Jul 06
musicsurveyormusic Classical, music
Classical music is a broad term that usually refers to music produced in, or rooted in the traditions of Western liturgical and secular music, encompassing a broad period from roughly the 9th century to present times. The central norms of this tradition became codified between 1550 and 1900, which is known as the common practice period.
European classical music is largely distinguished from many other non-European and popular musical forms by its system of staff notation, in use since about the 16th century. Western staff notation is used by composers to prescribe to the performer the pitch, speed, meter, individual rhythms and exact execution of a piece of music. This leaves less room for practices, such as improvisation and ad libitum ornamentation, that are frequently heard in non-European art music (compare Indian classical music and Japanese traditional music), and popular music.
The public taste for and appreciation of formal music of this type waned in the late 1900s in the United States and United Kingdom in particular.Certainly this period has seen classical music falling well behind the immense commercial success of popular music, in the opinion of some, although the number of CDs sold is not indicative of the popularity of classical music.
Jun 21
musicsurveyormusic Classical, music
Understanding classical music is something most people think is far too lofty a goal, one best left for music scholars and academics in their ivory towers. It’s the epitome of stuffiness; black ties and diamond earrings must be worn at all times.
This is not at all the case!
Classical music should be heard and appreciated by all people. Composers were and are real people who struggle with the same problems we all do, including paying bills, satisfying their clients, and just existing from one day to the next.
It’s not necessary to understand composition techniques, orchestration principles, and the intricacies of arranging music to be awed by its beauty. Just let it wash over you and absorb the feelings!
The genius of Bach, the magnificence of Beethoven, the sheer beauty of Chopin, and the power of Prokofiev are all waiting to be discovered by you, no matter how much you know or don’t know about music theory and history.
Do you turn away from a rainbow, bemoaning that you don’t understand light refraction and color prism?
Of course not!
If you drive a car, do you understand fuel injection, and rack and pinion steering?
I think I’ve made my point.
However, some knowledge of Western art music helps understanding classical music even more. Why did Beethoven write his symphonies, why did Bach love the fugue, did Mozart really hate the flute?
But if you don’t have time to pursue a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Music History, what can you do?
An easy and fun way to learn about anything is via an audio book.
Audio books are the educational tool for the 21st century.
1. You can listen anywhere you want to–in the car, in the doctor’s waiting room, at a soccer game, lounging in bed–you name it. No more boring classrooms.
2. You can use odd bits of time that would otherwise be wasted.
3. You can listen to any part over again without having to raise your hand and ask a question in class.
4. Audio books are portable–no 10-ton text book to lug around, just a little MP3 player or Ipod.
5. Audio books are less expensive than a printed text. No trees have to die.
6. Audio books are private–just pop in an ear plug.
7. Audio books are entertaining. They come alive with fascinating narration, great music, and tantalizing sound effects.
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