Chapter 1: The Power of Music

The Power of Music:“To control the people, control the music”

-Plato

• Why do you listen to music?

• What role does music play in your life?

• How do you listen to music?*

• Why is music so universally appealing?

• How would YOU define music?

• Why is music so appealing?

• What is its attraction?

• Does it perpetuate the human species?

Listening to Music• 1870’s: Wax cylinders • 1940’s: Vinyl records • 1960’s: Cassette tape; Eight track• 1990’s: CDs• 2000’s: MP3 and M4A files

2014?????

Classical Music

“High art” or “learned” music

Timeless qualities • Emphasizes

instrumental music• Precise notation• Acoustic

instruments Lengthy and varied

in mood Abstract sound

patterns

Popular Music

Appeals to a large population

Contemporary issues of life

• Emphasizes vocal music

• Electrically amplified instruments

Short and conveys a single mood

Emphasis on the beat

How does Classical Music Work?

Genres of Classical MusicGenre: A type of music

Styles of Classical Music• 476-1450: The Middle Ages

• 1450-1600: Renaissance

• 1600-1750: Baroque Era

• 1750-1820: Classical Era

• 1820-1900: Romantic Era

• 1880-1920: Impressionist Era

• 1900-1985: Modern Era

• 1945-present: Postmodern Era

Each musical era has its ownunique characteristics.

The Language of Music

• Music is a means of communication

• Music can covey any emotion

• Music has been a part of our live since infancy

• We really learn to appreciate music when we learn why!

Take the Classical Music Challenge!

• Listen to Taylor Swift sing "Love Story"

• Listen to Renee Fleming sing "O mio bambino caro”

• Whose artistry impresses you the most?

• Listen to Colplay perform "Viva La Vida"

• Listen to Richard Wagner's "Ride of the Valkyries”

• Which gives you chills?

• Listen for similarities and differences!

Four Notes that Changed the World• Listen to the opening of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony

• Listen for the ever-changing appearance of the four-note motive– Motive: a short, distinct musical figure

• Symphony: an instrumental genre for orchestra

• Movement: a large independent section of a major instrumental work