The Evolution of Music
• In this presentation, we will
take a look at how music
developed, from ancient
times to present. Remember
that studying music history is
another way to appreciate
music better. While watching
the presentation, please
make sure you fill in your
organizer, and make
additional notes for your own
presentations, especially
composer’s names so you
can research later.
• For this unit, your groups
will create a lesson/
presentation on the
particular music era
assigned to you. We will
work in the computer lab,
and in class. At the end of
the unit, all groups will
present and be evaluated
according to the rubric.
Specific instruction will be
given to you as we start the
process. This should take us
about 2-3 weeks to
complete.
The Evolution of Music
Have you ever wondered
where music came
from? Or, why music
that you like to listen to
is so different from the
music your parents
listen to?
The Evolution of Music
Music, just like people, has evolved
(changed) over thousands of years.
Human knowledge
and technology
have grown, so have
our taste for more
complicated sounds
and rhythms.
The Evolution of Music
Each new generation of people
creates new music that either
builds on or rebels against
the music of their parents
and grandparents. This
means that new types of
music and new sounds are
always being invented.
The Evolution of Music
So, where did it
all start?
How it all began…..
The first music, the first
rhythms and melodies were
sounds from nature. Birds
singing, the pat-a-pat of rain
on a rock, the low rumble of
thunder, or a steady
heartbeat are all noises and
rhythms that still occur
everyday all around us.
How it all began…..
The earliest Man most likely
tried to imitate these sounds
by using their voices, hands
and feet. Eventually, they
created new sounds and
rhythms by beating sticks or
tools against trees and rocks.
They also learned to make
new sounds with their mouth
such as whistles, humming,
and singing.
How it all began….. Cont.
Early humans began to
repeat these sounds and
tones in patterns. We now
call these patterns songs.
Eventually humans began
to create special tools to
make the sounds that they
liked, called instruments.
How it all began….. Cont.
The oldest musical
instrument
discovered is a flute.
It is made from the
hollow bone of a
bear and is believed
to be about 45,000
years old.
How it all began….. Cont.
Since ancient music was not written
down, not much is known about early
music styles or songs. Most of what
we know about music history begins
in the middle ages.
Medieval Music
During the Medieval period in history (450-1450), Christianity was the
focal point of culture in Europe so almost all music was about God and
worship. At that time music was mostly made up of one melody line with
no background music. This is called monophony. These monophonic
songs from the medieval period are referred to as Gregorian Chants,
named after Pope Gregory, who was the leader of the Christian church
from 590-640 A.D.
During the later stages of the
medieval period, music evolved to
where two melody lines heard at
the same time that were sung or
played in harmony. This is called
polyphony.
Renaissance Music
The famous Mona
Lisa by Leonardo
DaVinci belongs to
this time period
The renaissance period (1450-1600) was a
time of great change in music. People
had a renewed interest in things like art
and music and musicians had more
freedom to be creative and show
individual style. Sacred music, or church
music, was still the most popular type of
music.
New musical instruments such as the
clavichord and the lute were invented
and became very popular. Also new
printing technology developed during
this time that allowed written music to
be available to more people.
Baroque Music
Recorders, still in use
today, were a most
popular instrument
during the baroque
period
Baroque (ba-roke) is a word used to
describe a style that followed the
renaissance in European music
between the years 1600 and 1750. The
word baroque means “strange” or
“excessive”.
Music in the baroque period was more
difficult and complex than in the
renaissance period. The music had
more than one melody that could
either harmonize or clash with the
other.
Baroque Music
Composers used loud, soft, fast and slow
tones to make the listener understand
a story or feel certain emotions. At this
time secular music (non-church music)
was becoming popular and the
orchestra and opera were invented.
An orchestra is group (ensemble) of
instruments playing music together.
An opera is a story with drama
representation that is set to music.
Vivaldi, composer of the four seasons concertos, and J.S. Bach, creator of
many of today’s composing techniques, were two of the most prominent
composers of the time
Classical Music
The classical period in music
history lasted for only 70 years,
between 1750-1825; however
there were many changes
during this time.
Strict rules were applied to music
composition and the sounds
were more balanced and
restrained.
Homophony, which is music that
has one melody and background
music, became popular.
Joseph Haydn is considered as the father of the symphony and string
quartets and, was the most influential composer of the era.
Classical Music
W.A Mozart wrote hundreds of
compositions even though he
died at only 35 years of age,
alone and broke.
New instruments such as
the clarinet, flute and
other instruments were
added to the orchestra
and new types songs, or
musical compositions,
were created to adapt
to the new sounds.
Two major composers of
the classical era you
may have heard of are
Haydn and Mozart.
Romantic Period Music
Beethoven is considered
one of the greatest
composers of all times
Romantic period music (1850-1920)
reflected the political and social
changes that were taking place all
around the world.
Composers experimented with their
music and showed much more
creativity.
Melody became the dominant feature
of the music and used melodies to
express nationalism (loyalty to a
country or group of people).
Romantic Period Music
Tchaikovsky, composer of
the famous Nutcracker ballet
The opera and orchestra continued to be
well-liked and new sounds were
added. Virtuosos (a very skilled
performer) became very popular.
Singer, pianist and violinist were the
most admired virtuosos of the period.
It is said that Franz Liszt, a Hungarian
composer, played the piano with so
much emotion that women in the
audience would faint while listening to
him play.
The pianoforte as we know it today was invented
during the romantic period
Modern Music
•
Music in the 20th century is
considered to be mostly about
rebellion, or going against
tradition.
In the early to mid 20th century
many new music styles such as
Jazz, Rock and Roll and Country
were invented and have become
enormously popular.
Recorded music in every style has
become available to everyone and
it made listening to music more
popular than ever.
Modern Music
•
Technology has played a very
important part in the
evolution of modern music.
New styles of music were
created around instruments
such as the electric guitar
and keyboard.
The use of computers has also
had a huge influence on
musical styles by allowing
composers and musicians to
manipulate sounds.
Where is it Going?
You can now see that changes in
music are based on the music
from past generations.
Sometimes a composer creates a
new sound or style by building
on the popular style of the day.
Other times, a composer rebels
against the popular style and
creates something totally new
and different.
•Where is it Going?
Many styles were developed as an
expression of a particular culture.
For example, hiphop and rap music
came out of inner city cultures.
Country and Bluegrass music are a
reflection of people that live and
work outside of big cities.
As long as humans exist, we will
continue to express ourselves
through music, and music will
continue to change with us.
Where is it Going?
Every new generation will
create new sounds and
styles that reflect their
world.
Just as your music is
different from your
parents, your children’s
music will be different
from yours.