September 22, 2011 in Music Education by admin
Classical Music Over The Years
Often referred to as the music of the ages, classical music is a lot more than just a stockpile of faded, vinyl records. Almost every literary talent and musician has praised the sheer genius and symphonic melody of classical music. Born in the smallest continent in the Northern Hemisphere, the form of classical music took shape as an expansive and wide arena of the brightest and most dedicated talents in music. Indeed, even today, the symphonies of Beethoven, the wild, swinging melodies of Mozart and other works enchant and fascinate a dedicated cult of enthusiasts. The origins of classical music lie in the same frame as that of the Renaissance. The era was that of a new high-point in the creativity of music. In the early stage of development, the use of stringed instruments was introduced. These stringed instruments gave a naturally symphonic rhythm to the musical outputs. This was also the age, when the use of bass and organs also made the music folksy and streetwise. It was also the time of inception of the popular and much loved forms of orchestra,, sonata and romantic music. Each form carried a distinct identity and it is recognized for the unique ensemble of melodies and rhythms which its carries.On the other hand, the basic elements of classical music were quite simple and uncomplicated. The major challenge was to make the music work with simple devices. The main components of classical music include a range of simple and basic instruments. There were light, primitive stringed instruments such as the basic violins and cellos. Then, there were the more complicated instruments like bagpipes, harmoniums and percussion instruments. Some other forms of musical instrumentation were used to achieve a greater effect. So, with such simple devices, pieces of sheer ingenuity and wonder were composed with a set rhythm.There were other things, which lent a sense of harmony to the difficult musical outputs. There was a predetermined form of music. The rhythms and melodies were etched out on voluminous texts and notes. At other times, the conductors and artists had to create music that would communicate feelings and sentiments. This would be without the definite form and rhythm. The entire process of creating music would engage a complicated effort. The musicians would need to use all their skills in achieving the desired output. With all the effort that goes in creating music, the melodies have become legendary. After all, creating music in a pre-electric era was not just hard work. It was an equally mental process of thought and creativity. So, it is a shame that the actual work has been replaced by automated sounds and pre-created melodies. This is indeed regrettable.
August 4, 2011 in Music Education by admin
A Brief Guide in Picking Your Guitar Craft Classes
Guitar craft pertains to series of classes that give focus on guitar lessons, music as well as character development. Guitar craft classes are offered in varying degrees of learning and training. Topics that will be likely taught in a guitar craft class will include:
- Guitar repair, fabrication and design
- Music fundamentals
- Music history, theory and analysis
- Different composing styles
- Songwriting
- Comprehensive guitar lessons
You would be happy to know that guitar craft training classes are now being offered in a number of music schools. Some offer trainings online but most provide on-campus classes. When choosing a guitar craft school to enroll in, you have to take note of what you want to learn. Remember that schools offering guitar craft classes teach various music concepts. Do you want to learn contemporary, modern or traditional music? Keep in mind that each concept is different from the other. Therefore, having a clear idea on what type of music you want to focus on will help you achieve your learning goal.
It is advised that you consider enrolling in a well-known school providing great guitar craft classes. It is true that getting education from a well-renowned music school can be quite expensive but you are sure that you will learn from the best music teachers. Such type of course programs do not only center on teaching students how to play guitar but in other aspects of music as well. By taking a guitar craft lesson, you will have a better understanding on music in general.
If you already know how to play a guitar, enrolling in a guitar craft class can help you improve your guitar playing skills. You will also learn how to compose songs, develop your knowledge on guitar design, and learn more about audio dynamics.
When selecting a school where to take your guitar craft lessons, it is imperative that you note the quality of education that they provide, the concepts included in the program, and the duration of the classes.
March 14, 2011 in Digital Music by admin
The History Of Digital Music Distribution
The authorized digital music distribution gained momentum in the late 90s, when the majority of the households in the developed countries already owned a computer and had Internet connection. In those days, the increasing processing power and larger storage hard drives of the personal computers and the improvement in the media file compression technologies, led to the development of the first large peer-to-peer networks. They connected users from around the World in a network, which allowed them to download or upload files from each other quickly and effortlessly. These P2P networks were used by millions and the unauthorized sharing of audio and video files was threatening the record and the movie industry. It was not long before the RIAA took legal actions against some of the large peer-to-peer file sharing programs and distribution networks, which in turn led to the development of the authorized digital music distribution channels, even though many newer file-sharing methods that were designed to circumvent the authorities were developed as well.
The legal actions against the operators like Napster were effective since these networks were centralized and the companies that ran them were found responsible for piracy. The subsequent download systems were not centralized and that made prosecuting its participants legally far more challenging. However, what proved far more effective in the fight against piracy were the legal music stores, which allowed people from around the Globe to pay for a single song download instead of purchasing entire CDs or albums. With most of these stores pricing a download at less than a dollar per song, hunting for an illegal copy of the same song simply became pointless for the great majority of the music lovers. The now revamped Napster and the Apples iTunes music stores let users download tracks or albums to their computers, Macs, iPhones, or other mobile devices. Many new authorized services decided to use the already established peer-to-peer networks to distribute songs to the existing vast network of users, which allowed them to reach a far larger audience and cut down on their advertising and bandwidth costs. It is unquestionable that the Internet and some of the digital music distribution methods caused some damage, but they also offered new and less costly ways for independent artists to promote and sell their work.
February 4, 2011 in Baroque Music by admin
Baroque Music – A Popular European Style of Classical Music
Baroque music is a well-known European style of classical music. The word ‘Baroque’ originated from the heavily ornamented architectural style that was popular during the era 1600 to 1750. It is a widely enjoyed music that expresses a single mood integrated with the musical language signifying love and warmth of different people. The musical pattern used at the beginning of a composition is repeated throughout the whole piece.
History:
Baroque music basically is a wide range of musical styles adapted from different geographic regions. It was in 1919 that the five characteristics of the Baroque theory was first attempted to be included in music. Now several musical concepts and terms developed from the renaissance and classical era is still being used. The history of the music can be classified into three different phases:
Early Baroque phase from 1600 to 1640:
The early 17th century witnessed the development of Baroque monody in which melody was provided to a single voice or instrument accompanied with the device ‘bass continuo’. Bass continuo comprises of a bass instrument and keyboard commonly used in both vocal and instrumental melody. During this period, music composers favored homophonic musical texture over polyphony. Since, the general belief among composers was that words could be projected in an effective manner with the use of a single melody complemented with harmonic or choral instrument. Caludio Monterveradi was the first composer to create the recitative style of music in Italy which also led to the making of opera.
Middle Baroque phase from 1640 to 1680:
In this era, free sheet music was nonexistent. New thoughts and ideas of music developed which spread from Italy to other countries worldwide. Both media and business establishments also established an international audience for different types of musical works. The knowledge of music was designed to be educated in a precise and organized manner. Further, the importance of instrumental music was also introduced. Some of the major contributions of music composers belonging to the Baroque period include Arcangelo Corelli for his achievements on developing varying techniques in the use of the string instrument, violin. Henry Purcell, a contemporary genius produced an array of musical tones while Dietrich Buxtehude presented music in an entrepreneurial manner.
Late Baroque phase from 1680-1750:
The late period launched Baroque music and its various forms to the world. Besides this, several facets of harmony were also produced. During this phase, instrumental music dominated over vocal music. Concerto grosso represented the leading form of key instruments. This period also led to the creation of the now popular entertainment shows oratorios and operas. The leading composers of this phase include Antonio Vivaldi, George Frideric Handel, Jean-Phillipe Rameau and Johann Sebastian Bach.
January 24, 2011 in Dance by admin
Popular Baroque Dance Forms
Baroque dance is closely associated with Baroque music since most pieces of composition are based on dances from France, England and Germany. In fact, one of the main characteristics of baroque music is that it almost always is dance music or inspired by upper class social and theatrical dances of the post renaissance era. It is still performed today, of course, and whether you are a patron of the arts or a professional player at www.poker.de with a taste for local culture, it’s worth attending a Baroque event or two. The Baroque suite is performed with and without soloist, using a highly decorative instrumentation.
The Baroque suite commences with a French overture, which is a musical form which is split into two parts enclosed by repeat signs and double bars. Both styles are slow and complement each other well.
The allemande, which is usually the first dance piece, was originated during the Renaissance and forms an integral part of the Baroque music. It can commence on any beat and is played at a reasonably slow tempo. The allemande is usually preceded by a prelude or a short, introductory dance movement which sets the tone for following dances.
The courante comes next. It is a fast paced triple meter dance of France and has the slowest tempo of Baroque dances. However, the subsequent movements of this suite are majestic and lively. During the Renaissance, courante was performed with running steps.
The Sarabande is another popular Baroque dance form. It is also one of the slowest of all triple meter dances. Like the allemande, it can start on any beat of the bar. However, the second beat gets greater emphasis.
The Gigueis a fast-paced baroque dance performed in compound meter. It can also commence on any beat and can be identified using its lively rhythm. It precedes Gavotte, which always commenced on the third beat despite giving the impression that it begins on the first beat. The gavotte is usually done in a relaxed tempo.
Bourrée comes next, and begins on the second part of the final beat. This is played at a moderate pace and lends a unique texture to the dance. This is why it considered as the second most popular baroque dance form after Minuet. The Minuet is a triple meter dance which can begin on any beat of the bar. It is played in succession, with each part escalating the tempo.
The two fastest baroque dances are Passepied and Rigaudon. Passepied is in binary form while the rigaudon is a duple meter French dance. It can be compared to the Bourrée although its rhythm is much simpler. It comprises of a series of regular but hopping steps.
January 19, 2011 in Baroque Music by admin
Essential Components Of Baroque Music
Baroque is a wonderful style of music characterized by elaborative ornamentation. The word derives its origin from Portuguese word ‘Barocco’, which means bizarrely shaped pear. Although this kind of polyphonic music is special because of a number of reasons, the one factor which distinguishes it from other forms of music is its contrasting elements. The immense popularity of baroque music between 1600 and 1750 was not without a reason. It was, and continues to be a potent communication tool capable of breaking the barrier of language and arousing a range of emotions in a human being.
Contrast is an unusually integral part of a baroque composition despite the fact that music is generally synonymous with synthesis and harmony. Baroque music treats soft, loud, solo and chorus songs with varying degrees of subtlety. Although it does give importance to instruments like violin and trumpet, the main emphasis is placed on melody and vocals. In fact, it would not be far-fetched to conclude that baroque began as a voice-based music which allowed performers to improvise uninhibitedly on stage. Improvisation means to modify the style and mode of music as you proceed. Baroque musicians used to improvise frequently to display their skills.
Another distinct feature of baroque music is its dependence on precision and intricacy. It is akin to listening to five or more people talking at the same time in different pitches. It is for you to identify what everybody is saying. While making music, the composer prepares a layout, also known as form. A ‘fugue’ is a good example of this wherein a series of voices follow each other as in a round. However, amidst all this confusion lies a deceptively coherent message which is distinct and ethereal.
Since another meaning of baroque is highly decorated, this brand of music uses ornamentation more than any other style. It is hardly surprising to know that Opera, which is known as ‘controlled scream’, appeared during the baroque era. Yet another important aspect of baroque music is counterpoint, which is listening to multiple lines of music. All lines are unique and of equal importance.
Although most of the instruments used in a baroque composition are known to us, there are a few which are missing from contemporary ensembles. For instance, the main keyboard instrument in the form of harpsichord is no longer used in modern performances. However, instruments like lute and viol continue to be played even today.
January 14, 2011 in Baroque Music by admin
Distinct Features of Baroque Music
Baroque Music comprises of highly decorative yet complicated composition which is steadily finding its way back into people’s hearts after being forgotten for nearly three hundred years. This European classical form of music preceded the Classical Era, involving drastic changes in notation and intricate ornamentation. Baroque music is probably the only style of music which explores all the different facets of instruments as well as vocals. It even led to the formation of a new genre of music in the form of an Opera.
Baroque musicians put a lot of emphasis on counterpoint, which involves playing a couple or more lines of music at a go. All parts of such a piece are equally important. To the listeners, it is like hearing two or more people talk at the same time in different tones/pitches. In addition, the musicians decorate the composition heavily either with instruments or a strategic use of vocals.
The fugue is the most significant attribute of baroque music. It is part of a ‘form’, which is simply a plan followed by a composer while creating music. Most baroque musical forms which were used during the years starting 1600 till 1750 continue to be used even now. A fugue is akin to a musical round where one voice enters the scene and is followed by a series of successive voices. However, voices within this form start on high pitches and end on lower ones. In addition, they keep on playing new pieces even as distinctly different voices continue to emerge. This is the main reason why baroque music is known to have a polyphonic texture.
Baroque music is also unique in nature because it can be played with or without a soloist, although it is credited with the introduction of trend. Earlier, most baroque musical pieces were developed in a choral structure. However, musicians are now blending choral arrangements with solo pieces on a regular basis.
A harpsichord is the most famous instrument synonymous with baroque although other instruments like violin and flute are also common. The different components of instrument suites derive their names from dances from the Renaissance era. One or more instrument can be used to play a particular suite. It begins with a prelude and includes the following dance phases: Allemande, Courante, Hornpipe, Sarabande, Gigue, Menuet, Gavotte, Air, Pavane, Galliard and Bouree. Most of these pieces are based on lively French and German dances.
January 13, 2011 in Composers by admin
Famous Baroque Composers
Many renowned musicians and composers have been associated with baroque music. The most prolific composers are Johann Sebastian Bach and George Friederich Handel. Bach is one of the most well known among all classical composers and has made invaluable contribution to baroque music. As baroque music spanned across entire western Europe, there are many notable composers from many different countries. The most notable among them are: Francois Couperin – France, Unico Willem van Wassenaer – Holland, Giovanni Battista Bononcini – Italy and John Stanley – England. These composers belong to the 17th and the 18th centuries, a period known as late baroque.
George Friederich Handel, born in 1685 – incidentally the same year Johann Sebastian Bach was born, was a renowned baroque composer who is best known for his English oratorios and Italian operas. Handel in addition to being a composer was also a opera impresario and a virtuoso organist. Some of the best known oratorios of Handle include Joshua, Messiah, and Israel in Egypt. Handel’s oratorios were based mostly on the Old Testament, with Messiah being set to Charles Jennings’ compiled texts from the Old Testament. Handel in his lifetime produced 42 operas, 29 oratorios, over 120 cantatas, large number of arias, chamber music, many odes and seranetas and 16 organ concerti.
Johann Sebastian Bach is a very familiar name even for the people who are not learned in classical music. The popularity of Bach can be attributed to the fact that he has created masterpieces in every form of baroque other than opera. Some of his best known compositions are: Brandenburg concertos, the Canonic Variations, the Goldberg Variations, the Well-Tempered Clavier, the Musical Offering, the Mass in B minor and the Art of Fugue. The Art of the Fugue is his last great work and completely summarizes his skill in fugue and counterpoint. In his last days, Bach composed his last chorale fantasia based on the chorale “Before Thy Throne O Lord I Stand”. Also, he started working on a fugue featuring subject B-A-C-H (B is B Flat and H is B natural in German notation), which remained unfinished.
There are quite a few similarities between the two great composers. Not only were the two born in the same year, but both were born in Germany. Handel though later became a British citizen. Both of them suffered from illnesses that influenced their musical styles. However, their style of music was quite distinct. These two composers along with other baroque composers helped popularize baroque music. Their music influenced later artists of renown such as Beethoven and Mozart.