig van Beethoven. In this essay I will discuss how Beethoven is known as one of the greatest, ingenuity composers of his time and how the classical period is so fascinating to listen to and learn about. In addition, I will also discuss how Music Appreciation has reshaped the way I perceive and listen to different styles of music that have been created throughout history.
George Gershwin once said, “True music must repeat the thought and inspirations of the people and the time. My people are Americans and my time is today.” Over the years, no form of art has attached itself to humanity more than music. Music has been creating and destroying cultures in the Twentieth Century at a very rapid rate. Fads come and go, but true music and the heart behind it never dies.