The Evolution of Music Essay

As defined by the Webster Dictionary, the word contemporary means “a marked characteristic of the present period”. Also defined by Webster, the word classical means “of or relating to music of the late 18th and early 19th centuries characterized by an emphasis on balance, clarity, and moderation”. It almost appears that these two words contradict one another. In a sense, how could something, such as music, be both modern and present, but also relating to times from centuries ago? This very juxtaposition of times in history is what makes contemporary classical music prevalent in society.

The church during the 1500’s, was changing greatly. This was the time of the reformation where the protestants took over from the Catholics, and therefore causing the Catholics to create a counter reformation. The shift from henry VIII to Edward VI was also a shift from Catholicism to protestants. This amount of change in religion created an immense change in what music was produced and what was actually composed as these two religions had very different ideas about music.

Music has evolved too many different forms that we recognize today. We trace this development throughout time. Beginning in the middle ages, we have seen advancement from the Gregorian chant all the way to the Jazz of the 20th century. The current events, politics, religion, technology and composers can shape musical eras during time. Here I will look at the middle ages, renaissance, baroque, classical, romantic and twentieth century periods. I hope that a better understanding can be reached to why, when, where and who are the reasons for musical evolution.

Our heart and souls at all times sense rejuvenated and lively with every beat of finest music we hear. Music comes in a variety of diverse forms which are admired and renowned for their own unique styles. Classical music is one of the breeds of musical forms that exist since many years with its visible significance in the music industry. Classical music is a part of our globe from almost 1000 years and inspires millions of people with its liveliness and simplicity.

The Classical, Romantic and Baroque eras all influenced modern genres now a day. They are the foundation of all music. There is no way that music has no single element of earlier music. It is sure that modern music is the mixture of earlier music element and modern music element. For example now a days in pop music concert, people will still often use an orchestra or a string

During the renaissance, Europe went through many changes politically, socially, and psychologically. Most of this change was due to the reformation of the church, and the humanist movement. The humanist movement focuses on revisiting Greek ideas, and the church supported these thinkers, artists, and musicians (Oxford). The church slowly became morphed with politics, to the point where the church was also the law. Different churches wanted to attract new patrons, so they tried to impress others through the use of art and music, and no longer just their words.

music to hear too, than in the classical era. Music is cultural and filled with history; hence, it is

6. Is language a reliable demarcation of musical style in Europe? Why or why not?

The popular culture of music has changed dramatically over the course of sixty five years. Since this time, new genres of music have been introduced, existing genres have changed, and fixed stereotypes have been associated with certain genres of music. Music has become a major part of popular culture, and is portrayed almost everywhere in first world societies, including on television, radio, at shopping centers, sporting events and in every area of popular culture. Music has become a major part of popular culture, and continues to strive and develop into more and diverse areas of culture.

The Renaissance period, from 1450 A.D. to 1600 A.D., comprised of two main types of music, sacred and secular. In comparison with the Medieval period, where music was usually reserved for church purposes, the Renaissance period allowed music to expand beyond the church into upper aristocratic society. Sacred music included motets and mass, while secular included madrigals, instrumental and dance music. Motets initially came about during the late Medieval period, but grew sizably during the Renaissance,

The history of American music begins with a fundamental process of exchange through all different social lines, where diverse cultures meet, and mix. Music has and always will be defined as sounds that are arranged in a particular pattern that are played to be meaningful and pleasurable. The chronology of music began in the Medieval period, when chanting was introduced into the Church. Music has then moved its way through many stages: renaissance, baroque, classical, romantic and leading up to 20th century American music. American 20th century music is made up of a diverse number of styles that are reflected by cultural traditions and the era’s of the past. Immigrants from Spain, France, England, Germany and Ireland all contributed and brought their own unique styles to the forefront, hence creating American music. African Americans created influential musical traditions that include rhythm and improvisation that were later combined with European traditions and other indigenous music.

All music has changed tremendously throughout the years. Each generation has several specific songs that defines that generation. Every song has different lyrics that describe the emotions that the artists are feeling. The songs connect to each individual in many different ways. Lyrics to a song is what makes music wonderful. Each song touches someone through ways like teaching a life lesson or touching your heart. Every generation has music that impacts the world by motivating people to do certain things or defines a person’s personality. Each generation has music that defines the generation.

So whilst some parts of the world stayed traditionalist, other parts were taking music to the next step. Western cultures have used music for almost every aspect of life. Music was used for entertainment, religion, war cries and important ceremonies. Some countries have unfortunately lost their culture and heritage thanks to more developed countries trying to expand their empires. A good example of this is when the indigenous Mexican people were murdered in their homeland by the invading Spanish – and replaced the traditional drums and flutes with more vibrant shakers and trumpets. It is no doubt that the way upper countries have acted has greatly affected the distribution of music worldwide.

Musical instruments have played many major roles in helping with the construction of many societies around the world today. Many people do not realize what musical instruments have been responsible for and how they have helped shape the world today. There have been many instruments that have helped create and sculpt the world, but one instrument that I want to inform readers about is the trumpet and where it came from, as well as how it has changed over many years. The point that I am arguing is the fact that many people do not know where the trumpet has come from and how it has affected society.

Everyone has that one thing that has always been a part of them and will continue to be for the rest of their lives. As it probably is with many people, mine is music. However, music affects everyone differently, and that effect makes me who I am today. The simplest answer, for me, is that music makes me happy. Music is always there for me, whether in the form of playing or just listening to it, it is a huge part of my life, and I could not imagine life without it. Throughout my life I have had many people to thank for that, but the person who is initially responsible for my interest in music is my mother. She listened to music frequently and got my brother into band at Randolph Elementary School. After that everything changed.