Premium Essay

Music in History

In: Film and Music

Submitted By chriscollichio
Words 272
Pages 2
Music history, sometimes called historical musicology, is the highly diverse subfield of the broader discipline of musicology that studies the composition, performance, reception, and criticism of music over time. Historical studies of music are for example concerned with a composer's life and works, the developments of styles and genres (such as baroque concertos), the social function of music for a particular group of people (such as music at the court), or the modes of performance at a particular place and time (such as the performance forces of Johann Sebastian Bach's choir in Leipzig).
In theory, "music history" could refer to the study of the history of any type or genre of music (e.g., the history of Indian music or the history of rock). In practice, these research topics are nearly always categorized as part of ethnomusicology or cultural studies, whether or not they are ethnographically based.
The methods of music history include source studies (esp. manuscript studies), paleography, philology (especially textual criticism), style criticism, historiography (the choice of historical method), musical analysis, and iconography. The application of musical analysis to further these goals is often a part of music history, though pure analysis or the development of new tools of music analysis is more likely to be seen in the field of music theory. (For a more detailed discussion of the methods see the section on "Research in Music History" below) Some of the intellectual products of music historians include editions of musical works, biography of composers and other musicians, studies of the relationship between words and music, and the reflections upon the place of music in

Similar Documents

Free Essay

History of Music

...History of Music History of Music Music has been around sense the dawn of time. When man first started to discover music it was not the kind of music we have today. All it consisted of was grunts, moans, and banging things. Music has evolved just as much as the people that created it. From Chromagnum men to musician and from grunting too classical music, rock, and rap. The first people imitated music from nature. They mimicked the sound from their every day life. It had no rhythm, beat, or tune it was just noise, but later turned into what we now call music. Ancient people used music for much more than entertainment they used it in every day life. They would yell and scream during battle, blow a horn as a warning, have ceremonies to honor the dead or bring the rain, signal danger, to show your importance in society, it was also used as a healing power. On the front lines of battle would be a soldier that would be holding a drum or a flute. When this was a common act the instruments would be spread around to different cultures after a battle. This brought on a new way of looking at music. Around the 16th century people started to collect instead of play music. A persons hands and feet were the first of all the instruments and is still the most common, because every one has them. A persons hands and feet were readily available, and easy to use. The drum is the second most common percussion instrument. Like most of the other instruments the drum was found by accident...

Words: 419 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

History of Music

...Charlie Chaplin composed his own music for City Lights (1931), Modern Times (1936) and Limelight (1952). That was the exception, and few film-makers would imitate him. He wasn't clear at all whose job was to score the soundtracks. German cabaret pianist Friedrich Hollaender scored Josef von Sternberg's Der Blaue Engel/ The Blue Angel (1930), which included Marlene Dietrich's signature tune Ich bin von Kopf bis Fuss auf Liebe Eingestellt/ Falling In Love Again. Von Sternberg kept changing musicians: Karl Hajos scored Morocco (1930) and Franke Harling Shangai Express (1932) and The Scarlet Empress (1934). In the 1930s, after a few years of experimentation, scoring film soundtracks became an art in earnest thanks to a small group of foreign-born musicians, first and foremost two Austrian-born and classically-trained composers. Erich-Wolfgang Korngold's coined a lush, overwhelming, operatic style with Michael Curtiz's Captain Blood (1935) and especially The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) and The Sea Hawk (1940), as well as Charles Gerhardt's Anthony Adverse (1936) and Sam Wood's Kings Row (1942). Max Steiner explored many different moods, sensational in Ernest Schoedsack's King Kong (1933), one of the first soundtracks to rely heavily on sound effects, pathetic in Victor Fleming's Gone With The Wind (1939), including Tara and countless references to traditional songs, exotic in Michael Curtiz's Casablanca (1942), melodramatic in Irving Rapper's Now Voyager (1942), gloomy...

Words: 3071 - Pages: 13

Free Essay

Music History

...middle ages Different eras provided different kinds of lifestyles, and can be seen through the music that people listened to, or the architecture that was prevalent in those times. The middle ages lasted from about 476 to 1420 AD, and ended at the fall of the Roman Empire. In the middle ages, music was played through either the church, or the within the secular places such as the streets or the divine office. Also, at those times, only monophony was used because music was mainly made for chant. Also so people can participate by singing along as well as provide a better voice to the audience because of the bad acoustics of chapels. Furthermore, the Middle Ages was a time when a lot of growth happened, such as the rise of troubadours. Troubadours became known within the secular portion of the empires in the middle ages, and became popular within monarchs and noblemen very quickly. The troubadours were well known for their expressions for chivalry and courtly love. Troubadours become popular in the 12th and 13th centuries of the middle ages. They were very popular in the middle ages because the rise of troubadours was a significant movement in the arts. The influence of the troubadours became so large in the Middle Ages that it spread through different countries of Western Europe, such as Spain and Italy. Troubadours became so popular in the middle ages because they played music and poetry together. This was something unheard of before the starting of the troubadours. Troubadours...

Words: 435 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

The History of Music

...• A complex problem such as the GFC has many causes (economic, political, etc.). Your task is to focus on the organizational causes that contributed to the crisis. • You are required to use at least two organizational theories and/or concepts from the pensum to motivate your answer, making sure that you make a clear reference to them in your answer and within the literature list that is to be included at the end of your assignment. It is recommended that you focus on explaining a few possible causes in detail instead of discussing ten superficially. • You are required to select relevant data to produce justified answers to the research question relating such data to the theory and concepts selected. Sources of data can include newspapers, annual reports, statistical databases, websites, etc. Make sure that you make a clear reference to the data sources in your answer and in the reference list that is to be included at the end of your assignment. • Note that the level of analysis that you can use is quite open. For example, you might choose to see it from an inter-organizational perspective, from a field level (i.e. industry level) or from the perspective of an individual organization. It is recommended, however that you are very clear on the level that you are choosing. • Finally, note that you may want to use the literature, videos and presentations used during the Case Days as a starting point. A list of resources used to build the Global Financial Case in class is uploaded...

Words: 731 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

History of Electronic Music

...Luis Matos Introduction to Music Term Paper 28 April 2012 The History of Electronic Music Electronic music is one of the most inspiring and artistic forms of music in the world today. Even though electric music is not a new style or form of music, it’s still changing and evolving today. Electric music can vary from instruments like Theremin, synthesizer, and the keyboard to simple computers. These instruments create/synthesize or manipulate sound. Electric music was first introduced in the mid-20th century by Thaddeaus Cahill. He introduced the Dynamaphone which was an array of dynamos that produced many pitches. This was the first instance of electronic music. While this wasn’t a particular instrument it still proved that pitches could be released through electronics. For some time after the Dynamaphone was introduced, there were no real significant advances in electronic music. Many speculated what the “future” of music would sound like, but nothing was introduced until the year 1919. That year was when the Theremin was introduced. “The Theremin is a purely melodic electronic musical instrument typically played by moving the hands in the electromagnetic fields surrounding two projecting antennae” (Webster 1). This instrument was the first and only instrument that could be played without actually touching it. It was created by Lev Termen in Russia. In the United States he is known as non-other than Leon Theremin. This instrument is monophonic and has two rods. One rod...

Words: 483 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Russian Music History

...A term paper discussing Russian music Presented to: Michel El Zoghbi Prepared by: Maher Moubarak Mirna El Khoury Outline: 1. Abstract 2. Introduction 3. Literature Review 4. Centuries 5. Instruments 6. Effects on Russian Music: * Effects of War * Problems caused by Russian Climate 7. Conclusion 8. References Abstract: This term paper will be discussing the history of the Russian music and its evolvement. Moreover, it will include some native instruments and the effect of weather, war, and religion on the Russian music. Introduction: Beginning from the sacred music of the Russian Orthodox Church and passing through diverse centuries, the Russian music was and will always be legacy in the history of international music. Two major genres formed the early history of the Russian music. These genres are: the secular music used for entertainment and the sacred music of the Orthodox Church . The sacred music draws its tradition from the Byzantine Empire. Neumes were developed for musical notation, and as a result several examples of medieval sacred music have survived, among them two stichera composed by Tsar Ivan IV in the 16th century. Literature Review Folk music is certainly the oldest type of Russian music. The roots of Russian folk music dates back to the middle of the first millennium AC. Russian music started with the Slavic tribes that settled in the European part of the current territory of Russia. Those...

Words: 1785 - Pages: 8

Free Essay

Music and History in America

...Shakespeare once wrote, “if music be the food of love, play on”. Hundreds of years later, music continues to be a influential part of society. Although music affects the lives of many, culture is the largest influencer of music itself. As wars are fought and history is made, music continues to allow the majority and minority voice to be heard. The progression of cultural viewpoints in America created many musical compositions expressing varying opinions of their respective era. During a time of impending war, patriotism was at an all time high, but an underlying tone of unrest among civilians became prominent as well. Much of the early 20th century was structured around the first World War. While they attempted to boost morale both on the frontlines and at home, songs like “You’re a Grand Old Flag” began to spread across the country (Cohan, “You’re a Grand Old Flag” 1906 http://www.loc.gov/teachers/lyrical/songs/old_flag.html ). With catchy lyrics claiming “every heart beats true for the red, white, and blue,” people began to feel pride and supported any endeavors to protect their flag’s reputation. And while many people fell into this norm of patriotism and hoo-rah mentality, many began to fear the havoc the war could bring. This was evident in songs like “I Didn’t Raise My Boy to be a Soldier,” a ballad where a mother expresses her concern and uneasiness at the thought of her son at war (Bryan, Piantadosi, “I Didn’t Raise My Boy to be a Soldier” 1915 https://www.archeophone...

Words: 1029 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Russian Music History

...A term paper discussing Russian music Presented to: Michel El Zoghbi Prepared by: Maher Moubarak Mirna El Khoury Outline: 1. Abstract 2. Introduction 3. Literature Review 4. Centuries 5. Instruments 6. Effects on Russian Music: * Effects of War * Problems caused by Russian Climate 7. Conclusion 8. References Abstract: This term paper will be discussing the history of the Russian music and its evolvement. Moreover, it will include some native instruments and the effect of weather, war, and religion on the Russian music. Introduction: Beginning from the sacred music of the Russian Orthodox Church and passing through diverse centuries, the Russian music was and will always be legacy in the history of international music. Two major genres formed the early history of the Russian music. These genres are: the secular music used for entertainment and the sacred music of the Orthodox Church . The sacred music draws its tradition from the Byzantine Empire. Neumes were developed for musical notation, and as a result several examples of medieval sacred music have survived, among them two stichera composed by Tsar Ivan IV in the 16th century. Literature Review Folk music is certainly the oldest type of Russian music. The roots of Russian folk music dates back to the middle of the first millennium AC. Russian music started with the Slavic tribes that settled in the European part of the current territory of Russia. Those...

Words: 1785 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

History of Music Videos

...HISTORY OF MUSIC VIDEOS. PART 1: BRIEF HISTORY OF MUSIC VIDEOS. In 1894, sheet music publishers used a ‘magic lantern’ to project a series of still images on to screen simultaneously to live performance. This was later known as the ‘illustrated song’. This was the first step towards producing music videos. In 1926, many musical short films were produced with the use of ‘talkies’. They were usually six minutes long. Some short cartoons were also made by animation artist Max Fleischer. In 1930’s, popular artists songs were performed during cartoons. The early animated movies by Walt Disney like Silly Symphonies were built around music. Promotional clips were films popular in the 1940’s. They were usually short and normally accompanied by musical selections which were usually just a band on a movie set. Musical films were an important initial step to music videos. Many popular music videos have copied the style of Hollywood musicals from 1930’s to the 1950’s. In the late 1950's, the Scopitone, a visual jukebox was invented in France and was used by French artistes to produce films to accompany their songs. In 1964, The Beatles starred in their first feature film. They then went on to do another feature film filmed in color in London. The title track of this film was in black-and-white and is one of the prime models of the modern performance-style music video. In 1965, The Beatles started making promotional clips for distribution and broadcasts in other countries so they...

Words: 2488 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

European Music History

...Questions to Consider: Europe 1. How is the history of European and Arabic cultural contact reveal through musical characteristics in places such as Spain and Bulgaria? In Spain, the authentic flamenco had just a singer. It had a strained type of timbre and melisma was used a lot. It shows that there was Arabic influence because they also had that type of style. And because they also used a guitar as accompaniment, it showed there was European influence because they liked harmony. Bulgarian music also had harmonies but with voices. This was a European characteristic. Their music is very colorful and lively and I think that was Arabic influence. 2. What defines a music as "classical" as opposed to "folk" in the European context? How has "classical" music influenced "folk" music style and performance and vice versa? In the European context, classical music is the highest class of music. Folk is a position relative to classical music. Folk music was meant for the common people. It was the opposite of classical music. Folk played classical music and folk music started to interest higher class people. They wanted to become part of a tradition. Classical music started using some folk themes. 3. Drone is especially prominent in many European music traditions. What are some specific manifestations and how does drone relate to the overall sound? Drone is used in many countries in Europe. For example: Scotland, Ireland, and Hungary. In Scotland and Ireland they use bagpipes...

Words: 595 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Blues Music History

...Blues music is most commonly a combination of drums, guitar, piano and vocals. This genre of music originated in the south during the nineteenth century, and was especially popular amongst african ­american slaves. It’s seeds were first planted on southern plantations. It was first only sung by people classified as african americans, but then prospered and overtook the world of music amongst most cultures. Blues main effect on history, was it’s help with racial conflict. African­ americans were perceived as slaves during the 19th century, however african ­american musicians enjoyed a less limited and more luxurious lifestyle. White people first became interested in their music mid 19th century. They were then hired as professional musicians...

Words: 336 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Popular Music and History

...Popular Music and History: John Lennon Everyone knows of The Beatles. You may not know a lot or any about them but everyone has heard a song or two at one time or another in their lives. This essay will discuss one of the members from the band, John Lennon and his fame with the band. In addition, this essay will also discuss the comment he made that almost cost the band their fame, as well as his murder. The Beatles were a band from Liverpool, England and became a band somewhere in the 1950’s, but did not become big until 1961. They released a total of 18 albums between the years of 1963 and 1970. The band included Ringo Starr, George Harrison, Paul McCartney, and John Lennon. The band became big in the United States when they released the song, “I want to hold your hand” that John Lennon and Paul McCartney wrote together. Another song you may know that The Beatles sang was, “I feel fine”. The song became the number one song at Christmas. When the band released this song, the song was a top hit for five weeks. The Beatles also had their own cartoon on television called,” yellow submarine” the band was becoming very popular. (APA(American Psychological Assoc.)References:Beatles, The. (2011). Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th Edition, 1. "Beatles, The." Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6Th Edition (2011): 1. Academic Search Complete. Web. 11 Mar. 2012.) (APA(American Psychological Assoc.).References.(2009, September 27). TOP 10 BESTSELLING BEATLES SONGS. Mail on Sunday...

Words: 655 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

History Behind Music

...The fact that the music of films often has powerful effects on its audience is undisputed. Careful examination of the reasons behind these effects, however, has been largely ignored. We tend to compare previously unassociated dramatic pieces we hear to film music - but what piece cannot be compared to film music nowadays? Every pre-composed piece or spontaneous melodic fragment is potential fodder for a cinematic soundtrack. The real questions lie in how and why people have been compelled to combine drama with music throughout history. This essay attempts to clarify some of music's manifold roles in cinema and the reasons behind them by using as an example composer Bernard Herrmann's Citizen Kane soundtrack. In order to address these issues, a brief overview of the history of music in cinema is required. The root of music in film harks back to the Greek melodrams (the precursor in both literal language and event to the melodramas of today), a cross between a play and fledgling opera in which spoken word is accompanied by music.[1] As time passed, melodrams developed into opera, giving rise to types of performances known as number opera (those composed of a collection of closed pieces) and continuous opera (those including nonstop music), divisions that film soundtracks would later echo. Wagner's full-fledged support of program music at this time, as opposed to the absolute music that had previously reigned supreme, resulted in his novel invention of leitmotifs (first used...

Words: 2748 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

History of Music Therapy

...The idea of music as a healing influence which could affect health and behavior is as least as old as the writings of Aristotle and Plato. The 20th century profession formally began after World War I and World War II when community musicians of all types, both amateur and professional, went to Veterans hospitals around the country to play for the thousands of veterans suffering both physical and emotional trauma from the wars. The patients' notable physical and emotional responses to music led the doctors and nurses to request the hiring of musicians by the hospitals. It was soon evident that the hospital musicians needed some prior training before entering the facility and so the demand grew for a college curriculum. A very brief historical glimpse of this fascinating profession follows, below. Earliest references The earliest known reference to music therapy appeared in 1789 in an unsigned article in Columbian Magazine titled "Music Physically Considered." In the early 1800s, writings on the therapeutic value of music appeared in two medical dissertations, the first published by Edwin Atlee (1804) and the second by Samuel Mathews (1806). Atlee and Mathews were both students of Dr. Benjamin Rush, a physician and psychiatrist who was a strong proponent of using music to treat medical diseases. The 1800s also saw the first recorded music therapy intervention in an institutional setting (Blackwell’s Island in New York) as well as the first recorded systematic experiment...

Words: 663 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Music History Essa

...Booker Lee and the County Fair (Booker Lee, for short) is a local Gettysburg, Pennsylvania band that plays music described as alternative country. The band consists of two sets of siblings. Josh is the lead singer and also plays guitar, while his brother Dan plays the bass guitar. Kirsten plays the keyboard and also sings backup vocals, while her brother Jack plays the drums. Dan is the lead guitarist, while oddly enough, his sister Anne is tending the bar. The venue, The Garryowen Irish Pub (The GO, for short), is popular amongst locals and tourists alike. They serve authentic Irish food and beverages, and the atmosphere makes it feel as if you are experiencing a little slice of Ireland, right here in Pennsylvania. Ilsa, who has been a good friend of mine since Middle School, has been a patron of The Garryowen since she turned 21 in 2006. She now helps the bar's owner Kevin with his paperwork as well as waitressing and bar tending. Ilsa says the band's guitarist Dan often joins his friend Ali playing cover songs upstairs, at what they call “The GO too”. The atmosphere upstairs at the Garryowen is more relaxed and homely. Couches, benches and coffee tables occupy the space next to the small bar. Dan and Ali sit in old arm chairs next to one another, while patrons make themselves comfortable in any available space, including the floor. Josh explained that Booker Lee & the county fair has a very strong local following. The band stopped playing shows when one of the members...

Words: 583 - Pages: 3