Music History Notes week of 9/15/14
I.
II.
Classical Music
A. Classical music is music rooted in Western European traditions performed
by trained musicians in formal settings like concert halls, opera houses,
and churches. Its key emphasis is the faithful interpretation of composers'
written scores.
B. It covers a variety of time periods
1. Renaissance
2. Baroque
3. Classical
4. Romantic
5. Modern
C. Examples of classical music
1. Opera – a play set to music and all dialogue is sung
2. Oratorio – Tells a story. Uses soloists and a mass choir. Usually
religious
3. Symphony orchestra – Instrumental group made up of wind, string, and
percussion instruments. Usually played symphonies.
4. Chamber Ensembles – small group with one instrument per part.
5. Solo work – one instrument musical pieces
6. Choral music – uses large choirs – vocal music pieces.
Rock Music
A. Rock music is a form of popular music that evolved from rock and roll and
pop music during the mid- and late 1960s. Harsher and often selfconsciously more serious than its predecessors, it was initially
characterized by musical experimentation and drug-related or antiEstablishment lyrics.
B. Rock through the decades
1. 50s
a. The cross of electric blues, boogie, jazz, gospel, R&B and
country was named “Rock and Roll.”
b. First rock n roll hit “Rock around the Clock” played in 1955.
c. Big Names: Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly
2. 60s
a. In 1964 British bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones
began to top the chart starting “The British Invasion.”
b. Lyrics begin to include social consciousness and political
statements.
c. Harder rock sounds begin to emerge paving the way for metal.
d. Big Names: The Beatles, The Rolling Stones
III.
3. 70s
a. Hard rock, heavy metal, and progressive rock emerge.
b. Bands go from playing in clubs and theatres to arenas and
stadiums.
c. Clear distinction made between rock and pop.
d. Big Names: The Who, Led Zeppelin
4. 80s
a. MTV and VH1 emerge popularizing music videos
b. Female artists became more successful
c. Records and concerts that support charities become popular
d. Big Names: Michael Jackson, Madonna
5. 90s
a. Alternative rock, grunge, and pop punk grow in popularity.
b. Computers allow for creation of digital music.
c. Internet and sound compression allow for digital distribution of
music.
d. Big Names: Nirvana, Green Day
Jazz Music
A. History
1. Jazz roots trace back to times of slavery in America. “Call and
Response” songs were used by slaves to tell stories and pass the time.
2. Spirituals were also sung by slaves. These songs expressed their
strong religious beliefs and their desire for freedom.
3. In the 1800s, Scott Joplin combined the compositional styles of Irish
jigs and German waltzes with the rhythmic and melodic music of the
black community. This became “ragtime.”
4. In the 1900s, New Orleans played a large role in the evolution of jazz.
Musical traditions from all over the world began to unite. African
American musicians merged European musical tradition with such
music as blues, ragtime, and marching band to create a new style of
music—jazz.
5. African Americans began migrating to northern cities like Chicago and
New York in search of better opportunity. With them, they brought the
sounds of jazz and blues. Jazz went from being played only in New
Orleans to becoming a staple of the American airwaves, dance halls,
and homes.
6. A new style of jazz, "big band swing," emerged. This became the most
popular music of the 1930s and 40s. Because of its highly energetic
beat, swing music brought people to the dance floor every night.
7. The civil rights movement also had an impact on jazz and the jazz
music scene. African American jazz artists had long resented the white
owned record companies and clubs that controlled their income. Some
artists wanted to break away from these establishments and control
their own music.
B. Bebop Jazz
1. Small group of musicians – which meant more solo time!
2. Improvisation
3. Melody jumps and twists
4. Noteable Names: Dizzy Gillepsie, Thelonious Monk
C. Big Band/Swing
1. Big band began in the 20s and was soon also known as swing.
2. Made of 3 sections – Brass (trombones/trumpets), Reeds
(Saxophones), Rhythm (drums, piano, bass, guitar)
3. Bands of 10-25 musicians
4. Spontaneous improvised solos
5. Inspired new types of dance
6. Most popular genre on the radio
7. Noteable Names: Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman
D. The Blues/Gospel Jazz
1. Created from a mixture of spirituals, work songs, chants, and field
cries. It is characterized by very specific chord progressions.
2. Created in the late 1800s.
3. Played in juke joints– where African Americans went to listen to music
at the end of their work day.
4. Noteable Names: Muddy Waters, B.B. King
E. Ragtime
1. Synthesis of European classical music and African American music.
2. 1897-1918
3. 1893 World’s Fair ragtime shows caused curiosity in the music world
and started a new era in music.
4. Related to cakewalks, fox trot, two step, and characteristic march
5. Noteable Names: Scott Joplin, Jelly Roll Morton
F. Other Noteable Names
1. Louis Armstrong – trumpet player, invented scat singing
2. Miles Davis – trumpet player – blues
3. Billie Holiday – singer – blues
4. Norah Jones – modern Jazz singer
5. Harry Connick Jr. – Modern Jazz singer/musician