eCheat.com RSS Feedhttps://www.echeat.com/ Contemporary Dance Description Name: Instructor: Course: Date: Contemporary Dance Description Contemporary dance refers to an expressive style of dance which allows freedom of expression both mentally and physically to relay specific information to an audience. This combines emotions that links the spirit with the mind and the body to pass information at deeper levels. Elements from different styles of dance like jazz, lyrical, classical ballet and modern are incorporated to form contemporary dance. The dance emphasizes versatility and trial of new ideas, unlike other dance actions that are rigid on instruction. The freedom of movement allows the participants to express inner feeling during the dance (Van Dyck et al., 183). Therefore, in addition to the above, this paper will define contemporary dance and describe its history. The contemporary dance began in 20th century with early development in North America and Europe. The strict rules in other dance; lyrical and classical ballet had become too much for the dancers to bear hence the need to eliminate the rules. This led to exploration from all dance moves across the world that gave rise to contemporary dance (Hesmondhalgh, David, and L. Meier, 98). The dance does not have restrictions and guarantees for entirely different movements including dancing on the floor as much as the physical fitness of an individual may allow. When performed on the floor, the dance depends on the physics principle of gravity that enables the dancer to make amazing moves and flow. The roots of this popular dance are linked to most aspiring individuals in history. Among them are Isadora Duncan, Merce Cunningham and Martha Graham who needed to prove to the universe contemporary dance is possible. Indeed the dance instilled a sense in contemporary dancers to embrace the freedom, and step up from older dancing styles. Also, the earlier skills of Indian health yoga entail certain dancing philosophies that are similar to principles of contemporary dance. Martha Graham introduced contemporary dance, making sure it gained enough fame and popularity in the world. During her dancing career, her modern dance and choreographies became known and had remained competent with the work of other legends in entertainment. As a result, she was privileged to be the first dancer to entertain at the White House earning her a medal of freedom. Her dancing moves do not only relate to the art geniuses but also influential dancing masters. All these individuals worked in popularizing contemporary dance. Merce Cunningham improved the work of 2017-10-26T03:11:20.033-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Contemporary-Dance-Description-45387.aspx Music “Music, when soft voices die, vibrates in the memory”-PB Shelley. Music is the only art form which can be felt. We can’t touch music, but music touches us. It is an expression of certain aesthetic ideas through rhythm, tune and language. Music is that bridge which connects our soul-that inner self in us which is hidden from the society and even our conscious selves, to the outside world, or more specifically, to other people’s souls. We have National Anthems for every Nation, religious hymns and even songs that we choose as a group anthem or as a couple song-to mark our years of togetherness as friends or as couples. When we sing our National Anthem, on a day of National importance, all the citizens of our nation feel connected together through our hearts and souls- and it is that music called our National Anthem that brings this feeling of togetherness within us. Our religious hymns make us feel united to God. Our group songs make our friendship special to us-it connects our souls and make us feel one, thus enhancing the feeling of togetherness and binding us closer together. The same is the case with our couple songs. When we listen to chartbuster songs, it makes us feel that there are others in the world who feels the song in the same way in which we feel. Music, this five-lettered word has had an important and an irresistible impact upon the world since times immemorial. Over the years, music has been improved and diversified. Eminent musicians across the world in ancient times have not only entertained the rulers of their times, but have also invented new musical instruments and also improvised those present then. Tansen- one of the ‘Navratnas’ or The Nine Gems of one of the greatest rulers of Medieval India- King Akbar of the Mughal Dynasty, was one of the most acclaimed musicians of medieval India. We also have Beethoven, the legendary music composer and pianist. The sitar and table were a result of fusion of Hindustani and Arabic music. Thus, music has been having its significance since ancient days. In today’s world too, music has its significance. In fact, due to extensive research on 2015-07-31T12:20:28.12-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Music-35128.aspx Mozart Trung Vu Professor Hausey Music 101 26 April 2015 Mozart: Artistic Genius Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is one of the best composers in history. In fact, he was the most famous child prodigy in musical history, both as a performer and a composer. People knew that young Mozart would follow his father, Leopold Mozart, as a great musician, but they did not know how talented his son would become. The day before his fifth birthday, young Mozart played a complicated song on the piano without slowing down which surprised his father. People of his time were amazed at how Mozart, a mere child, was able to play the piano so quickly and smoothly. He left his legacy to mankind, which includes sonatas, operas, concertos, symphonies, chamber music, and church music. He is still regarded in the 21st century as a remarkable and great musical genius. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in Salzburg, Austria, January 27, 1756 (EarlyMusic.com). His family was not very rich, but he always dreamt about a better life. His father, Leopold Mozart, was a talented violist who recognized his son was an unusual child with an ability to play classical music perfectly. Wolfgang was also interested in the sound of violin and piano and studied them in many countries. He became an accomplished pianist when he was only five years old, composed five sonatas when he was ten years old, and played at church on tour with great confidence. When Wolfgang was in Paris, he performed five sonatas in the procession that he wrote when he was ten, and people walking through were impressed by his musical compositions. The Mozart family traveled to over five countries near Austria, to see and watch concerts because music was his greatest passion at this time of his life. He had his first solo performance at Frankfurt before Francis I of Vienna when he was five years old (Letters.Mozartways.com). He played his best music, showing the king his many skills and touching the hearts of the people in the theater. In 1766, he came back to perform in his homeland and was hailed as a great artist. Furthermore, the audiences cheered and applauded his musical compositions, and gave many flowers to him on the stage. In addition, his work impacted humankind all around the world. During his life, Mozart composed 2015-07-15T16:20:37.683-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Mozart-35126.aspx The Magic Flute and Freemasonry 2015-04-15T14:39:57.18-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/The-Magic-Flute-and-Freemasonry-35104.aspx A deep insight into Hiphop culture's history, origin and development “To what extent has hiphop culture changed and derived from its early form. Can Conscious Hiphop be considered a modern extension of Civil Rights Movement?” Queensbridge borough of New York City is the biggest housing project in the world. It consists of 96 buildings and over 2.2 million inhabitants with an unemployment rates just below 10 %. To make matter worst Queens is just one of the five biggest boroughs in New York, other being Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Long Island which share similar figures to Queensbridge or even worst. However, these are the poorest areas of the Big Apple, which also consists of one of the most expensive apartments and boroughs (Upper East Side, Morningside Heights, Midtown and Flatiron). Regardless the area, modern New York enjoys much better economic situation than in the past. 1970s are considered to be the worst economic times in the history of New York. City’s stock exchange fell dramatically in 1975, what impacted heavily on New York’s financial situation as the city kept spending welfare funds to cover daily costs and debts. Vietnam War continued on from sixties what emptied governments pockets too. In 1973 the Arab Oil Embargo stopped cheap supply of gas that forced the city to buy from more expensive gasoline. Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens were feeling the pinch the most. If it wasn’t for Teachers Union, which bought Municipal Assistance Corporation bonds for $150 million the city would go bankrupt, what would then cause unrecoverable unemployment rates. Abraham Beame, Mayor of New York, has given this speech on 17th of October 1975: “I have been advised by the controller that the City of New York has insufficient cash on hand to meet debt obligations due today. This constitutes the default that we have struggled to avoid." New York’s crime rates rose to the highest ever in history as prostitutes had flooded the streets of Brooklyn, Central Park became a common place for rapes, muggings and murders. Police itself became subject to investigation as NYPD had been proven to be notoriously corrupt. Charlotte Street, South Bronx, 1970s. This noisy street of the Bronx has been desolated by poverty and unemployment. It seems obvious that during such hard and hopeless times it is very easy to spread negativity and violence within a community. However, New York’s history of 1970s has also brought some hope in the form of a new culture, new movement 2013-04-23T08:31:10.297-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/A-deep-insight-into-Hiphop-culture-s-history,-origin-and-development-34863.aspx Rap Music and it's Lyrics Music Lyrics being non violent Rap music can be considered a style of art, and a way for the artists to express feelings through their words on paper. However, there are quite a few rap artists that get criticized for their lyrics. In my essay, I want to discuss why rappers use certain lyrics in their music and why people shouldn’t believe that it causes violence among the younger generations. People shouldn’t censor the music just because of violent, vulgar and abusive messages it promotes to the world. I believe in my own mind, that there is a reason for these types of lyrics that rap artists use and I will simply explain those reasons in this essay. Rap has been called one of the most important music forces to emerge in two decades. It’s pounding beats and staccato rhymes exploded on the streets of the urban America in the early 1980s and since have become the theme music and lyrical heart of the vibrant youth culture called hip-hop ( SIRS 1993). There are many different types of rap artist. There are some that talk about money, some talk about righteousness, and the list goes on and on. Every rap artist had their own way of expressing themselves. There are those that talk about sex, drugs, and violence who receive the negative attention( SIRS 1993). People, think this so- called gangster rap is a bad influence on children in the world and that it promotes violence and that it also is abusive to women. Delores Tucker, head of national congress of black women has been among those pressuring different record companies to stop distributing gangster rap music. There were other significant names that participated in this action. Names like Senate Majority leader Bob dole, and former education Secretary William J. Bennett(Surveys, pg. 1). There are some rap artists that have been openly criticized for their lyrics. Rappers like Lil Kim, Too Short, Snoop Doggy Dogg, and a member from “Too Live Crew,” named Luke Skywalker. These rap artists in the past have been appointed for the things they say in their music. Lil Kim talks about sex in her music, Too Short talks about drugs, sex, and how much of a pimp he is, and Luke Skywalker talks about girls and sex. The lyrics that these rap artist use in their music might not be suitable for everybody to listen 2012-01-14T19:06:37.913-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Rap-Music-and-it-s-Lyrics-34431.aspx Comparison Essay on Carmen Micaela in the opera This essay compares the characters of Carmen and Micaela in the opera. Bizet: Carmen I Introduction Carmen is a wonderful opera. The story of a love gone horribly wrong, it is filled with beautiful music that serves a realistic plot line. There is none of the spectacle that we associate with operas like “Aida” or Wagner’s “Ring,” but none is needed, for we are caught in a human drama. This paper compares and contrasts two of the characters, Carmen and Micaela. II Discussion There are actually two pairs of characters that we could examine, Carmen and Micaela; and Escamillo and Don Jose. We might loosely characterize Carmen and Escamillo as the “bad” guys; and Micaela and Don Jose as “good,” though they are really far too complex to fit easily into any such pigeonholes. They are passionate people, and that leads to their downfall. The New York City Opera cast plays out this timeless tragedy in style, though at least one critic was not particularly kind. He described Katharine Goeldner’s (Carmen) movement as “awkward,” though he liked her voice. He found Carl Tanner’s Don Jose equally stiff physically which made him a good match for Goeldner’s Carmen, and merely adequate vocally; Paulo Szot as Escamillo fared slightly better in the reviewer’s eyes, who suggests that he is a still-developing talent; and Nicolle Foland “sang Micaela’s music sweetly and with an air of innocent devotion, which is everything one needs in a Micaela.” (Kozinn 2003, E5). With that “damned-with-faint-praise” review in mind, let’s examine the characters of Carmen and Micaela. Micaela is the only truly good person in the opera. She is a girl from Don Jose’s village who is now taking care of his mother. Furthermore, she is the woman Jose’s mother would like to see married to her son. When she first appears, she asks the other soldiers if Don Jose is in the barracks, and when they flirt with her, she says she has to leave, and will be back later. (Carmen would have flirted right back, and beat them at their own game.) When she meets Don Jose, she kisses him on the cheek, saying that the kiss is from his mother. His reaction is gentle: he says that she reminds him of home, and that through her kiss, he can see his mother and their village. 2011-10-27T13:25:29.857-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Comparison-Essay-on-Carmen-Micaela-in-the-opera-34182.aspx Webern Five Orchestral Pieces This essay examines the fourth piece in Webern’s Opus 10. I Introduction Anton von Webern (1883-1945), according to liner notes, was “a composer continually in the process of remaking himself while remaining true to his deepest spiritual promptings.” (MacDonald, p. 4). A pupil of Schoenberg, he is often associated with that composer because of his work in what is usually called “atonal” music, but he wrote some very melodic pieces as well. This paper looks at one of his very short compositions, no. IV, “Fleißend, äußerst zart” from “Five Orchestral Pieces,” op. 10. II Discussion I found this composition on a CD by the Cleveland Orchestra, Christoph von Dohnányi conducting. The same piece played by different orchestras under different conductors will vary in length, depending on the tempo the conductor prefers. On this recording, it is exactly 30 seconds long. For something that short, it’s an amazingly complex piece of music. I’ve listened to it repeatedly, and the word I can best use to describe it is “mysterious” or perhaps “otherworldly.” It is ephemeral, like something you see from the corner of your eye. It’s hard to truly understand the piece, because it’s over so quickly, and yet the sense lingers of their being something going on just out of hearing; something we could hear if we could strain just a bit harder or if it were only a second or two longer. The piece starts with two very faint notes being plucked by a stringed instrument in the first two seconds. Three more notes sound on seconds 3, 4 and 5; they are also plucked, and the note that is played at second three drops over an octave, and is actually two notes played very quickly, though not a chord. The note on second 4 is in the upper register, even higher than the note that began the piece, and the note at second 5 comes down slightly in pitch. Second 6 is silent. Just before second 7 (on the upbeat), a horn sounds a single note and holds it for eight seconds (8-16). It doesn’t change pitch, but the timbre is very clear, and it grows louder, then softer, then louder and softer, louder and softer three times in succession. These crescendos occur at one-second intervals, on 10, 11, and 12. At the same time, a second horn joins in. It provides dissonance: 2011-10-27T13:21:39.99-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Webern-Five-Orchestral-Pieces-34180.aspx Tupac Shakur This paper examines the influences on Shakur in his early life and how those influences shaped his lyrics. I Introduction Gangsta rap icon Tupac Shakur was shot dead in Las Vegas in 1996, but his standing and influence in the world of music is possibly greater now than it was during his lifetime. Part of this cult status is due to his untimely death, but most of it is due to his impact on the industry, and the ways in which his lyrics moved the members of his audience. What makes a legend? This paper examines the early influences on the rapper, particularly his mother Afeni Shakur and how that early influence shaped his lyrics. II Brief Biography Tupac Shakur was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1971 to Afeni Shakur; both she and Shakur’s father, Billy Garland (whom the boy never knew), were active in the Black Panther movement. Afeni had in fact done jail time. In 1985, Afeni moved the family to Baltimore where Tupac attended the Baltimore School for the Performing Arts; and in 1988, to Marin City, California. (Edwards, PG). (This account is the direct opposite of Kellogg’s article, in which he states that Shakur left his mother in New York.) (PG). Whatever the truth of the matter, the rapper wound up on the Left Coast, and began his career in the music business. He got his start in the group Digital Underground, but also became involved in petty crime, and wound up in jail several times. His big break came in 1991 with the release of “2Pacalypse Now,” and he continued to release hugely successful albums for the next five years. He also appeared in a half-dozen films. (Kellogg, PG). Rumors about his death, which remains unsolved, abound, but many sources mention a West Coast/East Coast “feud” among rappers. But the stark fact of the matter is that Shakur was gunned down in Las Vegas in September, 1996. III Influences on Shakur Shakur never knew his father, Billy Garland. Afeni married Lumumba Shakur, and she, her husband, and her husband’s brother Muula Shakur were all involved in the Black Panther movement. The family was poor and lived in the inner city, which meant that Shakur grew up with a basic understanding of the plight of poor urban blacks. But his mother’s political activism also meant that he was exposed 2011-10-26T23:50:08.073-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Tupac-Shakur-34165.aspx Avril Lavigne Avril Lavigne Whibley was born September 27, 1984. Avril Lavigne is a Canadian pop punk/modern rock singer, songwriter, fashion designer, and actress. In 2006, Canadian Business Magazine ranked her the seventh most powerful Canadian in Hollywood. Avril Lavigne's music contains element of modern rockpop punkpop rock, power pop and alternative rock. Her debut album, Let Go, was released in 2002. Nearly 17 million copies were sold worldwide, and it was certified six times platinum in the United States. Her second and third albums, Under My Skin and The Best Damn Thing reached number one on the U.S. Billboard. Lavigne has scored six number one songs worldwide and a total of eleven top ten hits. In December of 2007, Avril was ranked number 8 in the Forbes "Top 20 Earners Under 25", with annual earnings of $12 million. Currently, Avril Lavigne has sold over 30 million albums worldwide. Avril Lavigne was born in Belleville, Ontario on September 27, 1984 to Judy and John Lavigne. Avril is French for "April", and ‘la vigne’ means "the vineyard". She has an older brother, Matthew, and a younger sister, Michelle. Her mother was the first to spot young her talent. At the age of 2, Avril began singing along with her mother on church songs. The family moved to Napanee, Ontario, when she was five years old. In 1998, Avril won a competition to sing with fellow Canadian singer Shania Twain on her first major concert tour. She appeared alongside Shania Twain at her concert in Ottawa, appearing on stage to sing "What Made You Say That". She was discovered by her first professional manager, Cliff Fabri, while singing country song at a bookstore in Kingston, Ontario. At the age of 16, she was signed by Ken Krongard, the A&R representative of Arista Records, who invited the head of Arista, to hear her sing at the a New York City studio. She completed work on her first album, Let Go. Which was released on June 4 in 2002. This made Lavigne, at seventeen, the youngest female soloist to have a number-one album in the UK up till that time. The album shows definite pop rock roots, however, alternative and post-grunge influences can be heard in some of the songs. Her second album, my personal favorite, Under My Skin, was released on May 25, of 2004. It debuted at number one in the; U.S. the UK, Germany, Japan, Australia, Canada, 2009-02-18T01:29:07-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Avril-Lavigne-33979.aspx Kurt Cobain The Fallen Angel by Adeel Salman Kurt Cobain- The Fallen Angel by Adeel Salman Nirvana is a state of ultimate ecstasy. Kurt Cobain was an agent of this ecstasy. May it be the angst ridden 'Smells like teen spirit' or the defiant 'Come as you are'; all songs of Kurt have that sado-masochistic appeal towards finding the ultimate joy which clearly blares through his raw grunge vocals and edgy guitar riffs. The Post second world war generation, that is more aptly known as the Generation X. Generation X can technically be defined as the generation following the Baby Boomers who were the result of the second world war. Xers were born between 1965 and 1980. This was the generation that had gone through the freeze of the 70s, the punk invasion of the early 80s and who had no issues in sleeping together before they were married, did not believe in God, were bitter toward the rulers, and had no respect for their parents. This generation turned out to be the masses that thronged Nirvana's concerts and filled his massive fan following. On April 5, 1994, the lead singer and songwriter of Nirvana, Kurt Cobain, silently placed the end barrel of a shotgun into his mouth and pulled the trigger. And so ended the life of so much promise. But why did it have to come to this? Perhaps the reasons will never be known, but there were a few things that haunted Cobain throughout his life that he just couldn't seem to get away from. Cobain's parents were separated when he was nine years old, and according to friends and family, the divorce that would shortly follow thereafter proved itself to be somewhat of a turning point in the way Cobain viewed himself and others. Up until then, Kurt was a happy child who was full of smiles and who also was ready and willing to forgive anyone who hurt him. But that all changed in 1976. For the rest of his life, Cobain would never forgive his father, and in time he had a hard time forgetting about his problems. In 1981, Cobain received his first guitar on his fourteenth birthday. It was no secret that he liked music. He loved the Beatles and would sing a song whenever someone asked him to. He was already showing the signs of a talented youngster who held promise in music and writing. In 1986 Kurt decided to 2009-02-07T09:44:26-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Kurt-Cobain-The-Fallen-Angel-by-Adeel-Salman-33951.aspx Women Are You Selling or Being Bought? While as a society we would like think that women's equality is a very real and sincere outcome of the battles for social progress within the last hundred years, rap music keeps suggesting that men still define and control things. For example, love. In their tracks that Usain Bolted up the charts, T.I., 50 Cent and Lil’ Wayne reveal that the love of a woman is 2009-01-18T00:01:06-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Women-Are-You-Selling-or-Being-Bought-33943.aspx Ultrasonic Sound CONTENTS 1.Introduction.…………………………………………………………………3 1.1 History………………………………………………………………3 1.2 Wave structure………………………………………………………3 2. Ultrasound.………………………………………………………………….4 2.1 Special features of Ultrasound …………………………………… .6 3.Sources of ultrasound………………………………………………………..6 3.1 Mechanical emitters…….…………………………………………...7 3.2 Electro-acoustic transducers………………………………………...8 4. Usage of ultrasound………………………………………………………..10 4.1 Ultrasonic cleaning….……………………………………………..10 4.2 Ultrasonic welding…………………………………………………10 4.3 Ultrasonic soldering and tin coating…………….…………………12 4.4 Production processes acceleration with the help of ultrasound……12 4.5 Ultrasonic flaw detection...........…………………………………...12 4.6 Ultrasound usage in radio electronicsî………………..……….…12 4.7 Ultrasound in medical treatment…………………………..……….13 5. Conclusion ………………………………....…………..……………13 1. Introduction As long as ultrasound does not appear to be audible due to its high frequency bands the use of it in sound industry (music or film) is insignificant, though it is used for a huge amount of applications in science, industrial production and medical treatment. In this work I will analyze most common ways of ultrasound generation and investigate some ways of its usage .But let us first look how the history of ultra sound started. 1.1 History The research of high frequency oscillations began in 1876, when a British physician Francis Galton generated high frequency sound waves with the help of a device which later was called “Galton Whistle”. Along with the flow of gas through a thin pipe high frequency oscillations emerged. Pic.1 Galton’s Whistle But the most significant discovery for the contemporary ultrasonic devices was generating oscillations in crystals with the help of electricity. In 1880 in Paris Pierre and Jacques Curie discovered piezoelectric effect- a production of electricity when applying mechanical pressure to certain crystals (Quartz or Rochelle salt); alternatively, electrostatic stress produces a change in the linear dimensions of the crystal. Piezoelectric crystals – is the fundamental of any contemporary ultrasonic device. 1.2 Wave structure The physical phenomenon of sound waves is an example of oscillating process, and any kind of oscillation presumes deviation from balanced state and described with its characteristic digression from balanced values. Sound represents mechanical vibrations of an elastic environment (solid, liquid or gaseous), which lead to creation of consistently alternating fields of compression and rarefaction so the same refers to ultrasound, though ultra sound has special features which are different from sound waves of audible range. It is easier focused due to its smaller wavelength and as a result you get an increase of intensity of ultrasonic oscillations. It was discovered that its propagation in gases, liquids and solid objects leads to different phenomena, the majority of which 2008-11-25T13:52:29-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Ultrasonic-Sound-33889.aspx Music Publishing What Not to Miss When Negotiating Your Publishing Contract, By Lloyd J. Jassin, Esq. Visit: [1] What are the major types of publishing agreements out there? The seven (7) basic music publishing contracts are: (1) Single Song Agreement: A single song deal is an agreement between the writer and the music publisher in which the writer grants certain rights to a publisher for one or more songs. In single song deals, the writer is paid a one-time recoupable advance. (2) Exclusive Song Writer Agreement ("ESWA"): Under the ESWA or "staff writer" contract, the song writer generally grants all of the publisher’s share of the income to the music publisher. The writer’s services are exclusive to the music publishers for a specified period of time. Thus, any compositions written within that period belong to the music publisher. These deals are usually offered to writers with some degree of success. Because the writer has a track record of writing hits, the publisher feels confident that it will recoup its investment. In return for signing away exclusive rights to some or all the writer’s songs, the writer gets paid by the publisher a negotiated advance against future royalties. The advance amount naturally depends on the writer’s bargaining power and on the competition in marketplace, if any. Under a staff writer deal, the writer is paid on a weekly or quarterly basis. An ESWA can be either tied to a record contract, or independent of a record contract. (3) Co-publishing Agreement ("Co-pub"): The co-publishing ("co-pub") deal is perhaps the most common publishing agreement. Under this deal, the songwriter and the music publisher are "co-owners" of the copyrights in the musical compositions. The writer becomes the "co-publisher" (i.e. co-owner) with the music publisher based on an agreed split of the royalties. The song writer assigns an agreed percentage to the publisher, usually (but not always), a 50/50 split. Thus, the writer conveys _ of the publisher's share to the publisher, but retains all of writer’s share. In a typical "75/25 co-pub deal," the writer gets 100% of the song writer’s share, and 50% of the publisher’s share, or 75% of the entire copyrights, with the remaining 25% going to the publisher. Thus, when royalties are due and payable, the writer/co-publisher will receive 75% of the income, while the publisher will retain 25%. (4) Administration Agreement ("Admin"): An administrative agreement takes place between a songwriter/publisher and an independent administrator, or between a 2008-01-06T14:06:50-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Music-Publishing-33489.aspx A Story of Tejanos and Their Music “A Story of Tejanos and Their Music” Imagine driving through South Texas. As you pass through the small towns, countryside, the cities of Austin and San Antonio and head towards the border, you are swallowed by a culture so colorful and proud. Tejano is not only by definition Mexican American music, it is a term used to describe the people, the food and the traditions. Mexicans migrated to Texas and worked hard. They struggled with discrimination, starting a new, and being away from their homeland. As Tejanos moved further north they not only brought their families, they brought their culture. A life style that consisted of Mexican traditions that after time, began to blend with American and European customs. As these traditions began to fuse together we gain an interesting outcome, Tejano music. The traditional music of Mexico is Rancheras. This genre of music consists of lyrics that include love, patriotism and nature. The word Ranchera is derived from Rancho because it came from the rural countryside of Mexico. In the movie “Songs of a homeland” they use Lydia Mendoza as an example of a popular Ranchera musician. Lydia Mendoza was popular during the 1930’s and was one of the first women to be recorded. She was known as “the singer of the poor.” This traditional music was a big influence on the Mexicans that migrated to Texas. Through Rancheras, Conjunto music was born. Rancheras were passed from generation to generation. As New Tejanos became homesick it was only expected for the songs that reminded them of their roots to follow them. As time passed and the population in Texas grew, new influences began to fill the land and impact the existing cultures. Conjunto music was created from the European soft styles and the music from northern Mexico. The influence of instruments like the button accordion from German settlers made quite an impression on Tejano music. Accordion music is community based, which was perfect because Tejano was fan based in a fan driven market. Two popular musicians were the “Father of Conjunto”, Narciso Martinez and master accordion player, Valerio Longoria. Promoters would take the groups to where the people were. The fields were the stage and the migrant workers the audience. Music was not recorded very much in the 40’s so it worked out well. It was very common for Tejano bands to travel throughout south Texas playing for 2007-05-06T00:35:27-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/A-Story-of-Tejanos-and-Their-Music-33191.aspx Conjunto Texan Music Tejano Origins Songs of the Homeland by independent producer, Hector Galán, is an introduction to Tejano music. This documentary serves as a musical study and as social history. Through the eyes and voices of those who have helped to keep this tradition alive, we are able to trace the history of Tejano music. Songs of the Homeland offers a broad historical time span, clear musical connections to both rural and urban social contexts and significantly treats Orquesta and contemporary Tejano music. Songs of the Homeland brings the story of Tejano music to life by looking at musicians who have played key roles in keeping the tradition alive through following generations. Conjunto was born in the 19th century, when Valley Tejano musicians adapted the accordion music of German and Eastern European settlers. Conjunto music has humble immigrant origins. It was very common to have bands at the fields playing for its audience, the working class. From its ranchero past to its growing future, conjunto is a joyous celebration of life and love and sometimes, even tears. Tejano music is a rich part of the fabric of American cultural history. The number of Mexican Americans in the States today has multiplied since the 1930’s. That being true results in a large percentage of people who have deep roots connected to Tejano music. Tejanos have turned to their unique musical traditions for inspiration and entertainment. This music is the medium that reflects the Mexican-American spirit. The music, like the people, has been shaped by the experience of living between the two cultures, American and Mexican. It gives rise to a genre that is neither entirely Mexican nor American. Conjunto was isolated until World War II, when Chicanos served as soldiers and moved to the cities. Before this, Tejanos dealt with discrimination and it continued after the war. The only difference was that Tejanos were no longer capable or willing to be treated so unfairly. As things in politics began to transform, so did the music. The growing middle class began dancing to the stylish orchestra sounds of Isidro Lopez. Polka accordionist, Tony de la Rosa, introduced drums and electric instruments to post-war conjunto. Mexican music with a stronger American and European influence began to become popular. Tejano was influenced by Jazz, Rock and Roll and even Pop. A new standard in Tejano music was 2007-05-06T00:30:30-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Conjunto-Texan-Music-33190.aspx Nigerian Music MUSIC OF NIGERIA Music is a transcendent experience, a ceremonial act that cleanses off the impurities of the soul and narrates, in its own idiom, a drama representing historical events as relating to a particular people. If intently listened to, music can tell more than historical facts ever could. It expresses the feelings of the people and it is an everlasting voice to past struggles against society, government and even racism. Known as the heartland of African music, Nigeria developed several popular styles like apala, fuji, jùjú, and Yo-pop. Little is known about the country’s music history prior to European contact, but bronze carvings dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries have been found depicting musicians and their instruments. The music of Nigeria includes many kinds of folk and popular music. Styles of folk music are related to the multitudes of ethnic groups in the country, each with their own techniques, instruments, songs—history and meaning (Nigeria-planet.com). Aaron Copland, a US composer once stated “…they asked, 'Is there a meaning to music?' My answer would be, 'Yes.' And 'Can you state in so many words what the meaning is?' My answer to that would be, 'No.'” (1900 - 1990). Introduction to the music of Nigeria, Africa Nigeria is called the heart of African music because of its contribution to the development of West African highlife, which is characterized by jazzy horns and multiple guitars which lead the band, and palm-wine music—the combination of local melodies and rhythms with Trinidadian calypso by using guitars brought by Portuguese sailors. Nigerian music is known for its highly complex musical compositions that employ simultaneous and contrasting rhythms. Musicologist considered it to be the most rhythmically complex music in the World (Music, Wikipedia.com). Several popular styles which fuse native rhythms with techniques imported from the Congo were apala, fuji, jùjú, and Yo-pop. These are unique to Nigeria and later evolved into different styles such as United States hip-hop and Jamaican reggae (Nigeria-planet.com). Folk music, dependant of the ethnic group Folk music is an integral part of the Nigerian community. It has deep roots in its own culture, since it is created by and for the common people. Traditional music from Nigeria is not for pure entertaiment but rather performed to mark 2007-05-06T00:27:06-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Nigerian-Music-33189.aspx The Life and Music of Tupac Shakur The Life and Music of Tupac Shakur What does it take to be an icon of the 21st century? An icon is a symbol representing what a person did to be admired by many people and achieved many things rarely an ordinary person can do. I would consider Tupac to be an icon of the 21st century because he became a living symbol of his generations to many hip-hop and rap fans all over the world. He was the son of Afeni Shakur and Billy Garland. At his teens, his family moved to Baltimore, MD. He attended The Baltimore School for the Performing Arts and studied acting and ballet. At this school, the teachers had an impression of Tupac that he had an outstanding potential. Unfortunately, he had to move to Oakland, CA with his family and that was when he began to, as Tupac called it, “Hang with the wrong crowd.” As a true icon of the 21st century, Tupac had many great qualities and was very humble because he grew up in the poorest part of the city and he knew the feeling of being poor. After all of his success he never in any way try to flaunt about his wealth and that he showed strength not by money but by the words he sang and wrote. Tupac Shakur can be characterized as a rapper, an actor and a great personality. One of the greatest aspects that create Tupac is his great talent of being a great rapper. Baltimore was the city where Tupac really began getting into the art of emceeing. In Baltimore, at the age of fourteen, Tupac was known as MC New York. In California, he joined the rap group Digital Underground to learn the ropes of the hip-hop industry, and became the dancer for the crew. A year later, Tupac finally recorded a song with Digital Underground called, “Same Song.” Not long before the group received award-winning success, Tupac came out with his own album called, “2pacalypse Now”, which was also a success. His hit single, “Brenda’s Got A Baby”, launched Tupac’s career like a rocket, which went gold and sold over 500,000 copies. In 1993 he recorded and released, “Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z”, an album that brought him into the pop charts. In 1995, Tupac produced his most impressive accomplishments, which included, “Me Against The World”, that sold two million copies, 2007-05-04T17:15:15-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/The-Life-and-Music-of-Tupac-Shakur-33185.aspx Music and History of Dave Matthews Music and History of Dave Matthews Dave Matthews, aided by his incredibly talented band-mates, created music that filled a spiritual void in his fans’ lives, replacing separatism with multicultural tolerance not usually advocated in today’s society, using grass roots touring and advertising methods. Dave Matthews’ culturally diverse background helped him to develop a culturally tolerant mentality. Most of Dave Matthews’ tolerant outlook on society can be traced back to his exposure at a young age to various cultures and societies, while his family relocated frequently. Dave Matthews was born January 9, 1967 in Johannesburg, South Africa. When Dave Matthews was two years old his family moved to Westchester County, NY, so his father could work for IBM. Dave separated from his family and went to Cambridge in the early 70’s returning before 1977, the year his father died. The Matthews family relocated to Johannesburg in the early 80’s. Dave moved to Charlottesville, VA in 1986, where his parents lived before he was born. Dave Matthews took piano lessons as a child in Charlottesville, before picking up the guitar at age nine. Dave Matthews accredits his openness both mentally and musically to time spent in many different places as a child. Dave Matthews received schooling while moving between South Africa and Virginia, leaving little impact on the formation of Matthews’ culturally tolerant mindset. Dave Matthews had the majority of his schooling while living with his mom in South Africa. Dave claims to have “got more wise about the evils of government” while attending school. Dave Matthews took formal piano lessons while growing up in Charlottesville, before picking up the guitar at age nine. The most significant factor in Dave Matthews' childhood was probably the fact he was exposed to so many different cultures by living in many places while growing up. The potpourri of cultures that Matthews was exposed to at an early age, led to the development of his tolerant mentality. Dave Matthews set an aimed for the Dave Matthews Band to carry on their “grass roots” mentality of touring and releasing live albums, which inadvertently spread the Dave Matthews Band’s tolerant mindset during their unpredictably successful tour. While working as a bartender in Millers, a hot club on the jazz circuit, Matthews hatched the idea to form his own band. Matthews says “I didn’t really have a vision or a plan”. I believe that being surrounded constantly with fresh 2007-04-25T19:33:02-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Music-and-History-of-Dave-Matthews-33128.aspx American History of Hip-Hop Culture American History of Hip-Hop Culture Hip-hop culture developed during the seventies. Throughout its formation, the various elements were at some time or another, deemed unacceptable. Graffiti artists faced jail sentences, break dancing became illegal in some areas, and rap music has been severely criticized for various reasons. These elements were never analyzed in an oppositional manner until recently, however. Hip-hop culture represented the claiming of urban communities by the residents. Writers decorated the empty walls of their communities in an attempt to personalize their surroundings. They also painted trains, which traveled to other communities, and in this sense they developed a living and moving art form. Break dancing claimed space simply because it utilized community space for the performance of a culture specific dance form. Finally, DJing and MCing claimed public space because the main stage for performance was often local parks where they would throw parties for the community. “The power was supplied by the city unknowingly as community members discovered ways in which they could tap into the city's power boxes at no expense to themselves” (Shomari, 45). Therefore, the development of hip-hop culture was inherently oppositional. Rap music now viewed as an area for political debate by many, did not begin with this in mind. Rap music was developed by DJs, who used two of the same records and looped the break beats of the record, which then allowed the beat to be extended infinitely. They also used the record for “scratching.” Scratching is defined as “rapidly moving the record back and forth under the needle to create rap's famous swishing sound” (Small, 12). As the DJ developed the break beat and began to incorporate it into parties, the role of the MC arose. At first the role of the MC, or master of ceremony, was to interact with the crowd by speaking off the top of his head and sometimes rhyming. Soon MCs started competing with each other over who had the most skills at rhyming and hyping the crowd. The original form of rap music was not ground for political expression but rather an arena for entertainment and competition. Rap music, as well as graffiti, eventually moved into the political sphere with the appearance of groups such as Boogie Down Productions and Public Enemy. Very few issues were left untouched, however as one may assume, 2007-04-18T23:36:35-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/American-History-of-Hip-Hop-Culture-33039.aspx Musical Review of Jazz Solo #2 from Snake-Back Musical Review of Jazz Solo #2 from Snake-Back Quincy Troupe is world-renowned for his love of jazz music and for his poetry, which reflects that love. The rhythm and meter of his poems lend themselves easily to live readings, and have a very solid musical quality about them, reminiscent of the very songs that he has listened to his whole life. In his Snake-back Solo 2, he references several famous Jazz artists, including Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong and Miles Davis, two of the most famous jazz artists in history. The structure of this poem, when read aloud, sounds like it could be a jazz song from that era years ago when jazz music was the most prevalent in American culture, especially in New Orleans, widely considered to be the birthplace of jazz music. The rhythm part of any jazz song is usually very repetitive, pushed steadily along by the bass and backed up by the drums. In early jazz recordings, the only rhythm heard was the bass (either a double-bass or stand-up bass) with no drums, or the drummer tapping on the floor or the table. The reason for that was because the drums were too loud and overpowering for the primitive recording devices commonly used back then. The loudness and dominance of the drums and the bass is what drives a jazz song, and is what drives Troupe’s Snack-Back Solo from start to finish. Readers can see Troupe’s prominent use of repetition throughout the solo, signifying the rhythm section of his song. In the first stanza, “mojoin / on in, spacin on in on a riff full of rain / riffin on in full of rain & pain / spacin on in on a sound / like coltrane” (ll. 3-7) is full of repetition (“on in”) and rhyme, setting the reader (or listener) into a rhythm right from the start. Even the use of hard consonants can make the reader feel the bass pushing and the drums kicking: “boogalooin / bass down…/ up & under, eye come slidin…” – the second stanza repeats the phrase “to see” several times, which can bring to mind the sliding of a hand up the fretboard of the bass accompanied by the crash of a cymbal. A jazz solo, usually played by a trumpet or a coronet, would try to bring such soul out of those instruments that it could sound almost like a human 2007-04-18T02:57:41-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Musical-Review-of-Jazz-Solo-2-from-Snake-Back-32976.aspx Death Metal History and Effect on Society Death Metal: Its history and how it has affected people and cultures Have you ever heard of a genre of music so extreme it has been blamed for everything from the burning of churches to the murder of fellow band members? Well that music is commonly known as Death Metal. Because of the extreme measures set by the bands most of the bands are banned from not only touring in some countries but also from their records being sold for being deemed to extreme for the general public. With music about death, Destruction and overthrowing popular religions, it’s not surprising that it is sometimes considered one of the most gruesome, heaviest and most explicit genres of metal. The music usually contains dark and violent lyrics dealing with death, murder, and satanic rights. Some of the more Scandinavian Death Metal is influenced by also Viking's and Norse Pagan mythology. The lyrics also tend to tell a story in one way or another. Its lyrics represent a more nihilistic theme than other branches of heavy metal such as Black or Grind-core metal. Praising death and the over throwing of Christian religion, the lyrics have been known to be very influential to some fans of the more extreme Death Metal bands. It is a very fast paced music used with heavy blast beats and fast rhythmic guitar chords. The vocalist style is usually a low gurgle also sometimes called ‘death grunt’ or high pitched screams and growling. It is distorted by using throat and guts. It also sometimes contains keyboards to add a more classical sound to it which enhances the story telling of the lyrics. It is also very demanding style to play for the artists due to constant chord changing and its fast paced style. Not to mention the toll it takes on your throat and gut while creating the vocal styles. It is commonly said that Death Metal originated in Scandinavia mainly Norway and Sweden. This is certainly supported by the two countries common knowledge of the genre. Also Norway and Sweden being the two countries associated with some of the most extreme acts perused in metal. Not to mention how rural some of the areas are and how dominated those rural areas are by Christianity. A religion which the genre stands firmly against going as far as killing priests and burning down churches that stood for centuries. Most Death metal bands have an image 2007-03-29T18:23:04-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Death-Metal-History-and-Effect-on-Society-32877.aspx The Message in Bob Dylan's The Times They Are A-Changin The Political Message in Bob Dylan's “The Times They Are A-Changin” The events of the past continue to influence and shape the present and the future, particularly the decade of the 1960’s, which was a time often called the “decade of discontent” because of demonstrations against the Vietnam War. Americans were divided between patriotism and the desire for peace. Some agreed with President Johnson’s involvement in Vietnam for the common goal of eliminating communism, others became entranced in the peace movements that usually involved mass protests. For those who protested our involvement in the longest war we ever took part in, songs of the times were an inspiration, particularly songs of Bob Dylan, whose influential songs often protested what many considered the wrongs of society. “The Times Are A-Changin,” one of Dylan’s biggest hits that expressed the feelings of the younger generation, has been called an “anthem for the protest movement” (D&S, p.899). The 1960’s represent a time when the youth were no longer complacent with their role in society, it was a time of revolutionary change in thinking and lifestyle from the 1950’s, and those ideas continue to evolve today. The major issue engulfing the 1960’s was the Vietnam War. The country of Vietnam was divided into two parts: the Communist Democratic Republic of Vietnam (commonly called North Bietnam) and the noncommunist Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam). North Vietnamese and Communist-trained South Vietnamese rebels sought to overthrow the government of South Vietnam and reunite the country. The United States became involved in 1964, when North Vietnamese torpedo boats attacked the U.S. destroyer Maddox, which was monitoring off the coast of Vietnam in the Gulf of Tonkin. Although there is discrepancy over whether this event actually occurred, it was because of this event that President Johnson ordered air strikes against North Vietnam. At this point, we became heavily involved in the war (www.vwip.org). The fighting in Vietnam was finally ended in 1975 after a devastating defeat for South Vietnam and the United States. The Vietnam War was enormously destructive with military deaths reaching over a million. The U.S. role in the war became one of the most debated issues in the nation’s history. 2007-03-20T03:50:44-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/The-Message-in-Bob-Dylan-s-The-Times-They-Are-A-Changin-32849.aspx Shakira Introduction With the surge of Latin artists emerging into the spotlight and conquering the pop international charts, it's no surprise that Latin Pop/Rock singer Shakira has gained the recognition of a superstar in her native Latin American and worldwide. Shakira female rocker style garnered her the World Music Award for Latin Female Artist of the Year, while the phenomenal success of Laundry Service and "Whenever, Wherever" has catapulted her to fame. I Choose Shakira to do my project on because when the school year first started Senorita Maurer Play her songs i.e. My Hips Don’t Lie. After hearing it a few times I started to like it. So I went home downloaded it and play it 2 or 3 times a week. Biography Born in Barranquilla, Colombia, on February 2, 1977, Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll is the youngest sibling of her parents' eight children. Her father William Mebarak, who is American of Lebanese descent, and Colombian mother, Nidia Ripoll, both supported their daughter's ambition of becoming a singer. Shakira knew early on that she wanted to be a professional musician and by the time she was 8, she was already writing her own songs. This undeniable prodigy even began playing the guitar by 11 years of age. While in school, Shakira was making her musical talent known by winning talent shows playing the guitar, and she was even kicked out of her school choir because her voice drowned out the other choir singers. Elsewhere, Shakira impressed judges at local and national competitions, who declared her winner of these contests. At the age of 13, Shakira had become Sony Colombia's newest artist, and her first album, entitled Magia (Magic) was released. The album was a compilation of songs that she had written between the ages of 8 and 13. The album was well received and Colombian listeners were beginning to realize who this feisty musician was. The 16-year-old Shakira was chosen to represent her native Colombia at the Festival OTI in Spain, but since she was under the minimum age, she could not participate. Shakira's second album, Peligro (Danger) was released, and 2007-02-20T02:22:00-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Shakira--32681.aspx Music Ethnography of Jazz Culture in Charlottesvile Virginia Music Ethnography of Jazz Culture in Charlottesville, Virginia The lights dim and slowly fade to a cool blue glow that covers the stage. The drum set waits facing in towards the rest of the instruments. It’s signaling to the others as if it is time to play; reflecting greens and oranges off the symbols that hang motionlessly above the set. Across from the drums an electric keyboard is perched on top of a slender metal stand. It’s plugged into its amplifier but not on yet although it seemingly know exactly what it is about to play. The bass stands against the wall, completely relaxed and ready to begin the music, just as a bass would, while the saxophone, shining brightly, seems almost anxious to begin. All of these instruments are glowing as if they are ready to explode with the music that their players are about to evoke out of them. The band has finished setting up their equipment and patiently waits to start. They let the crowd fill out a little, although this club is not a big venue at all, their fare share of friends, musicians, and jazz enthusiasts will show up. Others will migrate in from the bar and pool tables that are in the front of the restaurant. Robert Jospé, the group’s drummer stands back by the side entrance where he talks to a friend and her husband, while Jeff Decker the sax player, speaks with one of his students and a friend who have showed to hear some live jazz, while a few other college students sit on the couches on the small balcony above the stage. The rest of the band is waiting and talking to people dispersed around the stage. The guest percussionist they have for the evening is eating his dinner while the group finishes setting up. The whole atmosphere is very friendly and warm, just as it looks. The musicians and the audience set the scene for the club even before the music starts, and it is this feeling of the live show that brings the jazz community together here and in many other cities around the world to hang out, dance, meet new people and listen to music. The world of Charlottesville, Virginia completely changes as you enter the doors of Raptures. As you enter you come into a brick restaurant with big booth tables and an open kitchen right there. The main 2007-02-19T22:02:25-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Music-Ethnography-of-Jazz-Culture-in-Charlottesvile-Virginia-32660.aspx Analysis of Advanced Higher Music Analysis of Advanced Higher Music The classical composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, born in 1756 in Salzburg, Austria, is probably the greatest composer in Western musical history. He began composing when he was five, and when he was six he performed in concerts in numerous courts with his older sister. He composed his first opera 'La Finta Semplice' at the age of twelve. In 1779 he was given the position of court organist, then two years later he was summoned to Vienna where he lived until he died in 1791, leaving a requiem which he had started writing unfinished. Among his numerous concertos, Mozart composed four horn concertos. In this essay I will be writing about the third movement, a fast and spirited rondo, of Mozart's fourth Concerto for horn and orchestra, kochel no.495. In my opinion, Mozart's horn concertos have similarities with certain works by the early 20th century composer Ronald Binge, who was one of the most successful of his generation. As he came from a poor family, they didn't have the money to pay for Binge to go to music college, so he became a cinema organist, where he learnt a lot of light repertoire and developed his skills as an arranger. In 1935, when he was in London, Binge's breakthrough arrived when he became an arranger for Mantovani, subsequently reorganising the orchestra to create it's distinctive sound. One of Binge's most significant works is his Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra, which he wrote in 1956. This consists of three movements, the second being a slow and sorrowful 'romance'. In this essay I am also going to write about the Romance by Binge, which is a complete contrast to the third movement of Mozart's Concerto for horn and Orchestra, which I previously mentioned. Mozart's rondo is in 6/8 time and in the key of E flat major. It begins with the lively 'signature tune' which recurs throughout the movement, thus making it a rondo. The accompaniment to this melody is fairly bare, the strings play crotchets simultaneously on the first and fourth beats of the bar which gives a marching feel to the music. This fast and lively melody is then repeated on the strings, with added grace notes, which give it even more energy. The first episode begins at bar 2007-02-02T17:46:43-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Analysis-of-Advanced-Higher-Music-32538.aspx Analysis of Pink Floyd's Animals Pigs, Dogs, and Sheep Released in 1977, the Pink Floyd album “Animals” was written mainly by bassist, lyricist, and composer, Roger Waters. All lyrics on the record were created by him, and he wrote or co-wrote all five songs on the album. While the record reached #3 on the Billboard U.S. Album charts, it fell very quickly, due to the length of each song. The songs are all either under two minutes long, or over ten minutes long. Animals is considered to be a “concept album”, which means that it contains a theme or story. In this album, the theme is analogies of animals to the types of people in society. Dogs represent greedy businessmen, pigs are wealthy and powerful people, and sheep symbolize the lower class in society, or the proletariat. The first major song on “Animals”, “Dogs”, is a seventeen minute long ballad about businessmen whose whole lives revolve around their careers. Waters takes the voice of a dog, giving advice to other dogs about how to live. “You gotta sleep on your toes, and when you’re on the street. You gotta be able to pick out the easy meat with your eyes closed,” Waters exclaims in the first few minutes of the song. As “Dogs” continues, the businessmen slowly destroy themselves by losing control of their lives. “So have a good drown, as you go down alone, dragged down by the stone.” Towards the end of the song, Waters repeatedly mocks the egotistical dogs, calling them “deaf, dumb and blind”, and claims that they pretend that “everyone’s expendable” and “no one has a real friend”. In the final lines of “Dogs”, there is a series of lines that tells the story of how these dogs live. The song ends with the line, “Who was dragged down by the stone,” and indicates that the dogs cannot survive the life of a businessman striving for money and power all of his life. “Pigs (Three Different Ones)” follows “Dogs” on “Animals”, and refers to the rich, powerful men in society. They are similar to dogs, but they hold more power and are a step above on the social ladder. The first verse refers these people as charades, and mocks them with lyrics such as “Pig stain on your fat chin” and 2007-01-31T04:34:52-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Analysis-of-Pink-Floyd-s-Animals-32491.aspx Ornette Coleman and the Development of Jazz Music Ornette Coleman and the Development of Jazz Music All music has to develop into something new and by the late 1950's jazz was ready for a slight turn. A musical style called free jazz emerged with slight differences that has influenced most improvised music to this day. Some people despised this music's lack of set form. They found it difficult to listen to because of the missing order and lack of pre-planed notes. Others embraced the new music and it's emphasis on random feelings of emotion. For the men that developed free jazz it was a journey to find the "ultimate" expression in music. There is no set definition for free jazz. "In free jazz, musicians improvise freely without adherence to time keeping patterns, conventional solo versus accompaniment roles, or the preset arrangement of harmonies (a chord progression) that commonly guided improvisation in earlier styles.("Free Jazz" Encyclopedia Britannica Online)" Ornette Coleman, one of the leading men in free jazz, when asked the definition of free jazz said "In most music the composition determines the song, in free jazz, however, the song determines the composition." By this he means that in free jazz the song depends on what is going on around the musician instead of already determined notes. People could say that that is true with improvised music in general but in much of improvised music there are set chord progressions that limit the notes that can be played at certain times. Free jazz brought about a more open and natural type of improvisation in music. There are a few major common elements in free jazz. Some times the music is based on the moment. The musician would play based on the mood in the room. He would ignore the chords and rhythms of the piece and use the energy in the room to make the piece best for that particular time. Sometimes there is collective improvisation in which some or all of the musicians are improvising at the same time. This is difficult because the musicians do not know what the other musicians are going to play next. And sometimes there is an odd or free time signature, and then music does not follow a strict tempo. A good example of this is mentioned in the book All you need is Love: the story of popular music. It says "Ornette Coleman... slowed down or speeded up the tempo of his 2007-01-09T02:56:34-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Ornette-Coleman-and-the-Development-of-Jazz-Music-32318.aspx Analysis of Dave Matthews Band Song Lyrics Analysis of Dave Matthews Band Song Lyrics According to the American Heritage Dictionary a poet is someone who writes poems. If I were to give my own definition of a poet it would say a poet is someone who can take a group of words and put a hundred different emotions and meanings into them. This is what Dave Mathews does with his lyrics; he takes his emotions and puts them into words. This is what makes him a poet and a master of words. From the debut of his first album Remember Two Things, Mathews has instructed the listener to do everything from love to relax and enjoy the day. He does this through his lyrics, taking his experiences and emotions putting them to words and passing his knowledge to us. It is very rare to find someone in today’s music industry that can inspire in this way. Money and MTV have taken away what music is supposed to do, create emotions. A very sad and obvious example is the current charts topper The Back Street Boys. What is the world coming to when a group of kids are making millions because a bunch of 12-year-old girls have crushes? This is the cue for the prophet Mathews, he takes his talents and does something that people can relate too. He inspires and pushes the limits of the imagination. To give the reader a taste if what Dave Mathews’ poetry is like I’m going to give some examples over the next paragraph. The examples that precede derive from several of his albums so as to give the full spectrum of his talents. The first exert is Proudest Monkey from the album Crash, it is a song about a person who lived a very simple life but decides to make a change: “Swing in this tree Oh I am bounce around so well Branch to branch, limb to limb you see All in a day's dream I'm stuck Like the other monkeys here I am a humble monkey Sitting up in here again But then came the day I climbed out of these safe limbs Ventured away Walking tall, head high up and singing I went to the city Car horns, corners and the gritty Now I am the proudest monkey you've ever seen” This shows that though these are lyrics from a song, if read without music to accompany them the 2007-01-08T21:23:25-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Analysis-of-Dave-Matthews-Band-Song-Lyrics-32288.aspx Concert Review of Punk Band NoFX Concert Review of Punk Band NoFX On November 26th I went to the Stone Pony in New York to see another of my favorite bands, NOFX. NOFX is a punk-ska band. Punk meaning fast paced drumbeats and quick singing and ska meaning a song played with trumpets. The band members are Fat Mike (vocals, bass), El Hefe (guitar, trumpet, vocals), Eric Melvin (guitar, vocals), and Erik Sandin (drums). The one thing I found out there was that El Hefe sings a lot. I thought he only sings in a few songs but when I heard them play, I noticed that he sang about half of the songs. NOFX music has considerable groove for a punk band and is sparked by the two lead guitarists, Eric Melvin and El Hefe. Tight play between the band's four members, and short, fast, punchy songs, with a laid back approach would even have non-punk fans entertained. Their songs talk about racism, politics, social problems, sex, drugs, lesbians, bums, alcohol, animal freedom... and many other strange subjects. In their music you will find punk, of course, but also rock, hardcore, ska, even reggae and jazz. If you ask me they are a just a punk-ska band. Their songs are interesting and different from one another. Each song has it's own characteristics. The lyrics are very interesting, sometimes strange, and sometimes incomprehensible. You basically just have to understand them in your own way. The club was packed, or more accurately, stuffed. After much anticipation the punk gods, NOFX hit the stage and the crowd surged with excitement even before they opened the set with one of my favorite songs, "Reagan Sucks." The next song they played was "Bob". They played songs from the album "Flossing a Dead Horse" - which is one massive trumpet solo presented by El Hefe. The next song they played was "Eat the Meek" with trumpet and lead vocals by El Hefe. The mosh pit was monstrous and seemed to gain in size as it rotated in circles and swallowed innocent bystanders into the craziness. People were being knocked over everywhere and smashed by the surging waves of dancers. People were body surfing and there seemed to be chaos going on everywhere. After that, the seventh song they played was "Hobophobic" (Scared of bums not just because they stink bad. Not just because they're crackers. From drinking too much lysol. Let them be.) Then they 2007-01-06T20:53:40-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Concert-Review-of-Punk-Band-NoFX-32252.aspx The Music of the Baroque Period from 1600-1750 The Music of the Baroque Period from 1600-1750 The geographical center of the Baroque Era was Europe, with Italy as the place of origin with the movement later spreading throughout Europe via Germany, France and England. Music was the main source of pastimes, with the lower class making up most of the musicians and composers. As these people climbed in fame however, they were given substantial pay increases, but they still remained servants with little or no rights at all. Many musicians were sons of musicians who were given as apprentices to town musicians to live in their homes in return for their servitude doing odd jobs and copying music for them. Women were not taught or allowed to perform as composers and artists in those days, even though a few did manage to become successful composers. Major influences in the coming of the Baroque era were the increased demands of the nobles and kings for entertainment. The church was also a contributing factor because they began to use the emotion and theatrics of art to make worship services more interesting. The major characteristics of the Baroque period were the discoveries and developments in science and mathematics (this was the age of Galileo and Newton). The Baroque era was divided into three periods, early (1600-1640), middle (1640-1680), and late (1680-1750). Most of the music we know today was produced in the late period but the major changes associated with the Baroque era took place in the early period. Composers of the early Baroque period strove to bring forth as much emotion and passion into their pieces as possible, they composed the music to very emotional pieces of drama, which was conveyed into the music. This was also the setting for the emergence of opera. Art of that period was also affected, and pictures came alive with even more depth than the Renaissance period. Statues now took on the appearance of utilizing space and incorporated movement and actions. The musical forms of this period were a continuance of the polyphonic texture of the Renaissance, (after a brief return to the homophonic texture of old). Major and minor scales replaced the medieval sounds of the music coming from the church. The orchestra of the Baroque period was increasing in size and consisted of ten to forty players on instruments mainly from 2006-12-19T16:11:57-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/The-Music-of-the-Baroque-Period-from-1600-1750-32076.aspx Sublime Sublime One band has given the word a greater meaning “Lovin’ is what I got, I said remember that”. I can recall the first time I heard the words flow from the radio, a new type of sound I had never heard before. Unexposed to such music as ska and punk, this fresh mixture grasped my attention instantly. The song, What I Got, is from the notorious band Sublime, and their self titled major release in 1996. Tragically, Brad Nowell, the lead singer of Sublime, died of a heroine overdose just two months before the major label release. However, despite the loss of what some considered “the next Beatles”, the album went five times platinum and is considered one of the most influential albums in rock history. If one were to look up the definition of sublime in the dictionary, they would see the following: empyreal: inspiring awe. These words alone can define the impact Sublime has had on 90s rock as well as youth culture. This is evident in the rapid success of the band. After Nowell’s death, not only did Sublime’s self titled album reach success, but previous albums became platinum, as well as posthumous releases of compilations and remixes. Many believe that Sublime “broke down musical and cultural barriers”, and gave listeners a chance to experience this fusion of alternative, ska, hip-hop, punk and reggae for the first time. Originally an indie rock band unknown to the masses, Sublime began to make waves with experimental and adventurous beats and rhymes. Brad Nowell, seen as “the posthumous voice of the extreme generation”, created such original lyrics and lived out the lifestyle of a rock star who just didn’t seem to care, which attracted listeners who could see the forcefulness of his presence both on and off stage. However, the band’s second indie release in 1994, Robbin’ the Hood, was what caught the attention of major label executives, almost six years after the band originally formed. The re-release of this album launched the beginning of Sublime’s career, only to be cut short after their next release due to one of the factors that made Brad Nowell the original character he was. Some of Sublime’s influences include Bob Marley, Run DMC, Circle Jerks, and the Selector. One can hear the colorful mosaic of musical tastes in Sublime’s self 2006-12-03T22:02:18-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Sublime--31849.aspx Phil Alan Fischer Phil Alan Fischer (born April 23, 1970 in Wichita Falls, Texas) is currently a Christian Recording Artist living in Seattle, Washington. EARLY HISTORY Phil Fischer was born on an Air Force Base in room #17 in Wichita Falls, Texas at 1:10 am on April 23rd, 1970. The mother on his birth certificate is listed as Sharon Fischer and his father is unknown and does not appear on his birth certificate. His mother was 14 at the time if delivery and the father was believed to be serving in Vietnam according to the doctor’s notes on the rear of the certificate. Five days after delivery I was told his mother hitchhiked up the Alaskan highway and at the age of three weeks Phil was given to a native family for adoption in the village of OLD CROW, YUKON which is about an hour flight from DAWSON CITY, YUKON which is located in the artic circle. Very little is known about his life from the ages of 4 weeks till 13 years of age but what I managed to find was interesting. Piecing together what little facts are known he was raised by a native family that belong to the tribe known as VUNTUT GWITCHEN who seem to have made a living off of the caribou herds for the last 10,000 years, or the last ice age. Life is tough and the population is around 500 diehard locals who call this desolate place home and many of the locals live in small homes with less than 300 square feet. Polar bears can be seen all of the time as well as Grizzly bears and other wildlife. The locals keep their food underground on account of bears and the main supply of meat is Caribou and Bear and Salmon. Phil is well remembered in Old Crow and many of the locals at the café had many stories to tell about him. All were funny, and some astonishing. Apparently he was the only Caucasian living in the territory for many years and he is remembered for a business which he ran on the PORCUPINE RIVER, which is a river that runs by the town and Phil is widely known in the Artic Circle for a bear attack that almost took his life. I was told by the town elders that at age 9, Phil ran a boat business of selling cigarettes and alcohol to villagers living along the river. Another story 2006-11-20T10:03:33-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Phil-Alan-Fischer--31823.aspx The Story of Bob Marley and the Wailers The Story of Bob Marley and the Wailers Bob Marley is the greatest musician that a third world country has ever produced. His songs touched the lives of millions and his constant message of peace helped to shape Jamaica’s future. His breakthroughs in Reggae also helped in the formation of Rap and Rhythm and Blues. In the year 1944, Captain Norvol Marley married young Jamaican girl named Cedella Booker. On February 6, 1945 at two thirty in the morning their son, Robert Nesta Marley, otherwise known as Bob Marley was born in his grandfather’s house (The Story). Soon after Bob was born his father left his mother. Bob’s Father did, however give financial support and occasionally arranged to see his son. It was now the late fifties and jobs were scarce in Jamaica. Bob followed his mother from their home in St. Ann to Trenchtown (West Kingston) to seek employment in the big city (White). Trenchtown got its name because it was built over a ditch, which drained the sewage of old, Kingston (White). In Trenchtown Bob spent a lot of his time with his good friend Neville Livingston, who people called by his nickname, Bunny. Also in the big city Bob was more exposed to the Soul music which he had loved, including such legends as Fats Domino and Ray Charles. Bob and Bunny attended a music class together that was held by the famous Jamaican singer Joe Higgs. In that class they met Peter Macintosh and soon became good friends. In the meantime Jamaican music evolved and became very popular throughout the Caribbean due to its invention of Ska music (White). When Bob was 16, he started to follow his dream of becoming a musician. According to Timothy White “Music to many young Jamaicans was an escape from the harshness of everyday life” (White). One of those kids was Jimmy Cliff who at the age of 14 had already recorded a couple of hit songs. After meeting Bob, Jimmy introduced him to Leslie Kong, a local record producer. Bob followed his advice and auditioned for Leslie Kong (The Story). Bob’s musical talents shone much more brightly then anyone else that day and found him in the studio recording his first single “Judge Not”. Unfortunately neither “Judge Not” nor his 1962 single “One More Cup of Coffee” did very well (The Story). Bob soon left Kong after she failed to 2006-11-15T03:02:26-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/The-Story-of-Bob-Marley-and-the-Wailers-31739.aspx 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 when someone hit a hallow log with a stick. The hallowed out stumps then became drums that were decorated. Drums were used for war or for signaling over long distances. The drum was a common instrument because it was so easy to use; all they had to do was strike it. The second percussion instrument was the rattle. The rattle was found later in the time when humans started to grow plants. It was found accidentally when someone picked up a dried out gourd of some sort and shook it. The ancient rattles were readily available because the people that grew the plants were just learning how to grow plant so they made many mistakes. The harp has been around since humans have started to use tools. The harp was founded during the hunt. The 2006-08-31T19:45:00-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/History-of-Music-31416.aspx Sex Appeal and Contemporary Music Sex Appeal and Contemporary Music Madonna wrote a book about it. Did Marilyn Manson alter his? Just about every other musician flaunts theirs. What is it? Sex. For some time now, sex and sexuality have been as much a part of rock 'n' roll as the music itself. These days just about everyone acknowledges sex's place in music, from sexy dancers in videos, to the skimpy clothes of the performers, to the sexually explicit lyrics found in every music genre from country to metal. Sexuality in music wasn't always so blatant, and does not seem to be slowing down. Back in the 50s Elvis shocked the moral majority with his suggestive dancing, which amounted to gyrating his hips. Because of his suggestive dancing, only his head was allowed to be shown on television. Now, it's not unusual for rock videos to show nearly naked women, or for explicit descriptions of sex to be found in songs. With his powerful lyrics and natural hip swinging sexuality he became a teen idol and a role model for the generations of cool rebels. He was repeatedly labeled as being vulgar, incompetent and a bad influence among the young teens that enjoyed his music. Of the recordings Elvis made he brought with them a new sound that became an essential quality of his musical work. Another example of the sexual explicitness of rock music can be found with Jim Morrision. The Doors' dramatic delivery of poetic lyrics set to a classic blues/rock beat won them many fans, but Jim's character won them just as many. Morrison was prone to vulgar displays of self-indulgence onstage. From the beginning, the Doors were barred from playing in many clubs in San Francisco because of Morrison's tendency to mimic sexual self-gratification onstage, many times using the microphone stand as a penile extension (Marsh 1996). "Light My Fire" was full of sexual innuendo. Morrison never failed to deliver to his audience a truly captivating rock 'n' roll show. The era of blatant sexual imagery and lyrics begun with the creation of MTV. The artist whom exploited this to the fullest was Madonna. Although Madonna has reached stardom, her fans admit that she didn't achieve fame from her voice alone. The singer actually has a very limited vocal range. Madonna is a strong, sexy performer who capitalized on her ability to 2006-08-28T00:05:01-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Sex-Appeal-and-Contemporary-Music-31357.aspx Complete History of the Beatles Phenomenon Complete History of the Beatles Phenomenon Probably the most popular, influential and enduring rock group of all time, the Beatles almost single-handedly reshaped rock 'n' roll from a genre of throwaway singles by faceless stars to an artistic medium with recognizable images and idols. The Beatles placed the emphasis on a group, rather than a single individual. They also set an example for all rock acts to follow with their strong sense of self-determination, going against their record company and management on many issues, even refusing to tour at the height of their popularity. Of course, their countless hit singles have become modern-day folk songs, covered by hundreds of individuals and groups and inspiring countless more, and have sold more copies than those of any other band in history. The roots of the Beatles date back to Liverpool, England in the late 1950s. Inspired by the growing British skiffle craze, John Lennon bought a guitar in March 1957and formed a skiffle group called the Quarrymen, named after his high school, Quarry Bank. The lineup changed frequently, but by October 1959 it consisted of Lennon, his younger classmate Paul McCartney, George Harrison and drummer Colin Hanton. By March of 1960, Lennon's art school classmate Stuart Sutcliffe joined the band on bass and suggested the name the Beetles, a response to Buddy Holly's group the Crickets. By that August, they decided on the Beatles, after Lennon had a dream that “a man in a flaming pie came to him and said, ‘you shall be the Beatles with an A’.” That month the Beatles departed for Hamburg, West Germany, with their new drummer Pete Best, to try to establish themselves in Europe. The band became a popular local act, performing at various clubs until they were expelled from the country in November because George Harrison was underage. Meanwhile Sutcliffe had left the band to pursue his art career, with McCartney taking over on bass; Sutcliffe died of a brain hemorrhage the following year. Throughout 1961 the Beatles played clubs in Britain, becoming an underground sensation; they were particularly famous at the Cavern Club in their native city of Liverpool. Though they played mostly covers, Lennon and McCartney began writing original songs together, agreeing to forever share songwriting credits, even though they only co-wrote a handful of tunes during their entire career as the Beatles. By the end the year, Liverpool record store owner Brian Epstein had 2006-08-27T23:47:17-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Complete-History-of-the-Beatles-Phenomenon-31347.aspx Speculation on Jennifer Lopez's Next Career Move Speculation on Jennifer Lopez's Next Career Move A curl past her nose, and as she scratched the minor itch away with her microphone holding hand she realized her dreams were coming true. The young musician/actress practiced her role for an up coming movie, Selena. Her provocative, yet stunning elegance graced the stage on the set and she easily manipulated the audience with her sensuous laugh and gleaming smile. As her film erupted her into stardom, Jennifer Lopez found herself gracing the covers of magazines from all over with her salsa swinging hips and revealing, unique clothing. Under her sensual, beautiful, Hispanic looks hid this innocent, conservative little girl who was trying to learn the ropes of the business. Through mutual friends, the dazzling elegant woman had a date with Sean "Puff Daddy, P.Diddy" Combs and J.Lo was born. The designer handcrafted dresses made especially for her, hung hidden in the closet as J.Lo sported to the oh so popular "sweaters and wind breakers" look. Along with the Nikes that covered her once painted toenails, came bandanas in every color. While Jennifer Lopez collaborated which such artist like Marc Anthony, J.Lo collaborated with rappers like JaRule. To play with the big boys or "bad boys" as they call themselves, Jennifer Lopez completely transformed herself to the ghetto-loving thug that she now is today, our very own J. Lo. Through the transformation process, J.Lo nailed everything, from switching to baggier clothing to the thug strut and of course her own clothing line. Such rappers like P.Diddy, Outkast, Snoop, MasterP and others, run and own their own clothing lines, so naturally J. Lo is in the process (as we speak) of coming out with her own line. Now the world will be truly complete and Walmart will have additional clothing to hang next to Kathy Lee Gifford's line. I wonder if J. Lo will also be using immigrants that work below minimum wage in rundown factories to make her clothing like Gifford does, but sometimes that's the price you have to pay so that little J. Lo's can be running around everywhere wearing nothing but floss that was purchased for an outrageous price of $99.99 with the name "J. Lo even lowua" marked on the tag. Unfortunately nowadays, stars can get away with just about anything. The influence has been so strong that the last time J.Lo won an award she threw her hands 2006-08-27T17:46:45-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Speculation-on-Jennifer-Lopez-s-Next-Career-Move-31322.aspx Lyrical Analysis of Good Charlotte Songs Lyrical Analysis of Good Charlotte Songs Originally the guys, Benji, Joel, Billy, Paul, and Aaron, former band member, which recently left the band to pursue his own efforts in the music industry – are from Maryland. Good Charlotte are a hard-driving, fun-loving band that first has astonished Washington, DC radio station WHFS' and the distinguished HFStival for the past two years. Their self-titled Epic Records debut album is a triumphant, rowdy celebration of high school kids who found a way through music to talk back to their tormentors and survive troubled times. Good Charlotte contains a collection of modern upbeat songs that convey deep personal, frequently funny, lyrics. "Me and Benji have always written from personal experiences," says lead singer Joel. “Thank You Mom” is a song written by the band twins, Benji and Joel (as well as all the other songs). They felt like they needed to thank their mom for all her support throughout all the hardships. During what Joel calls "a weird time" when they were 16 and dealing with some serious family and economic problems, they barely survived, working a series of low-paying jobs as stock boys, waiters, and their best job being shampoo boys at a beauty salon. Although all this, they were still successful and were signed this yar to Epic Records. The songs is as follows: Always, always and forever Always, always and forever I'm sitting here I'm thinking back to a time when I was young, My memory is clear as day, I'm listening to the dishes clink, You were downstairs you would sing, Songs of praise, And all the times we laughed with you, And all the times that you stayed true to us, Now we say, I said.... I thank you, I'll always thank you More than you could know, Than I could ever show, And I love you, I'll always love you, There's nothing I won't do to say these words to you That you're beautiful forever Always, always and forever You were my mom, You were my dad, The only thing I ever had was you, It's true And even when the times got hard You were there to let us know That we'd get through, You showed me how to be a man, You taugh me how to understand the things that people do, You showed me how to love my God, You taught me that not everyone knows the truth And. . . I thank you, I'll always thank you More than you could know, Than I could ever show, And I love you, I'll always love you There's nothing 2006-08-10T13:54:49-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Lyrical-Analysis-of-Good-Charlotte-Songs-31214.aspx A Critical Look at Mosh Pits at Rock Concerts A Critical Look at Mosh Pits at Rock Concerts The people were everywhere. Too many were in such a small space. The crowd surged forward and back in one relentless wave. No one could help but to push and shove the others around. Someone was lifted into the air and tossed back by the mob. The noise was almost too much, too loud. Security guards and policemen formed a boundary around this group, but did nothing to stop the madness. They stood and watched, ready in case some serious accident should occur. For some strange reason, however, out of all this chaos there was no fear. The people were enjoying this! Then the song was over, and the people in the mosh pit stopped to applaud and cheer for the band on the stage. It is not hard to understand why people actually enjoy participating in moshing activities. Why does a person go skydiving, rock climbing, or bungee jumping? There’s one common answer: the rush. It’s a complete rush to engage in an activity that could be potentially dangerous to one’s health. The danger sparks an interest and intrigue that draws one nearer, almost like the desire to eat cookies fresh from the oven, even though they are too hot to taste and will burn the tongue. This past Saturday, I attended an all day concert event called ReSURGEnce: Bands, Bikes, and Boards. There were sixteen bands on two stages, skateboards on a ramp and bar course, and sport bikes on a dirt track complete with jumps. There were extreme sports all around…including some wild and crazy moshing. Perhaps the best mosh pit of the day was while my favorite band, Stroke 9, was playing. Stroke 9’s newest hit, “Kick Some Ass,” was dedicated to Usama Bin Laden, and this drove the crowd wild. Everyone was letting out all of the aggressions that they had built up over the past few weeks and went nuts in the mosh pit. People were pushing, shoving, jumping, dancing, shouting, cheering, and the very bravest were crowd surfing. The security guards were trying to control the situation, but the people were going far beyond the guards’ power. The boundary for this mosh pit had been broken, and the action was no longer contained in a small area. The crowd surfers were being tossed high and far, some were tossed so hard that they 2006-08-08T15:12:29-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/A-Critical-Look-at-Mosh-Pits-at-Rock-Concerts-31180.aspx Analysis and Context of Bob Marley's Lyrics Analysis and Context of Bob Marley's Lyrics A lifetime of inspiration and struggle is depicted through a poster I acquired not to long ago. The portrait is Bob Marley. The image is freedom. This sense of freedom can be, and is, achieved through his music, powered by his music, and inspired by his music as it relates to the social injustices in early white imperialism. An illusion of the creation of a human life is being meshed together in this distinct piece of work. It is a portrait of an artist fighting solely for freedom using the power of music as his weapon. The tiny pictures that make up this portrait are in both color and black and white and together show inspiring details from the life of Robert Nesta Marley. Masses of colorful records, which represent the lyrics intended to motivate listeners everywhere, make up the darkness of Marley’s dreadlocks. His dreadlocks are a mark of freedom and represent the Lion of Judah. They are considered the symbol of Rastafarian manhood. Marley’s face and eyes are somewhat lighter in color, and are made up of random samplings from experiences in his own life. The most prominent image that arises when gazing at the portrait is his hand raised gently to his lips in his routine to smoke "ganja" in a religious practice. This herb is an Indian strain of hemp that causes hallucinations and spiritual visions. The Rastafarians believe that in this action they become one with Jah, the creator. The lyrics of Bob Marley’s songs are a part of the entire Rastafarian culture that centers on what is godlike and holy, around justice, compassion, and resistance. Its message is having one love and allowing for the unification of humanity. It is through the lyrics Marley acts out of note as a political activist, expressing his feelings for the stolen Africans forced to come to and fight for the United States. Through his lyrics, Bob Marley epitomizes the goal of the entire Rastafarian culture. Marley’s songs bring people together with a simple message of peace. This goal is, and will continue to be, peace on Earth as it is in heaven (Wachtel 2). In the portrait of the artist we are shown the creation of a life. This life is cherished worldwide for its brilliancy to communicate, both politically and spiritually, through music. Music opens and lifts the heart, and is 2006-08-07T15:39:42-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Analysis-and-Context-of-Bob-Marley-s-Lyrics-31136.aspx The Death Of Rock N Roll The Death Of Rock N Roll Here we are on the brink on the new millennium, ready to step into the New World and adapt to the new environment of time. We shall be embracing new lifestyles, all of us; but we shall be leaving a big chunk of our past and present buried in the wastes of time. Rock n roll is dead? What started out as a revolution of the youth in the 50’s is right now an endangered species. Rock n roll had lived through its glory days and now stands at the threshold of its extinction. Throughout the latter years of this millennium, rock n roll had been gaining momentum, rising above all music forms and mutating into a religion of sorts, it had risen above its intended stature And subsequently it collapsed in on itself. An event that was perhaps as magnanimous as the overnight extinction of the dinosaurs, but an event that has gone unnoticed by millions worldwide. It is no fallacy that rock n roll was the one of the biggest institutions worldwide. Reaching its apex in the 1980s, rock n roll had permeated every facet of our lives. Rock n roll was everywhere, whether we liked it or not. Opponents claimed that rock n roll was the devil’s advocate. They used the imagery of devil worshipping and chanting to defame rock. The church openly waged a war on rock components. Nevertheless the rock regime never let go of the Billboard chart ratings for over a decade, filling in the charts with scores of rock acts. Television had filled our lives with entertainment, and entertainment was dominated by rock n roll; be it commercials, TV series, Movie soundtracks, Music Channels, even the News! The media was forcing rock n roll down the American throat and America loved every minute of it. Excessive lifestyles, Political meanderings, Stuffed toys and Action figures, Rock n roll was everywhere. MTV was another invention of the eighties which was a direct result of the Rock boom. Perhaps both MTV and Rock n roll shared a symbiotic link, Rock n roll fuels MTV and MTV in result spoon-fed loads of it to a Mass audience previously totally inaccessible. Teenagers were the ones to be hit the worst. Until now, Rock couldn’t invade their young minds because of the somewhat scrutinized upbringing by reserved parents, but when MTV hit the screen, Rock was 2006-08-07T08:18:12-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/The-Death-Of-Rock-N-Roll-31107.aspx Jazz Review of The First Hollis Donaldson Trio Jazz Review of The First Hollis Donaldson Trio I attended a jazz show at the Renaissance Café in Newark. The Renaissance Café is a small restaurant. On the right side is a 2006-08-06T23:09:37-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Jazz-Review-of-The-First-Hollis-Donaldson-Trio-31087.aspx Mariah Carey Career Biography Mariah Carey Career Biography Mariah Carey is a diva. Her hits have spanned two decades and have broken records long held by music heavyweights like the Beatles and one Elvis Presley. Her concerts have grown exponentially and she consistently sells out venues across the globe. Her success has allowed her to throw millions and millions of dollars around as if it were petty cash. But she insists, she's still just a girl from New York. Mariah grew up on Long Island, daughter to hard working parents. Her father Alfred Roy, half Venezuelan, and her mother Patricia, Irish, instilled strong values in their baby Mariah. Life was tough for Mariah, but she kept her chin up. She worked her way through Oldfield Middle School and graduated Harborfield High School at 17, and one day later she moved to New York City. Mariah had stars in her eyes and an astounding voice backing up those dreams. She is known for an eight octave voice level, something nearly unparallel in the music industry. But, as anyone who's worked in the industry knows, talent doesn't always equal superstardom. But Mariah had a few other things going for her as well. She was able to grab a gig working as a backup singer for Brenda K. Starr, who was so impressed with Mariah's voice that she volunteered to pass along her demo tape. Starr passed it to Tommy Mottola, a musical mastermind, the man behind Sony Music and Columbia Records. Tommy loved it; and apparently loved her as well. The two wed in 1993. But before the couple exchanged nuptials, Mariah released her first album, a self-titled, heavily played smash success. The album would set into motion a number of the records Mariah was able to shatter during her career (most consecutive #1 singles, first female soloist to go straight to #1, a #1 hit in each year during the 90s). Her success was cemented with Grammies for Best New Artist and Best Female Vocalist. Mariah's ever-important sophomore album (which seems to make or break a number of artist - see Hootie & The Blowfish) failed to disappoint. "Emotions" had three big hits and sold quite well. "Music Box" would follow, along with "Daydream", "Butterfly", and "Heartbreaker." Apparently, the record companies are just as pleased as the American public. After a somewhat turbulent end to her contract with Columbia (Mariah had to pay more than 10 million to get out of 2006-08-06T20:49:51-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Mariah-Carey-Career-Biography-31078.aspx Lifestyle of a Rapper The Life of Tupac Shakur Lifestyle of a Rapper: The Life of Tupac Shakur Tupac has always been the person who's made up the game-always," says Afeni Shakur, Tupac's 47-year-old mother, a week after his New York arraignment and a day after a hearing in Atlanta. A tiny, dark-complexioned woman with close-cropped hair and deeply etched dimples, Afeni lives in a modest apartment in Decatur, Georgia, an Atlanta suburb, and speaks with an urgency that, she says, comes from her lifelong political activism. "He would have make-believe singing groups," she continues, "and he would be Prince, or Ralph in New Edition. He was always the lead." But life wasn't quite that simple for Tupac Amaru Shakur. Named after an Inca chief, Tupac Amaru means "shining serpent," referring to wisdom and courage. Shakur is Arabic for "thankful to God." Although he was shaped by many of the problems of inner-city youths growing up in post-civil-rights America-poverty, fatherlessness, constant relocation-Tupac's story began even before he was born. Afeni Shakur (born Alice Faye Williams in North Carolina), was "like everyone else in the early '60s and watched the civil rights movement on television." A member of the notorious Disciples gang as a teenager, Afeni points to two primary factors that channeled her frustrations in a political direction: The historic Ocean Hill-Brownsville, Brooklyn, parent-student strike (where her nephew was a student) in 1968, and the formation of the Black Panther Party in New York City. Founded in 1966 in Oakland by Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale, the Panthers quickly grew into a radical wing of the civil rights movement, with support in the hardcore ghettos as well as white patronage from the likes of Jane Fonda and Leonard Bernstein. Best known for their militant display of guns and insurgent tactics, which earned them FBI surveillance and raids, the Panthers were also a community-based organization that provided free breakfast for children and free health clinics in black neighborhoods across the nation. Afeni joined in September 1968. In April 1969 she and 20 other members of the New York Panthers were arrested and charged with numerous felonies, including conspiracy to bomb several public areas in New York City. The case dragged on for 25 months. While out on bail, Afeni courted two men-Legs, a straight-up gangster ("He sold drugs, he did whatever he needed to make money"), and Billy, a member of the Party. She had previously been married to Lumumba 2006-08-05T17:54:24-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Lifestyle-of-a-Rapper-The-Life-of-Tupac-Shakur-31051.aspx Analysis of Lyrics in Contemporary Music Analysis of Lyrics in Contemporary Music Today there is more variety in music than ever. There is a different style for everyone no matter where you’re from or how long you have been around. Music is very influential in our society. It can help pick people up out of a depression or it can persuade a person to go into a school and kill a bunch of people. You have the freedom to listen to whatever you want. I like heavy metal and hard rock. I listen to Slipknot that sings about death, destruction, and hate. I listen to P.O.D. (Payable on Death) that sing songs with Christian themes. I also listen to Rage Against the Machine that sing about the persecution and unfair treatment of people in third world countries. I like to listen to Slipknot when I’m mad or when I want to get pumped up. One song I like is called Surfacing. This song is about the hatred that is coming out of the author. The chorus goes like this “F*** it all! F*** this world! F*** everything that you stand for! Don’t belong! Don’t exist! Don’t give a s***! Don’t ever judge me!” This is straight forward and to the point and that is why it is so popular among teens. I have been a huge fan of P.O.D. for a long time before they became a popular main stream band. They are a good band to listen to when I’m in a good mood or I want to get into a good mood. One song that means a lot to me is called Tribal. The part I like is “We ain’t done till this battle has been fought and won. The victory, how sweet it be, is already ours. Holding the stars, is the man that carries my scars. Always the same, I wear his name with now shame. Here is this Battle Cry, we will never die.” I believe every word of this. Rage Against the Machine is a very popular band. Zack de la Rocha, lead singer and lead guitar, just recently quit the band. He is arguably the best guitar player of this era. One of my favorite songs is “Guerrilla Radio”. The intro starts out like 2006-08-01T10:30:55-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Analysis-of-Lyrics-in-Contemporary-Music-30936.aspx Excerpts from a Jimi Hendrix Journal Excerpts from a Jimi Hendrix Journal In the following journal entries Johnny Allen Hendrix; two years later name officially changed to Jimi Hendrix describes his life from August 4, 1969 to August 18, 1969 and his encounters till the end of his Woodstock premier. August 4, 1969 At ten p.m. in our studio the band and I just got word from our record company about the live concert performance to take place in Woodstock, New York. We are a little scared, as a puppy would feel the first time away from its mother, yet pumped for the concert. Seeing as though after July 14 we finally got the band all together with a total of six members; But we still have to practice before the big debut for The Gypsy Suns and Rainbows. Well I?m going to smoke a little joint and then play a few strums on the guitar and then wrap it up for the night. August 6, 1969 Today was a very tripey day when we started practicing for Woodstock; I sat down for about four hours trying to figure out which songs would feel the way the feeling should feel during a main event. I’m hoping that with the shrooms, smoking a joint and about five shots of brandy that the practice will go by a hell of a lot smoother than sticking my hand into a bag of nails. If not then I have to get with the rest of the band and discuss the songs with them to see which songs they actually feel like playing or are good to do for a live performance. Well we finally came to a decision of our version of the Star Spangled Banner, Purple Haze, Voodochild, Hey Joe, Foxy Lady, Fire, Killing Floor, Wild Thing, Red House, Tax Free and Spanish Castle Magic. All of which brought about some of the most unusual sounding guitar play the world has ever seen. The reason for my insanity towards my music is that I want the world to here something that they will never forget. August 8, 1969 Today wasn’t a very productive day towards Woodstock. On the other hand it was full of sitting around and partying. Some girls came over, which looked like hookers from a cheesy movie, with the rest of the 2006-07-31T08:47:11-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Excerpts-from-a-Jimi-Hendrix-Journal-30872.aspx Review of MxPx Live Concert Review of MxPx Live Concert On November 13th I went to Tramps in New York to see one of my favorite bands, MxPx. MxPx is a Christian pop-punk band. Pop punk basically means happy punk. The band members, are Mike Herrera who plays bass and sings, Tom Wisniewski who plays guitar and Yuri Ruley plays drums. They played about 10 songs, all of which I knew. Some of their songs have to do with society problems through the eyes of a teenager. At the show, the first song they played was one of my favorite's, "Teenage Politics". Some of the lyrics to this song are, "No I'm not mad but I think they forget what it's like and how hard it is to be a teenager. This is a new day and age, we read a different book where Elvis ain't the rage and polyester ain't the look." "...Is it time again to disagree about anything, everything and what's on TV it's a vicious circle, never ending a linear equation worldly extending. No, I'll never be like you; I'll never be like you. Oh no! I'm just like you!" The second song they played was "I'm the Bad Guy". The first couple lines of state, "Legalistic people suck. Legalism makes me sick." Even though they openly bust on legalism, they also know the world has nothing to offer them but hurt and pain, while God is the only answer. Since they are a Christian punk band, of course they have to play religious songs. One really good song that they played there was "False Fiction". This song basically means that the world is going through such turmoil because we don't have Christ in our lives. "They guarantee our freedom but freedom isn't real unless you know Christ you wont know how I feel. Inflections of the way things were supposed to be the mental disorder of our society...maybe this world had stopped thinking maybe all their minds are shrinking you failed system is including chaos, it's chaos, it's your loss." In "Like sand through the hourglass...so are the days of our lives," they say, "My world is breaking down around me. I see my destroyed world in front of me. Any and everything I trusted, I weep for my world disgusted. Will I look to you? Jesus, yes I do!" Not only did they play songs 2006-07-30T11:55:32-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Review-of-MxPx-Live-Concert-30808.aspx Description and Analysis of Oratorio and Art-Song Description and Analysis of Oratorio and Art-Song This article will give a description of what an Oratorio and Art-Song are. It will also inform you on the stylistic characteristics, a summary on the historial background and a brief outline on the composers who helped develop and excelled in these styles of fantastic vocal music. Oratorio is based upon a substantial story of a religious or spiritual character. It is written for solo voices, chorus and orchestra and is often performed in churches or concert halls. Oratorio resembles an opera but costumes, acting and scenery are absent. However early examples of oratorio, one being by Emilio del’ Cavalier’s ‘Representation of soul and body’ written in 1600, were staged with costume and scenery. The plot in oratorio is less dramatically described than in opera and there is a strong emphasis on the chorus than on solo voices. The word ‘oratorio’ is historically derived from its original place of performance the oratory or oratorio of the church of Santa Maria in Vallicella in Rome. Filipo Neri began services of a popular nature, including sacred plays, readings from scriptures and the performance of Laudi or Hymns of praise and devotion. St Filipo Neri founded the order of priests called congregation of the oratory or oratorians. A significant contributor to the literature of the oratorio was Giacomo Carissimi (1605-74), with his compositions of Jeptha, Judicium, Salomon, Jonas and Balthazar. Others were Alessandro Scarlatti, Alessandro Stradella, Frenchmen Marc Antoine Charqoentier (1636-1704) student of Carissimi, and German Heinrich Schutz (1585-1672). Handel was the master of the late Baroque period, whose dramatic treatment of the oratorio’s content and subject matter has never surpassed. Although Handel is German by birth his oratorios may be considered English creations. The list of oratorios by Handel is truly impressive; Esther (1720), Deborah (1733), Saul (1739), Israel in Egypt (1739), Messiah (1742), Samson (1743), Semele (1743), Joseph and his Brethren (1741), Belshazzar (1744), Judas Maccabaeus (1746) Joshua (1747), Solomon (1748), Theodora (1749) and Jephtha (1751) to only mention the best known. The Romantic era was a period of great change and emancipation. While the Classical era had strict laws of balance and restraint, the Romantic era moved away from that by allowing artistic freedom, 2006-07-29T16:13:06-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Description-and-Analysis-of-Oratorio-and-Art-Song-30788.aspx Review and Biography of Brandy Review and Biography of Brandy “Wow” by Brandy. In this song Brandy’s talking/singing to her ex boyfriend telling him that she won’t cry over him anymore and that he took her for granted while he had her. But now she found somebody new and this new guy treats her so much better. In lines 1-8- Brandy’s sick of her ex boyfriends BS basically, she doesn't want to deal with waiting up for him to take his time to call and visit her. She's telling him to not even bother anymore because she's sick of it, sick of being taken for granted and taken advantage of after always being there for him. And now she's found somebody better. In lines 9-16- Brandy’s still talking to her ex boyfriend saying that her new boyfriend loves her the way she wanted to be loved. Her new boyfriend is always thinking of her and that he's nothing like her ex boyfriend at all (meaning he's a lot better). She doesn't know why she stayed with her ex boyfriend for so long and that she should have left him a long time ago. In lines 17-24- So now she's like love stricken "That's why I say WOW" because she's never felt a love so good. Nobody has ever treated her so well. Now her life is great and there are no more crappy days because he's there to make her happy. And every day there's a smile on her face because he came into her life. Her life is brighter now she isn’t depressed anymore. She sees things a lot differently. And she's a lot happier in general, and she likes where this is going. In lines 25-32- So now her new boyfriend is with her every night (all the time) he's showing lots of affection and love to her. She feels like she's inside a movie (because this is kind of unreal to her that she's actually found someone that is so good to her...because she's only used to guys being jerks to her) but his love is so real and she can’t believe it. Now she's finally got someone she can call her own. Now that she's not with her ex, he wants her to come back, but tough luck for him! Brandy Norwood was born in McComb, Mississippi on February 11th, 1979. Her family shortly moved to California and it was 2006-07-27T08:29:32-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Review-and-Biography-of-Brandy-30711.aspx Pink Floyd as One of the Top Rock Bands in History Pink Floyd as One of the Top Rock Bands in History Pink Floyd is the top space-rock band. Ever since the mid-‘60’s, their music has sampled with electronics and all manner of special effects to push the “normal” format to their outer limits (Richie Unterberger). The band has wrestled with lyrical themes and concepts of such massive scale that their music has taken on almost classical quality, in both sound and words Richie Unterberger). The history of Pink Floyd is full of unfortunate obstacles although; they were musical and cultural pioneers, in that they sounded nothing like musical groups before them. Pink Floyd started to experiment very quickly, they were stretching out songs with the wild instrumental freak-out passages incorporating feedback, electronic screeches, and unusual, eerie sounds created by loud amplification, reverb, and such tricks as sliding ball bearings up and down guitar strings (Richie Unterberger). In the mid 1960’s they began to pick up following the London underground; onstage, they began to incorporate light shows to add a cool psychedelic effect like no band before them has ever done. One of the most amazing and important parts, of Pink Floyd is when Syd Barett started to compose pop-psychedelic masterpieces that combined unusual psychedelic arrangements with catchy melodies and incisive lyrics that viewed the world with a sense of poetic, child-like wonder (Richie Unterberger). Few bands can match Pink Floyd’s success. Founded in 1965, the group at first relied heavily on guitarist Syd Barret, who handled vocals and wrote their early offbeat hits. Barrett was also one of the psychedelic era’s most tragic acid casualties and he was replaced in 1968 By Gilmour, with bassist Roger Water emerging as the bands primary lyricist and force behind the band’s two biggest albums (Fred Goodman). In an article that was written in the Rolling Stone magazine about Pink Floyd, a segment of the article read: "When people say they hear Pink Floyd in a group like Radio-head, I don't really see it," he says. "It must be a burden for those poor boys being referred to as the next Pink Floyd -- they deserve to be their own Radio-head. I think we've always stood out in our own category”, said Gilmour. Another unique feature of Pink Floyd is the way the songs are set up on the c.d. from other band’s c.d., which is normally in 2006-07-25T15:39:15-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Pink-Floyd-as-One-of-the-Top-Rock-Bands-in-History-30641.aspx Theory of Kurt Cobain's Death as a Murder Theory of Kurt Cobain's Death as a Murder Beverly Hills, CA private investigator Tom Grant, a 49-year-old grandfather of seven and seven year veteran of the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department, hardly falls into the demographic of the average Nirvana fan. So it's not surprising that when, on Easter Sunday, April 3,1994, Courtney Love hired him to track down her husband Kurt Cobain's missing credit card, he initially thought little of the assignment. "I knew vaguely who Nirvana was." the PI has said. Grant was about to embark on a road of deception, intrigue and cover-ups that would lead him, nine months later, to a stunning conclusion regarding the death of Kurt Cobain, who was found dead in Seattle on April 8, 1994. Grant's first clues that all was not right came during his meeting with Love later that day at the Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills where she was staying. She told him on the phone that someone was using her husband's credit card and she wanted to find out who it was, then, after meeting her at the hotel, she changed that immediately to, "It's not someone else using his card, it's him, and I'm trying to locate him." It just kind of spread from there. Cobain, at the time, was AWOL from the Exodus Recovery Center, a drug-rehab clinic in nearby Marina del Rey. Working on Love's suggestion that Kurt "may have gone to Seattle." Grant subcontracted local investigators to do surveillance on Cobain's known haunts in Seattle. What Love neglected to tell Grant was that Michael "Cali" DeWitt, the couple's nanny, had seen Cobain at their house on Lake Washington Boulevard on April 2, the day before she hired the PI. Given Grant's assertion that Cobain died "late Sunday morning [April 3] or early Monday morning [April 4]." This omission may have caused a fatal "and possibly deliberate delay in his investigation. Grant arrived in Seattle at 11:30 PM on Wednesday, April 6. Dylan Carlson, a close friend of Cobain's who from all reports was the singer's drug buddy, took him to the house. It was raining as they searched the house at 2:15 AM on April 7. But the garage/greenhouse a stone's throw away from the main house remained unexplored; Carlson failed to direct him to the greenhouse, later telling Grant that "it's just a dirty little room." The greenhouse was a l9-foot by 23-foot 2006-07-25T12:55:33-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Theory-of-Kurt-Cobain-s-Death-as-a-Murder-30633.aspx History of Jazz Music History of Jazz Music Jazz music was developed about 1900 by black Americans. It possesses an identifiable history and describable stylistic evolution. Jazz has borrowed from black folk music, and popular music has borrowed from jazz. These three kinds of music remain distinct and should not be confused with each other. Jazz is rooted in mingled traditions of American blacks. These include traits from West African music, European popular and light classical music of the 18th and 19th centuries, and later popular music forms influenced by black music or produced by black composers. Because it occurred before the phonograph could provide valuable documentation, the merging of these multiple influences into jazz is difficult to reconstruct. Jazz is the art of expression set to music. Jazz is said to be the fundamental rhythms of human life and a man’s contemporary reassessment of his traditional values. The development of gospel, blues and field hollers based on the early influence of tribal drums seem to elude that jazz has to do with human survival and the expression of life. Whether under composition guidelines or improvisation, the meaning of jazz became a musical art form that reflected spontaneous melodic phrasing. According to legend, jazz was conceived in New Orleans and moved up the Mississippi River to Memphis, St. Louis and finally Chicago. One can not overlook the evaluation over the decades and the fact that jazz spanned many musical forms. When reviewing the background, spirituals, cakewalks, ragtime and the blues are among these forms. In the 1940’s, America’s great contribution to music, jazz, crossed over the gateway of universities and became seriously and even religiously considered. Starting in the 20’s and ongoing well into the 30’s, the word "jazz" was commonly and rather indiscriminately applied to being melodic or tonal. In the "jazz" age of the 20’s, the swing era of the late 30’s and the peak popularity of modern jazz in the 50’s, jazz functioned as public art and has enjoyed periods of fairly widespread response. The influence and development of the blues can also not be overlooked when discussing the early years of jazz. An ability to play the blues has been a prerequisite of all jazz musicians. They will often use the blues framework for improving. Many of the early jazz performers relied on the blues for more than the 2006-07-24T08:18:46-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/History-of-Jazz-Music-30572.aspx How Music Represents Life How Music Represents Life Some people will look at a music score like it is a piece of paper from Mars. All it is to them is a bunch of black dots on five horizontal lines. But to me, that paper is something much, much more. That paper is my lock, the key is my drumsticks. When my drumsticks touch my drum, it is more than sounds that echo throughout a room, it is an endless note of harmony to my ears. With those sticks I can play anything, make music that describes my feelings, my thoughts, my words. Those sticks are more than long pieces of wood, they are the base at which I found myself. To some students high school is nothing but a race to find themselves in a population amongst hundreds. I truly don't believe half of those people "really" find themselves. For me, I was never in a rush to fit in. Sure, I tried my array of sports and clubs that I thought were fun at the time, but ended of dropping them for they really weren't me. The one true love I possessed was music, and I finally found myself within the instruments I play. I admit I was horrible when I started, but like the little engine that could, I never gave up. I enrolled in various music classes to enrich my music experience. Drumstick after broken drumstick, I stuck with it. I refused to let my love for percussion break, unlike the growing pile of broken sticks in the "Drumstick Graveyard" (as us percussionists called it.) I'll never forget the look on my music teachers face, Mr. Cevallos, whenever I did something incredibly wrong. Likewise, I’ll never forget the looks he gave me once I got strong, and played to my true potential. I owe most of what I know to Mr. Cevallos, for he pushed me further than what I wanted to play, he pushed me even on those days I just wanted a break. Because of that I learned how to not give up, because at one point all of us were beginners, we don't get better by merely staring at the drum. Once you truly know your talent, your drum, and yourself, the drum will do much more than make noise, it will sing to you. To me, music is much more than a few minutes of 2006-07-17T12:47:56-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/How-Music-Represents-Life-30281.aspx Claude Debussy's Musical Influence Claude Debussy's Musical Influence “Even though he grew up in France being a painter was more accepted than being a composer. His father thought that he would become a sailor. He had all the tools for a painter but he was said to have, having a musical ear, but of Debussy it could be said that he had the finest ‘musical eye’ of any composer” (Brown 16). Claude Debussy is one of the most influential musicians of the twentieth century, loved by many people of different musical tastes. From his early childhood many people recognized his love of music, knowing that he was ready and willing to be a successful musician. Making people love and appreciate the deeper side of music was one of his personal goal; but not the only goal. Due to Claude’s determination, passion, rebelliousness, and sufferings, he changed the way many people approach music today. Achille-Claude Debussy was born in St. Germain-en-Laye, on August 22, 1862. He remained silent throughout his childhood, maintaining a level of secrecy that no one could understand. Many believe that he was ashamed of his background, but no one has solid evidence. He wasn’t baptized into the church until 1864, leaving room for some speculation. “Out of the mystery have arisen vague questionings and inferences as to Debussy’s parentage, for which no sensible basis can be found” (Thompson 34). It wasn’t until he reached the age of seven when he began taking piano lessons from Cerrutti, “who regarded him as nothing out of the ordinary” (Brown 16). Claude was regarded by many of his peers as an awkward and clumsy boy with a short, fat appearance reinforced by fat little fingers. He was even noted to be a shy and sociable outcast (Brown 16). He gave music his all, he never felt satisfied with his music. He wanted to be the best but he could not figure out why he was struggling. For the nest three years he studied music with Lavignac, making Claude into a better overall musician. “Lavignac could see Debussy’s talent and his individuality and inquisitive sense of invention.” He liked to do things his way, Lavignac admired Debussy’s intelligence and that helped him reassure the young man (Brown 19). He was determined to accomplish anything that he 2006-07-13T15:36:16-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Claude-Debussy-s-Musical-Influence-30224.aspx Inside the Mind and Music of Kurt Cobain Inside the Mind and Music of Kurt Cobain “Peace, love, and empathy,” were strangely enough the last words written on the late Kurt Cobain’s suicide note before pointed his six pound .20 gauge Remington shotgun into his mouth and pulled the trigger. Cobain ended his own life on April 5, 1994 after taking enough heroin to kill three people. The big question is how could a person of such creativity and talent, not to mention fame and fortune, want to end their life? Kurt Cobain was a voice of a generation and has widely been hailed as the “John Lennon of his generation.” According to the Analytic theories, Jung would have regarded him as being both “ahead of his time” and in touch with a source of superior wisdom, the collective unconscious. The Analytic theories identify the unconscious as the source of creativity, and the creative process consists of bringing this information into consciousness. They will be used in order to take a better look into the creative mind of Kurt Cobain and to identify how he dealt with feelings, values, motivations, and emotions in balancing internal and external elements and influences. Cobain’s disturbed childhood played a large role in his creative process in that the external forces greatly influenced his internal state. Kurt Cobain was an energetic, talented and creative child who liked to draw and sing Beatles tunes. By the time he was eight years old his parents were already divorced. This was an emotional holocaust for Kurt and no other single event in his life had more of an effect on the shaping of his personality. Kurt could not understand the reason for the divorce and he, like most children who go through this, thought it was his fault. He kept his anguish and grief inside rather than outwardly expressing it. He even proceeded to write on his bedroom wall: I hate mom, I hate dad, dad hates mom, mom hates dad. It simply makes you want to be so sad. Kurt was also affected physically by his parents divorce. He was not eating enough and by age eight he had to be put into the hospital for malnutrition. This was the start of a stomach condition that would plague him throughout the rest of his life. Kurt 2006-07-10T13:42:08-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Inside-the-Mind-and-Music-of-Kurt-Cobain-30162.aspx History of Bob Marley and the Wailers' Career History of Bob Marley and the Wailers' Career Bob Marley was a hero figure, in the classic mythological sense. His departure from this planet came at a point when his vision of One World, One Love - inspired by his belief in Rastafari - was beginning to be heard and felt. The last Bob Marley and the Wailers tour in 1980 attracted the largest audiences at that time for any musical act in Europe. Bob's story is that of an original, which is why it continues to have such a powerful and ever-growing resonance: it embodies political repression, metaphysical and artistic insights, gangland warfare and various periods of mystical wilderness. And his audience continues to widen: to westerners Bob's apocalyptic truths prove inspirational and life-changing; in the Third World his impact goes much further. Not just among Jamaicans, but also the Hopi Indians of New Mexico and the Maoris of New Zealand, in Indonesia and India, and especially in those parts of West Africa from which slaves were plucked and taken to the New World, Bob is seen as a redeemer figure returning to lead this planet out of confusion. In the clear Jamaican sunlight you can pick out the component parts of which the myth of Bob Marley is comprised: the sadness, the love, the understanding, the Godgiven talent. Those are facts. And although it is sometimes said that there are no facts in Jamaica, there is one more thing of which we can be certain: Bob Marley never wrote a bad song. He left behind the most remarkable body of recorded work. "The reservoir of music he has left behind is like an encyclopedia," says Judy Mowatt of the I-Threes. "When you need to refer to a certain situation or crisis, there will always be a Bob Marley song that will relate to it. Bob was a musical prophet." The tiny Third World country of Jamaica has produced an artist who has transcended all categories, classes, and creeds through a combination of innate modesty and profound wisdom. Bob Marley, the Natural Mystic, may yet prove to be the most significant musical artist of the twentieth century. Bob Marley gave the world brilliant and evocative music; his work stretched across nearly two decades and yet still remains timeless and universal. Bob Marley & the Wailers worked their way into the very fabric of our 2006-07-09T14:38:52-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/History-of-Bob-Marley-and-the-Wailers-Career-30132.aspx Comprehensive Analysis of the Electronic Music Industry Comprehensive Analysis of the Electronic Music Industry Introduction As technology improves, the current laws about intellectual property and copyright are being challenged. Copying of nearly everything, from sound, to text, to video is made simple with computers, the Internet, scanners, CD burners and other technology. Specifically, this paper examines how the conflicts between intellectual property laws and technology are affecting the music industry. The U.S. Department of Commerce estimated in the 1980s the worldwide value of pirated music to be $1.2 billion annually (Benko 33). The International Intellectual Property Alliance estimated Unites States losses in the recorded music industry due to piracy at $600 million per year in the 1980s and the numbers are certainly higher now (Benko 33). There is obviously a lot at stake for those who are involved with the music industry. This paper will introduce the reader to a complex world of intellectual property, copyright, technology, and the music industry as well as attempt to show how all of these areas intertwine and connect. The reader can choose how they wish to read the paper, but I will include a recommended path to follow for the fullest effect. If you are interested in printed the full text of the paper, please use this copy. To clear up any confusion about terms used in the paper, start with the Definitions section. The paper is then divided into sections including a Literature Review, Discussion and Conclusion. The Literature Review encompasses the current intellectual property laws (including international laws and domestic laws), technology and its abilities (analog to digital, the Internet, and MP3), and the effects on the music industry (artists views, record company views, and views of fans). Definitions Before analyzing issues regarding this complex topic, it may help to understand some of the most commonly used terms. For example, there is a difference between intellectual property and copyright. Intellectual Property or Copyright? Intellectual property is a broad term covering human's work of all kinds. Some intellectual property, that which are literary and artistic works, can be copyrighted. Copyrights are used to protect the use of intellectual property. Many types of work can be copyrighted including: • literary works (writings of many kinds) • musical works (this includes popular music) • choreographic works • artistic works (regardless of purpose) • maps and technical drawings • photographic works • audiovisual works (things such 2006-07-05T23:29:01-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Comprehensive-Analysis-of-the-Electronic-Music-Industry-30047.aspx Biography of Ludwig van Beethoven Biography of Ludwig van Beethoven Beethoven, Ludwig van (1770-1827). The composer of some of the most influential pieces of music ever written, Ludwig van Beethoven created a bridge between the 18th-century classical period and the new beginnings of Romanticism. His greatest breakthroughs in composition came in his instrumental work, including his symphonies. Unlike his predecessor Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, for whom writing music seemed to come easily, Beethoven always struggled to perfect his work. Ludwig van Beethoven was born in Bonn, Germany, and was baptized on Dec. 17, 1770. (There is no record of his birth date.) His father and grandfather worked as court musicians in Bonn. Ludwig's father, a singer, gave him his early musical training. Although he had only meager academic schooling, he studied piano, violin, and French horn, and before he was 12 years old he became a court organist. Ludwig's first important teacher of composition was Christian Gottlob Neefe. In 1787 he studied briefly with Mozart, and five years later he left Bonn permanently and went to Vienna to study with Joseph Haydn and later with Antonio Salieri. Beethoven's first public appearance in Vienna was on March 29, 1795, as a soloist in one of his piano concerti. Even before he left Bonn, he had developed a reputation for fine improvisatory performances. In Vienna young Beethoven soon had a long list of aristocratic patrons who loved music and were eager to help him. Onset of Deafness In the late 1700s Beethoven began to suffer from early symptoms of deafness. The cause of his disability is still uncertain. By 1802 Beethoven was convinced that the condition not only was permanent, but was getting progressively worse. He spent that summer in the country and wrote what has become known as the "Heiligenstadt Testament." In the document, apparently intended for his two brothers, Beethoven expressed his humiliation and despair. For the rest of his life he searched for a cure, but by 1819 his deafness had become total. Afterward, in order to have conversations with his friends, Beethoven had them write down their questions and replied orally. Beethoven never married. Though he had many friends, he seemed to be a lonely man. He continued to appear in public but spent more and more of his time working on his compositions. He lived in various villages near Vienna and took long walks carrying sketchbooks in which he would write down his 2006-07-02T22:51:56-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Biography-of-Ludwig-van-Beethoven-29914.aspx An Approach to Musical Education An Approach to Musical Education Carl Orff’s approach to music education encompasses all facets of musical expression. The learning takes place in an essentially active way, where imitation and exploration progress to improvisation and music literacy. Speech, song, movement and instruments are the vehicles used to teach rhythm, melody, form, harmony and timbre. It is built on the idea that a child must be able to feel and create rhythms and melodies before being attempting to read and write music. Orff believed that before an attempt in order to ‘understand’ the 2006-06-27T03:35:05-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/An-Approach-to-Musical-Education-29885.aspx Crossing Racial Lines in Contemporary Music Crossing Racial Lines in Contemporary Music Music today is not segregated against by most people. Not only is it not segregated, it is joining. One example of that is the relationship between black rappers and white rockers. The distinct line of rock and rap is now turning into a blur. The first point that rap and rock is not 2006-06-26T15:39:07-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Crossing-Racial-Lines-in-Contemporary-Music-29823.aspx Analysis of Coltrane Jazz Concert Analysis of Coltrane Jazz Concert There is definitely a difference between seeing a live performance and listening to it on the radio or on a compact disc. Listening to live music is definitely a wonderful way to spend a Saturday night. I went to a jazz concert at the Bluebird. It was a beautiful experience. I thought it was a throw back to the days where television was in black and white. It was a very intimate setting between the band and the audience. The band was very 2006-06-22T14:24:58-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Analysis-of-Coltrane-Jazz-Concert-29800.aspx Analysis of the Song Winter of Souls by Demons and Wizards Analysis of the Song "Winter of Souls" by Demons and Wizards The song that I’ve chosen for my work is named “Winter of Souls”. A progressive metal band named Demons & Wizards performed it. This German band is a side project for Blind Guardian vocalist Hansi Kursch and Iced Earth guitarist Jon Schaffer; it also featured onetime Iced Earth drummer Mark Prator. Demons & Wizards recorded a self-titled debut in 1999, with Schaffer also handling bass on the record (occasional lead guitar was contributed by guest Jim Morris). Already available in Europe, the album was released in USA only by the middle of 2000. To give you a more clear understanding of the style and the type of lyrics Hansi Kursch writes, we will take a closer look on the “Blind Guardian” – Hansi’s original band. “Guardians” are mastering very specific themes – Middle Ages and Fantasy books. Their best album (according to several European and Japanese charts), “Nightfall in Middlearth, is based completely on the J. R. R. Tolkien’s book named “Silmarilion”. Unlike the same author’s “Lord of the Rings”, a book that gained international recognition before and now is popular once again because of the movie, “Silmarilion” is much complex and serious book. I’ve chosen this particular song, first of all, because it is beautiful. In metal, music and performance are in highest priority along with lyrics, which is one of the main difference points between metal and modern “pop” music (also known as “MTV style”). Second, this song is dealing with a mental problem that many of us have encountered, the problem of a sorrow about something that is lost forever. The problem of understanding something that is too late. If a person is in touch with his or her emotions, those are the very familiar problems. A song is written and performed in the good old tradition of German Metal. It combines a medieval minstrel song and lyrics, with pure progressive metal music. Together those two, un-connectable from the first sight, styles of performance, create a unique atmosphere in listeners’ minds. It has no foolish apocalypticism that is very often present in other, then German, metal band’s lyrics. Today, at the era of humanism re-birth, or so-called “.... the final breakdown of civilian population into political and social conformity” is described by Espinoza Ray Prozac at his Internet site, which is dealing with the mental and ideological aspects 2006-06-21T15:08:24-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Analysis-of-the-Song-Winter-of-Souls-by-Demons-and-Wizards-29755.aspx The Complete Story of Slayer The Complete Story of Slayer Slayer came to life in the LA. Surburb of “the Huntington Beach Area”. Soon they won the reputation of “the Huntington Hooligans”. The band was started by Kerry King, a guitarist who was looking for other muscians to start a band. Prior to that, he had been in another band, with Tom Araya. Kerry met Jeff Hanneman, another guitarist, who was very interested in the punk movement that was going on at the time. Later the two teamed up with a very skilled drummer by the name of Dave Lombardo. Slayer became a reality when singer and bassist Tom Araya joined the band after Jeff Hanneman talked to him about joing the band. By the time, Jeff asked Tom, Tom worked in a nearby hospital as a respiratory therapist. Slayer first played in 1982, performing other artists songs. Artists such as Judas Priest and Iron Maiden. At first, Slayer started playing at small clubs, later they also played in weekends and so the snowball started rolling... Action... However, it was first in 1983 things really started to happen for the band. While performing in a local club called “Woodstock”, a guy named Brian Slagel who owned Metal Blade records, watched them perform. After the show, Brian Slagel went backstage with an offer to Slayer about making a number for the upcoming compilation “Metal Massacre III”. Tom & co. was hooked on the idea and they agreed to make a song but only if Brian would help them record a record. Slayer then did the number “Aggressive Perfector” for the compilation lp. Brian Slagel then helped Slayer producing their own record, it was called "Show No Mercy" and it came out in December 1983. Show No Mercy was instantly hailed as a masterpiece by heavy freaks and magazines around the US. and Europe. Many critics laughed of it though. The cover shows a goat/satan type thing and it looks like some sort of a cartoon figure. But ok, back in ‘83 all that satan stuff was new and exiting. In 1983, another classic album also came out - you guessed it, Metallica’s “Kill ‘Em All”. Metallica started in 1981, just as Slayer did. Show No Mercy consisted most of a lot of screams, guitar solos and fast drumming. One thing was clear for everyone; Tom, Jeff, Kerry and Dave was appreciated as fine muscians who could play their instruments very well. For example, in 2006-06-20T14:10:59-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/The-Complete-Story-of-Slayer-29662.aspx British Rock Invasion The Beatles and Pink Floyd Why was British rock music so successful internationally in the 1960’s. Just whom do we attribute the modern era of music? The answer to these questions is quite simple, the British. Their influence on American musical life has left a lasting indention—one that will probably live forever. During the 1960’s, there was a drastic change that occurred in music worldwide as people began to stand up for their beliefs and unite for the common good. The young people of the day were dubbed baby boomers and were quite possibly the largest and most influential force in the world. No one could have predicted the emergence of so many successful groups from England’s underground and mainstream. Groups like the Beatles and Pink Floyd typified this international movement of the British invasion of music into the world cultures by invoking a large fan base and initiating a new drug culture. The British invasion began internationally in the early 1960’s as bands like the Animals and the Rolling Stones entered the United States. These bands entered on what could be called the first wave of the British invasion internationally. One reason they were so successful is that they took a familiar American rhythm and blues sound and expanded on its wide range of instruments and vocals. They took a chance in leaving England to play abroad, but ultimately they paved the way for other British rock bands to break the international barrier(4). Meanwhile, in Liverpool, England, a new group was forming that would change the face of rock forever. They called themselves the Beatles and their names(John Lennon, George Harrison, Paul McCartney, and Ringo Starr) would be forever engraved in the minds of people for generations to come. They began a new era of music in which they added melody to rock, accompanied by meaningful lyrics(2). It was unforeseen at the time, but the Beatles would become on of the biggest sex symbols of the 1960’s. Thus, British music was further entrapped in the lives of the American public. In 1963, the Beatles were the most popular group in England and got the rare distinction and honor of playing in front of the queen. This was considered a very special honor because not every young music talent of the day got to do this. This began 2006-06-14T23:53:51-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/British-Rock-Invasion-The-Beatles-and-Pink-Floyd-29516.aspx How the Beatles took America's Hearts How the Beatles took America's Hearts It is now 6:30 A.M. Beatle time. The left London 30 minutes ago. They’re out over the Atlantic Ocean heading for New York. The temperature is 32 Beatle Degrees”(Szatmary 113). The transistor radio reported every few minutes on the morning of Friday, February 7, 1964. It was a day that would mark a musical milestone sending shockwaves through the United States. The plane landed, the Beatles stepped out, and for the first time Americans caught a glimpse of these young men with their long hair and their mod cut suits. The Beatles had landed, Elvis had left the building, and for the first time, Americans were embracing a British band as the standard. Rather than crediting the Beatles and their promoters for their success, credit should be given to Americans alone. America created its own need for The Beatles, priming the country for a fun and fresh act in a time of mourning and melancholy. They were the right act, at the right time, with a built in audience. According to author Nicholas Schaffner, the most widely accepted explanation for the success of The Beatles draws a parallel between the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in November of 1963 and the group’s arrival in February of 1964. After the assassination of the President, the country found itself in a deep state of mourning and melancholy was rampant. In a country that seemed so invulnerable to harm, everything was lost in a single moment. By January, the American people wanted so desperately to hear something happy, to find some sort of diversion from the morbid tragedy that had shook their lives. America needed a tonic, enter The Beatles (Schaffner 32). The examples of “Beatlemania” are well known, screaming girls clamoring for a touch, a smile, a wave. Just as in England the previous year, Beatlemania swept across the United States (Schaffner 31). The initial reasons for their success have been overlooked, often mistaken for legend and theories that hold no validity. This is surprising given the unexpected nature of any British success in American music. Author Carol Bedford sites only a few isolated incidents such as Lonnie Donegan, Acker Bilk, Laurie London and Haley Mills, that were able to penetrate the American charts (Bedford). There had never been 2006-06-14T23:48:49-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/How-the-Beatles-took-America-s-Hearts-29512.aspx Review of Tribute Album to Gram Parsons Review of Tribute Album to Gram Parsons Tribute albums are an unpredictable breed, but this one looks far more interesting than most of the genre, boasting a roster of artists that includes Beck, Evan Dando and Julianna Hatfield, Elvis Costello and the frequently fine Wilco, along with Gram Parsons' former musical partner Emmylou Harris, who duets on a couple of tracks. And before you assume (as I did) that Almo Sounds are some precocious little backstreet indie outfit, note that the company is run by Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss (the 'A' and 'M' in A & M respectively, the company for whom Parsons' band The Flying Burrito Brothers once recorded), and is responsible for bringing the goth-pop of Garbage to some territories. I won't recount the details of Gram Parsons' incredibly creative, cruelly curtailed life and career here - the booklet essay tells you most of what you need to know. Suffice it to say that most of the tracks featured here are more than worthy of the memory of the man who almost single-handedly invented country rock, and even the clunkers - The Mavericks' drum-machine assisted holler through "Hot Burrito #1", Whiskeytown's brave but doomed attempt on Parsons' finest composition, "A Song For You" - are only that in relative terms. Best bits include Beck and Emmylou's duet on "Sin City", Mr Hansen ably demonstrating just why Johnny Cash was moved to comment, "He's got that mountain music in his blood", the return of Evan Dando (presumed missing in action since the last unlovely Lemonheads album) who, with Julianna Hatfield, comes closest to resurrecting the spirit of Parsons and Harris on a brisk "$1,000 Wedding" and Wilco's thunder through the old Byrds tune "One Hundred Years From Now". Elsewhere Elvis Costello - fast becoming some kind of human karaoke machine following his association with Burt Bacharach (and anyone willing to wager that Mr McManus nabs the Lifetime Achievement Award at next year's Brits?) - contributes a sensitive reading of "Sleepless Nights", light years away from his shouty take of "She" on the "Notting Hill" soundtrack, The Pretenders and Emmylou make a shuffly "She" and The Cowboy Junkies a slowed-down and blurred-out "Ooh Las Vegas". The album closes with "In My Hour Of Darkness", performed by one-off alt-country supergroup The Rolling Creekdippers featuring Victoria Williams, former Jayhawk Mark Olsen and a slew of Nashville heavyweights. Originally to be found as the 2006-06-14T23:44:22-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Review-of-Tribute-Album-to-Gram-Parsons-29509.aspx A Legend To Norteno Music A Legend To Norteno Music “Los Invasores de Nuevo Leon” is a norteno band, wherein the accordionist, Javier Rios initiated in 1978, in Monterrey, N.L., Mexico, where the accordion music is inseparable from the Noteno tradition. However the group didn’t started playing professionally until 1980 when they obtained the vocalist and acoustic guitarist, Lalo Mora. The career of the Invaders, at the beginning was harsh. In an interview with Mora he mentioned, “At the beginning the group had financial problems, but with God’s blessed we had overcome all those situations”. Where in 1981 a representative name Servando Cano noticed their talent and started representing the group. In 1982 they recorded one of their greatest hits, which gave them first Gold Disc. which include songs like “Mi Casa Nueva”, a son that until the date receives cheers and applauses from the audience. But the hits don’t end there, “Aguanta Corazon”, “Que La Dejen Ir Al Baile Sola”, “Laurita Garza”, and “Para Ti Mi Amor”, “Te Adorare” and many, many more that were great hits, and continue being classic. Therefore they realized that the most valuable recognition they can receive is not the awards instead without the doubt, the audience love and applauses. In 1993, Mora decides to leave the group; therefore The Invaders were desperately looking for a new vocalist. Isais Lucero took Lalo’s place, which had a similar voice to the previous vocalist. This definitely didn’t affect the group, the hits continue with Lucero, whit first place hits like: “Me Rindo”, Esta Noche Tu Vendras”, and “Playa Sola” which received a Gold Disc for more that 100 million copies sold. However Lucero’s career with The Invaders was short, since he also decided to be on his own, leaving the group on 1997. In 1997 Rios is in the same situation, he is anxious to find a new vocalist, therefore he decides to give two guys that work for him the opportunity of their lives. They work for the group carrying the groups’ equipment, Rolando Marroquin (vocalist) and Rigo Marroquin (Acoustic Guitar) who integrated the group in May 23, 1997. This was a dramatic changed for The Invaders, because now they are five instead of four…Rios also decides to change the style of music. Known for having a masculine voice like Mora and playing in their albums most of them Rancheras, 2006-06-13T18:23:12-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/A-Legend-To-Norteno-Music-29436.aspx Effects of Music on Human Behavior Effects of Music on Human Behavior As music has changed through out the years, artists have become much more lax with the message that they send to the public. As laws of censorship change, a separation of the public’s freedom of speech and the medias has become very significant. As the government cracks down, many artists fight to keep their freedom. With people blaming their actions on the lyrics of the music they are exposed to, this is going to be a hard feat for the artists to accomplish. Although the fight of the musical artists against the government has been going on for the past 20 years, it has become even more emanate now. Are the actions of people to be blamed on the music? What effect does music have on the social behavior? Should these effects make harder censorship laws, or is music protected by the Bill of Rights? Music has become a large part of everyone’s life. Preservation of music is very important to the preservation of the american culture so these problems cannot be ignored. The most misunderstood music is Rap. Children as well as teenagers have a hard time interpreting emotions in music (Weinberger). This misunderstanding is most relevant in rap music, because it is harder for children to relate to the artist. In cases like these, apparent or older sibling has to explain the message to the child (Weinberger). In particular, "gangsta rap" is distinguished by lyrics that often involve references to street gangs, gunplay, sex, drug use and violence, and has been accused of extolling violent behavior. Studies have found that exposure to rap music "tends to lead to a higher degree of acceptance of the use of violence." In addition, several major rap artists have been charged with violent crimes in real life, and many worry that their actions seemingly condone the violent messages in their music. Their celebrity status also serves to glamorize their violent behavior (Mediascope). Although there is violence, sex, and drug reference in modern rock music, most have a much deeper message about life. It has been resolved that rock music has had more influence on older adolesencents then their parents do (Weinberger). Rock music is much easier for teenagers to relate to with all of their pressures and problems. “Kids who listen to Heavy Metal and Rap tend not to do as well in school, or it maybe that troubled 2006-06-13T03:23:56-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Effects-of-Music-on-Human-Behavior-29404.aspx Emotional Attachment to Music Emotional Attachment to Music Music is something i hear everywhere i go. I hear it in the car, at my house, and at sporting events. I think that people who dislike music are just saying so because they are afraid of change. It not the kind of music that they used to listen to so they find it disturbing. Im am sure my grand parents would not find this music appropriate buit i feel it its a good reflection of my culture. I use music not only to entertain me, but to motive me as well. 2006-06-11T20:27:03-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Emotional-Attachment-to-Music-29247.aspx A Protest to the Music of Eminem, The Real Slim Shady A Protest to the Music of Eminem, The Real Slim Shady WILL THE REAL SLIM SHADY PLEASE SHUT UP, by Ashley Nelson is a powerful article about the influence music can have on people. Nelson makes some excellent points on this controversial subject and is correct in stating that music does influence actions. Music can have tremendous effects on listeners, especially those who are easily influenced. One argument in the rappers defense was; his sadistic desires are not those of Marshall Mathers (Eminem), rather 2006-06-11T02:40:12-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/A-Protest-to-the-Music-of-Eminem,-The-Real-Slim-Shady-29183.aspx A Historic Analysis of the Beatles' Career A Historic Analysis of the Beatles' Career The Beatles to this day are one of the most famous and popular rock 'n roll groups in the world. The Beatles include George Harrison, John Lennon(1940-1980), Paul McCartney, and Richard Starkey(Ringo Starr). All of the Beatles where born and raised in Liverpool, England. John Lennon was considered the leader of the band. George Harrison was the lead guitarist. John Lennon was a song writer, one of the two lead singers, and rhythm guitarist. Paul McCartney was a song writer, one of the two lead singers, and a bassist. Ringo Starr played the drums. John Lennon's first band was called the Quarrymen (named after his High School). None of the three Beatles were in this band. Paul joined the group in 1957 and Harrison joined in 1958. They played with bass guitarist Sut Sutcliffe, and Pete Best, a drummer. Sutcliffe left in 1961 and Ringo Starr joined the band. Pete Best was asked to leave the band on April 16, 1962. He was considered the Beatles undisputed sex symbol. The Beatles were discovered on November 9, 1961 by Brian Epstein, a manager of a record store in Liverpool as well as an x British Army soldier. The Beatles first two song were "Love Me Do" and "Please, Please Me." The Beatles starred in two movies, "A Hard Days Night," and "Help." They also had their own full length cartoon called "Yellow Submarine." The movie "A Hard Days Night" earned 1.3 million dollars in its first week. The Beatles early music was influenced by singers Chuck Berry and Elvis Presley. In November of 1963 the Beatles performed in front of the Queen of England. This was an incredible honor. By the end of 1963 the Beatles were the biggest music group in England. The Beatles came to New York City for the first time in 1964. They were an instant success. A couple of weeks later after their New York appearance, the five best selling records were by the Beatles. They became world famous by the end of 1964. Also in 1964 the song "I Want To Hold Your Hand" marked the beginning of 2006-06-06T14:06:48-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/A-Historic-Analysis-of-the-Beatles-Career-29056.aspx History of William Christopher Handy History of William Christopher Handy William Christopher Handy was born on November 16, 1873, in Florence, Alabama. He grew up in a log cabin that his grandfather had built on what is now called College Street. As a young child, he displayed a keen interest in music and his intuitive ear could catalog the musical notes of songbirds, the whistles from nearby river boats, and even the rhythms of the Tennessee River. However, musical talent, especially the playing of musical instruments, was frowned upon by his family. Despite Handy's lack of encouragement, he longed to own a guitar that he had seen in a local shop window and he secretly saved the money he made by picking berries and nuts and making lye soap. When he had finally saved enough money to buy the guitar, he proudly brought it home to his shocked and dismayed family. Handy's father made him take the guitar back and exchange it for a dictionary. Handy joined a local blues band as a teenager, but he kept this fact secret from his parents. He purchased a cornet from a fellow band member and spent every free minute practicing it. An exceptional student in school, he placed near the top of his class. In September of 1892, Handy traveled to Birmingham to take a teaching exam, which he passed easily. He obtained a teaching job in Birmingham but soon learned that the teaching profession paid poorly. He quit the position and found work at a pipe works plant in nearby Bessemer. During his off-time, he organized a small string orchestra and taught musicians how to read notes. He formed a quartet called the "Lauzetta Quartet". When the group read about the upcoming World's Fair in Chicago, they decided to attend. The trip to Chicago was long and arduous. To pay their way, group members performed at odd jobs along the way. When they finally arrived in Chicago, the quartet learned that the World's Fair had been postponed for a year. The group headed to St. Louis, but working conditions there proved to be very bad. The Laurzetta Quartet disbanded and Handy subsequently left St. Louis for Evansville, Indiana. In Evansville, Handy's luck changed dramatically. He joined a successful band which performed throughout the neighboring cities and states. While performing at a barbecue in Henderson, Kentucky, he met Elizabeth Price, and they married shortly afterwards (on July 19, 1896). Handy 2006-06-01T18:35:55-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/History-of-William-Christopher-Handy-28975.aspx Dispute of Self-expression in Program versus Absolute Music Dispute of Self-expression in Program 2006-06-01T01:48:02-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Dispute-of-Self-expression-in-Program-versus-Absolute-Music-28960.aspx American Jazz Great Fred Sturm American Jazz Great: Fred Sturm Fred Sturm directs the internationally acclaimed Eastman Jazz Ensemble, conducts the 70-piece Eastman Studio Orchestra, and coordinates the Eastman jazz composition and arranging program. He serves as guest conductor of the Hessischer Rundfunk (Frankfurt Radio Orchestra) in Germany, the Kluvers Big Band in Denmark, and American university jazz ensembles; as director of high school all-state jazz bands throughout the U.S.; as clinician at national educational conferences and festivals; and as composer-in-residence for school and university music programs through grants from Meet the Composer, New York State Council of the Arts, and Harvard Project Zero. The son of a Chicago Symphony Orchestra cellist and an operatic contralto, Fred began composing and studied classical trumpet and trombone in his teens. He attended the Lawrence University Conservatory of Music, creating and directing the school's first student-designed jazz ensemble as a 19-year old sophomore. He entered the University of North Texas as a graduate student and performed as a trombonist with the renowned One O'Clock Lab Band. He co-founded and toured with the jazz nonet Matrix for a period of four years as trombonist, keyboardist, and composer. In 1977, he returned to Lawrence University to join the faculty as director of jazz studies, developing the jazz degree curriculum and leading the jazz ensemble to national prominence. During summers and a faculty leave, he completed a jazz studies and contemporary media degree in writing skills at the Eastman School, performed with the Eastman Jazz Ensemble, and served as teaching assistant to Professor Rayburn Wright. Since joining the Eastman jazz faculty in 1991, he has fostered the development of award-winning students, has developed new writing and pedagogy courses, and served as department chair for six years. Under his direction, the Eastman Jazz Ensemble and Studio Orchestra have been cited by Down Beat magazine as the outstanding collegiate jazz ensembles in the United States and Canada five times. Sturm compositions and arrangements for jazz ensemble, orchestra, wind ensemble, and chamber ensembles are published by Universal Edition (Vienna), Advance Music (Germany), Kendor Music, Lorenz Heritage JazzWorks, Really Good Music, UNC Jazz Press, Ensemble Publications, and Warner Brothers. His jazz works are recorded on Concord Jazz, RCA, and Warner Brothers; have been performed by Gene Bertoncini, Bob Brookmeyer, Wycliffe Gordon, Wynton Marsalis, Bobby McFerrin, Dianne Reeves, Clark Terry, and Phil Woods; and earned a 1998 Grammy nomination. Fred is author of the acclaimed text/corresponding CD Changes Over 2006-05-31T18:01:07-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/American-Jazz-Great-Fred-Sturm-28918.aspx Afro Caribbean Music If African music is said to have roots in almost all music, then undoubtedly a branch extends directly into the heart of the Caribbean Islands. All the islands have a spice of African influence, but due to length constraints, we’ve chosen to confine our discussion to Afro-Caribbean music in Jamaica and Cuba. History and Musical Cultural Context: Jamaica: From the early 1400’s to the middle 1600’s Jamaica was island under Spanish control. That was until 1655 when the British took control. After a brief period of experimenting with indentured European labor, the British turned to large scale importation of Africans to be used as slaves on the sugar plantations. The plantation dominated economic life in every sense. It occupied the best lands, the laws supported the slave system, and in general all commercial and other economic activity depended on the rhythm of activity of the plantation. Upon Emancipation, many of the ex-slaves settled down as small farmers in the mountains, cultivating steep hill slopes far away from the plantations. With many Africans settling into the beautiful landscape of Jamaica, new musical dawns were on the horizon. While enslaved, Africans developed a new form of music and dance which was known as Mento. Mento remained popular until the 1940s, however, during the early 50s, popular music in Jamaica was usually of US origin. In the late 1950s “Ska” another Jamaican musical innovation emerged. In the mid 60s”Rock Steady”-a slower tempo with emphasis on syncopation-grew out of “Ska”. However, by the late 60s, yet another new Jamaican musical form had emerged-“Reggae”, the most famous of the musical styles developed on the island. Reggae spans the globe and has influenced the music of internationally famous performers in the US, Japan, UK, South America, and the rest of the world. Cuba: For most of the eighteenth century, Cuba was a relatively underdeveloped island with an economy mainly based on cattle raising and tobacco farms. However, towards the beginning of the nineteenth century cultivation of sugar began to run the Cuban economy. With the intensive cultivation Cuba began to turn into a plantation society, and the need for African “slaves” skyrocketed. The slave trade with the West African coast exploded, and it is estimated that close to 400,000 Africans were brought to Cuba during the years 1835-1864. By the end of the nineteenth century, it was 2006-05-03T22:45:52-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Afro-Caribbean-Music-28786.aspx Duke Ellington's Jazz One of the greatest tragedies in the 20th century can be seen in the debasing of the Jazz genre as a unworthy equal to it’s predecessor, European Classical music. This can be seen in various statements about Jazz, such as Boris Gibalin commit, “The “Jazz Mania” has taken on the character of a lingering illness and must be cured by means of forceful intervention.”1 This conflict can be traced through out the history of Jazz, as Classical composers have relatively disregarded this new type of music. Before Duke Ellington’s Cotton Club performances, Jazz play on the radio was delegated for late night audience only. This sub-culture treatment has led many critics to disregard the Jazz movement as a dance craze, or unsuccessful recreations of Classical pieces. This slandering of Jazz has not only created a false image of the music, but it has also lead to a full disconnection between the two genres. It is for this reason that I propose in my paper to show the relationship between these two musical categories. My hopes in demonstrating these similarities is to disassemble the schism of ignorance built between the two, and place both Jazz and Classical music on equal footing. Critics of Jazz have always perpetuated this schism by utilizing the reasoning behind Jazz, that of it being a free form interpretation, to question the legitimacy of calling a Jazz leader a composer. For how can one be styled as a proper composer and still remain true to the Traditional Jazz concepts? The classic composer has at their disposal highly skilled musicians who are trained to work within professional bodies, such as a symphony orchestra or string quartet, and who then relies on the efficiency of these professionally trained bodies to interpret his scores as he sees fit. On the surface this appears to run contradictory to the Jazz composer whom, “Has to write for specific combinations which do not exist until he brings them into being, and to rely on highly individual executants whose personal style must be blended together to give expression to his own ideas without…losing their individuality”.2 Yet to interpret this blending of highly individualistic sounds as proof of a schism between this and the rigidly structured Classical composer is a false impression. This fallacy can be attributed to overemphasizing the sporadic and improvisational aspects 2006-03-19T09:19:36-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Duke-Ellington-s-Jazz-28573.aspx The Roaring Twenties The Great Gatsby The Jazz Age In 1920, F. Scott Fitzgerald said that “An author ought to write for the youth of his generation, the critics of the next, and the schoolmasters of ever afterwards.” Fitzgerald wrote about what he saw during the 1920’s, which he dubbed “The Jazz Age,” and The Great Gatsby is considered a correct depiction of that era. After World War I, many Americans felt a distrust toward foreigners and radicals because they held them responsible for the war. These beliefs led to a revival of the Ku Klux Klan, a racist, anti-Catholic, and anti-Semitic group. This general distrust of liberal movements and foreigners lasted throughout the decade. In 1920, Harding won in a landslide victory under the campaign promises of returning to “normalcy.” People wanted peace and prosperity and Harding tried to give it to them by returning the United States to its prewar conditions. He established probusiness policies and went against labor unions. He pushed peace by urging disarmament. The Congress passed bills to restrict the number of immigrants coming into the country. Harding was very popular because he returned the U.S. to prosperity, after his death in 1923 it became apparent that his administration was one of the most corrupt in U.S. history. Calvin Coolidge took over and followed Harding’s policies and the prosperity continued. Young people, disillusioned by their experiences in World War I, rebelled against prewar attitudes and conventions. Women refused to give up the independence they had gained from the jobs the got during the war. In 1920, the Nineteenth Amendment gave them the right to vote, and they demanded to be recognized as equals. Women adopted a masculine look: they bobbed their hair, were more open about sex, quit wearing corsets, and smoked and drank in public. Most Americans were brought up to at least a modest level of comfort. They worked fewer hours and were making more money, so the development of leisure activities became important. Prohibition, enacted by the Eighteenth Amendment in 1919, attempted to get rid of alcohol. Instead of ending the use of alcohol, Prohibition prompted the growth of organized crime. The Roaring Twenties was a time of flappers, gangsters, and prosperity. Unfortunately, when the stock market crashed in October 1929, all of this came to a stop. The Depression followed which ended all the celebration. WORKS CITED Bruccoli, Matthew J. Preface. The 2006-03-19T09:18:01-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/The-Roaring-Twenties--28572.aspx Jazz Age The Jazz music of the Big Band Era was the peak of over thirty years of musical development. Jazz was so innovative and different that it could literally sweep the world, changing the musical styles of nearly every country. Big band Jazz that makes the feet tap and the heart race with excitement that it is recognized with nearly every type of music. The musical and cultural revolution that brought about Jazz was a direct result of African-Americans pursuing careers in the arts following the United States civil war. As slaves African-Americans has learned few European cultural traditions. With more freedom to pursue careers in the arts and bringing African artistic traditions to their work, African-Americans changed music and dance, not only in the U.S., but all over the world. For after the war, African American dancers and musicians created work that was not similar by hundreds of years of musical and dance traditions brought from the peasant villages of Europe. The music of Europe had a more base structure. European music through the nineteenth century was melodically based, with a square or waltz rhythmic structure. Differently, much African music has an organization which is based around rhythm and accent, rhythms and accents that may actually shift and move in relation to each other as the music progresses. The big change that took place in music rhythmically was the shift away from the rhythmic structure. African musical tradition tends to count towards the accented beat so that an African may count 2 on the same beat a European would count 1. It is typical of West African music to have rhythms of different lengths overlapping each other, creating shifting accents, sort of like a mix. Which is to say that by the late 1920's African-American Jazz music had developed a tradition where musicians put a strong rhythmic accent on "2" and "4" and melodic accents anywhere BUT on "1." The first popular musical trend in the United States produced by this African-European combination was Ragtime, which first achieved popularity in the late 19th century. Ragtime musicians often used what are called "ragged" rhythms. Ragged rhythms were African-influenced rhythms, shortened so that the accent was "off" the beat, instead of in rhythm with the beat. Ragtime musicians also occasionally used what were called "blue" harmonies and notes. Blue harmonies and notes used notes that didn't fit into the European concept 2006-03-19T09:16:35-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Jazz-Age--28571.aspx Jazz Age in the United States Americans, in the years following the end of World War I found themselves in an era, where the people simply wished to detach themselves from the troubles of Europeans and the rest of the world. During the years of the Twenties, the economy was prosperous, there was widespread social reform, new aspects of culture were established, and people found better ways to improve their lifestyle and enjoy life. The 1920's exemplified the changing attitudes of American's toward foreign relations, society, and leisure activities. Following the end of World War I, many Americans demanded that the United States stay out of European affairs in the future. The United States Senate even refused to accept the Treaty of Versailles which officially ended World War I and provided for the establishment of the League of Nations. The Senate chose to refuse the Treaty in the fear that it could result in the involvement of the United States in future European wars. Americans simply did not wish to deal with, nor tolerate the problems of Europe and abroad. There were many problems running rampant throughout the country following the conclusion of the war. One of the greatest problems which arose was the Red Scare which was seen as an international communist conspiracy that was blamed for various protest movements and union activities in 1919 and 1920. The Red Scare was touched off by a national distrust of foreigners. Many Americas also kept a close eye on the increasing activities of the Klu Klux Klan who were terrorizing foreigners, blacks, Jews and Roman Catholics. Once Americans put the war behind them, they were able to forget the problems of European affairs, and focus on the country, their town, and themselves. Americans found themselves in a period of reform, both socially and culturally. Many feared that morality had crumbled completely. Before World War I, women wore their hair long, had ankle length dresses, and long cotton stockings. In the twenties, they wore short, tight dresses, and rolled their silk stockings down to their knees. They wore flashy lipstick and other cosmetics. Eventually, women were even granted the right to vote with the passing of the 19th Amendment. It was up to this time period that women were not seen as an important aspect in American society. As if rebelling from the previous position of practically non-existence, women changed their clothing, their fashion, and even cut their hair shorter into 2006-03-19T09:06:48-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Jazz-Age-in-the-United-States-28570.aspx A Rock Concert A Rock Concert Through the years, rock stars have been providing entertainment with their unique and diverse style of music. However, a live performance by a rock star has an altogether different effect which elates one to higher levels of music thrill. An opportunity of such kind came my way and I grabbed it with both my hands. Music icon Bryan Adams performed in the city of Mumbai in India which I was fortunate to witness. What I did not expect coming, was a memorable journey into the world of sheer rock music. The stage was set on a huge piece of land with lights and all the vital equipments needed for the concert. Giant speakers were placed in the four corners to make the music highly audible. Even before the event got underway, there were people everywhere. All of a sudden it felt like too many people in a small space. The crowd surged forward and back in one relentless wave like the wild waves of the ocean during a high tide. In such a situation, none could help but to push and shove the others around. The crowd provided or allowed no personal space. We were all packed in there like caged wildcats. I had to move as the crowd allowed or insisted. Everything was done as a group. It was only one group of crazy fans fighting for that one glimpse of their favorite star. The crowd would shift as people passed out. This only allowed me to move closer to the front. As one can tell, I was packed in until the end. The level of sound was astronomical. The decibel level was on the threshold of pain. The music roared through the streets for miles and the crowd would go crazy. Every time the bass drum was struck, I could feel the repercussion in the organs within my chest. It even made my teeth chatter. The floor beneath me seemed to move with the beat of each song. The vibration that each sound produced, felt like current passing through one’s body. It truly felt like a festival of sensory overloads. At this instant, my body felt stimulated in every area to its complete capacity. The stage was a constant flurry of excitement. It presented a spectacular sight and the atmosphere sucked us into the aura of rock music. Plenty of pyrotechnics kept my 2006-01-15T19:13:05-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/A-Rock-Concert--28424.aspx The Origins of Hip Hop and Rap THE ORIGINS OF HIP-HOP AND RAP In the late 1970’s a new, popular form of urban youth culture emerged in the Bronx, New York that changed the face of popular music and American culture. Throughout its development, hip-hop has become a vastly commercialized, inextricable component of popular American culture; however, it took the efforts of many pioneers and innovators to shape modern hip-hop culture and music. By exploring hip-hop’s origins, one can better understand its evolution and its positive influence on different social groups throughout the United States. There are many misconceptions about what the term hip-hop entails. Many believe hip-hop is synonymous for rap music; however, hip-hop encompasses all the cultural elements of surrounding rap. In its beginning, the hip-hop subculture included dee-jaying, emceeing, graffiti, and break dancing. These elements contributed greatly to hip-hop, and therefore must be considered when examining the evolution of hip-hop into the major cultural force it has become. Hip hop’s origins begin much farther back than the 1970’s. According to Black Arts literary critic Addison Gayle, Jr., Black Art has always been based on the anger felt by African Americans. Thus, he draws a connection between the Black Arts Movement of the ‘60s and hip hop culture. Hip-hop culture absorbed many of the convictions and aesthetic criteria that evolved out of the Black Arts Movement, including calls for social relevance, originality, and an effort to challenge American mainstream artistic culture (Gladney 291). Graffiti, rap music, and break dancing were all forms of artistic expression within the hip-hop culture. As writer Marvin J. Gladney asserts, “Those who pioneered hip-hop were offering artistic expression designed to cope with urban frustrations and conditions” (Gladney 292). Scholar Cornell West believes that hip-hop is more than just feelings of frustration, but also an outward protest of the poor living conditions in the black ghetto which is intended to reach its listener on a personal level. He explained: lack rap music is primarily the musical expression of the paradoxical cry of desperation and celebration of the black underclass and poor working class, a cry that openly acknowledges and confronts the wave of personal coldheartedness, criminal cruelty, and existential hopelessness in the black ghettos of AfroAmerican. (West 26) Thus, rap developed as a form of artistic expression articulating the urban impoverished experience. Many youth in America today are considered part of the rap subculture because they share a 2005-12-01T05:05:13-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/The-Origins-of-Hip-Hop-and-Rap-28147.aspx Analyzing Music Music on one of the most powerful of the arts partly because sounds – more than any other sensory stimulus – create in us involuntary reactions, pleasant or unpleasant. It may be difficult to connect analysis with the experience of listening to music, but everyone’s listening, including performer’s, benefits through understanding of some of the fundamentals of music. Music can be experienced in two basic ways: hearing and listening. Hearers do not attempt to perceive accurately either the structure or the details of the music. They hear a familiar melody, which may trigger associations with the composer, time era, or places dedicated to the song. Aside from melody, little else, such as details or chord progression, is heard. The listeners, however, concentrate their attention upon the many elements of the music. They observe the form, details, and structure of the music, focusing upon the form that created the content. They listen for something – the content. Even the most avid listeners will be hearers under certain circumstances. No one is always up for concentrated attention. In order to continue, some important terms and concepts must be introduced to arrive to a clear discussion of music. Some of the basic musical terms include tone, consonance, dissonance, rhythm, tempo, melody, counterpoint, harmony, dynamics, and contrast. Each one is essential to the analysis of music. Most music contains at least one, if not all, of these variations within a piece of music. That is primarily what creates a pleasant or unpleasant experience. If music is like the other arts, it has a content that is achieved by the form’s transformation of subject matter. However, some critics have denied that music has a subject matter, while others suggest so many different possibilities can create utter confusion. Two theories that Humanities Through the Arts identifies are “two basic kinds of subject matter: feelings and sound.” (Martin) It is difficult for music to refer to objects or events outside itself. Therefore, it is difficult to think of music as having some kind of subject matter, just as a painting or sculpture might have. Composers have tried to avoid this limitation by a number of means. One is to use sounds that imitate sounds heard outside of music. Another means is a program, usually in the form of a descriptive title, written description, or an accompanying narrative. Feelings are composed of emotions, sensations, moods, and passions. Any awareness of our sense organs 2005-11-13T11:54:19-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Analyzing-Music--28100.aspx Soul Music As a Vehicle of Social Expression Soul Music As a Vehicle of Social Expression Music is the most powerful vehicle of human expression. As the embodiment of love, disapproval, happiness, experience – life, music speaks to us, because it comes from us. Each people, in each paradine of the human experience instinctively and systematically change the music of the past to represent the realities of the present. In this century, black music, more specifically Soul music, has been that music that has brought to plain view that which evidences our humanity – hope, hurt, joy and passion – in such a way that the world has no other choice than to feel its power and marvel in its brilliance. When one discusses the relationship between Soul music and the civil rights movement, it becomes a dialouge very akin to that of the chicken and the egg. The period of “Classic Soul” is that period primarily, but not exclusively referenced as the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s. This is the time frame of the American Civil Rights Movement, and the impact of the massive changes going on, are reflected in the music and the culture. So one would be correct in both assuming that the Civil Rights Movement gave rise to Soul music, as much Soul music contributed to the success of the campaign for civil rights. Soul music during its heyday, did more than simply entertain. For a race of people it served as a source of motivation, strength and education, for a people immersed in turmoil and tragedy. The institution of segregation had effectively inhibited the general populace’s awareness of the great achievements and contributions made by African-americans throughout the history of the United States (Franklin 429). In as much, Soul music sought to bring that undersight to light. Soul songs like Donny Hathaway’s “To Be Young, Gifted and Black,” was revolutionary, in that they sought to instill pride of one’s history, but at the same time motivate a new generation to reach new heights. As Hathaway says, “We must begin to tell our young, ‘Don’t you know that there is a whole world waiting for you?’”, he is calling for the teaching of black pride to the youth, which was a wide spread trend in black communities of the ‘60s and ‘70s. James Brown’s “Say It Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud,” became an anthem for the movement. The song’s lyrics like, “….Don’t quit moving, 2005-08-21T06:09:27-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Soul-Music-As-a-Vehicle-of-Social-Expression-27753.aspx It Is Best To Be Punk - Alternative Music It Is Best To Be Punk - Alternative Music Punk, a form of music that is an expression of good times and the bands’ views on society, is quite possibly the best form of music ever. Not only is punk music deep and influential, it is also a community. Punk does not have a real definition nor does it have a set of rules. Punk music is a variety of bands with a common bond. Some are slow, some loud, some big, but all have the same ideals and beliefs. Punk is a reflection of what it means to be human. Humans' ability to recognize themselves and express their own genetic uniqueness is what separates the human race from other animals. Ironically, the commonly held view among society is that punks are violent and destructive. Violence is neither common in, nor unique to punk. When it does arise it is due to things unrelated to the punk ideal. Consider for example the common story of a fight at a high school between a punk and a jock football player. The football player and his cohort do not accept or value the punk as a real person. Rather, they use him as a vitriol receptacle, daily taunting, provoking, and embarrassing him (which of course is no more than a reflection of their own insecurities.) One day, the punk has had enough and he clobbers the football captain in the hallway. The teachers of course expel the punk and cite his poor hairstyle and shabby clothing as evidence that he is a violent, uncontrollable no-good. The community newspaper reads, "Hallway Beating Re-affirms that Violence is a Way of Life Among Punk Rockers". The poor hairstyle and shabby clothing is merely a way of being original and standing out from the crowd of millions and joining the crowd of a mere handful. The bond of the handful is far stronger than the bond of the millions. Their bond is stronger because they can relate on issues of prejudice and of course music. The fact that punks can relate to one another on issues of prejudice comes from a shared experience of being treated poorly by people who don't want them around. Each has his/her own experience of being shunned, and each can relate to another's story of alienation. It is almost like a Revenge of the Nerds for the 90’s. The "Strength-In-Understanding", and "Knowledge-Is-Power" 2005-08-20T05:57:48-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/It-Is-Best-To-Be-Punk-Alternative-Music-27749.aspx Rap History Rap History Rap music as a musical form began among the youth of South Bronx, New York in the mid 1970’s. Individuals such Kool Herc and Grandmaster Flash were some of the early pioneers of this art form. Through their performances at clubs and promotion of the music, rap consistently gained in popularity throughout the rest of the 1970’s. The first commercial success of the rap song “Rapper's Delight” by the Sugar Hill Gang in 1979 helped bring rap music into the national spotlight. The 1980’s saw the continued success of rap music with many artists such as Run DMC (who had the first rap album to go gold in 1984), L.L. Cool J, Fat Boys, and west coast rappers Ice-T and N.W.A becoming popular. Today, in the late 1990’s rap music continues to be a prominent and important aspect of African- American culture. Rap music was a way for youths in black inner city neighborhoods to express what they were feeling, seeing, and living and it became a form of entertainment. Hanging out with friends and rapping or listening to others rap kept black youths out of trouble in the dangerous neighborhoods in which they lived. The dominant culture did not have a type of music that filled the needs of these youth, so they created their own. So, rap music originally emerged as a way "for [black] inner city youth to express their everyday life and struggles" (Shaomari, 1995, 17). Rap is now seen as a subculture that, includes a large number of middle to upper white class youths, has grown to support and appreciate rap music. Many youth in America today are considered part of the rap subculture because they share a common love for a type of music that combines catchy beats with rhythmic music and thoughtful lyrics to create songs with a distinct political stance. Rap lyrics are about the problems rappers have seen, such as poverty, crime, violence, racism, poor living conditions, drugs, alcoholism, corruption, and prostitution. These are serious problems that many within the rap subculture believe are being ignored by mainstream America. Those within the rap subculture recognize and acknowledge that these problems exist. Those within this subculture consider "the other group" to be those people who do not understand rap music and the message rap artists are trying to send. The suppresser, or opposition, is the dominant culture, because it ignores these 2005-08-16T09:08:53-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Rap-History--27699.aspx The Beatles History and Musical Development The Beatles History and Musical Development When people hear the name "The Beatles" most people think of lead singer, John Lennon. However, the role of Paul McCartney is often overlooked. It was McCartney, not Lennon who was the driving force behind the Beatles. John Lennon and Paul McCartney were in many bands together before the forming of the Beatles. In 1962, along with Ringo Starr1 and George Harrison, they formed the rock group known as "The Beatles". The group featured a modern rock that was new and popular during the period with John and Paul composing and doing the leads on most of the songs. They were backed by George on rhythm and bass guitar and Ringo on drums. George and Ringo also assisted on backing vocals. When they first began playing, the main influence inside the band was John Lennon, who had an uncanny ability to compose songs at a moments notice with an inspiration that others missed. He pushed the members of the band during their touring years and was able to achieve the best possible results from the group. The band began playing in a Music Hall style that is very effective for the audiences but was lacking on their albums. Together with Paul, John began to evolve the band. As the years began to pass, the band was obviously beginning to grow musically. They had moved from simple lyrics like "Love me Do" to harshly aware reflections of life in their home country in "Eleanor Rigby"2. There were attempts, some more successful than others, to incorporate the other Beatles into the idea stage. George Harrison made this leap successfully with such tracks as "I want to tell you", "TAXMAN", and the psychedelic "Love you to". Ringo was featured in the humorous "Yellow Submarine" As the group matured, their creativity began to rely more on the effects and manipulations that they were able to produce in the studio. The Beatles agreed to end their touring career after an American tour of large halls that they failed to fill. It was around this time, that John Lennon began to search for himself. He began using any means that he thought might help him connect. This era was marked by the Beatles visits to the Maharashi Mahesh Yogi, and the beginning of heavy drug use 3. As Lennon began to use LSD in greater and greater quanti-ties4, the other Beatles 2005-08-15T08:07:15-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/The-Beatles-History-and-Musical-Development-27660.aspx Pythagorean Influence on Music Pythagorean Philosophy and its influence on Musical Instrumentation and Composition "Music is the harmonization of opposites, the unification of disparate things, and the conciliation of warring elements...Music is the basis of agreement among things in nature and of the best government in the universe. As a rule it assumes the guise of harmony in the universe, of lawful government in a state, and of a sensible way of life in the home. It brings together and unites." The Pythagoreans Every school student will recognize his name as the originator of that theorem which offers many cheerful facts about the square on the hypotenuse. Many European philosophers will call him the father of philosophy. Many scientists will call him the father of science. To musicians, nonetheless, Pythagoras is the father of music. According to Johnston, it was a much told story that one day the young Pythagoras was passing a blacksmith's shop and his ear was caught by the regular intervals of sounds from the anvil. When he discovered that the hammers were of different weights, it occured to him that the intervals might be related to those weights. Pythagoras was correct. Pythagorean philosophy maintained that all things are numbers. Based on the belief that numbers were the building blocks of everything, Pythagoras began linking numbers and music. Revolutionizing music, Pythagoras' findings generated theorems and standards for musical scales, relationships, instruments, and creative formation. Musical scales became defined, and taught. Instrument makers began a precision approach to device construction. Composers developed new attitudes of composition that encompassed a foundation of numeric value in addition to melody. All three approaches were based on Pythagorean philosophy. Thus, Pythagoras' relationship between numbers and music had a profound influence on future musical education, instrumentation, and composition. The intrinsic discovery made by Pythagoras was the potential order to the chaos of music. Pythagoras began subdividing different intervals and pitches into distinct notes. Mathematically he divided intervals into wholes, thirds, and halves. "Four distinct musical ratios were discovered: the tone, its fourth, its fifth, and its octave." (Johnston, 1989). From these ratios the Pythagorean scale was introduced. This scale revolutionized music. Pythagorean relationships of ratios held true for any initial pitch. This discovery, in turn, reformed musical education. "With the standardization of music, musical creativity could be recorded, taught, and reproduced." (Rowell, 1983). Modern day finger exercises, such as the Hanons, are neither based on melody or creativity. They 2005-08-15T08:04:24-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Pythagorean-Influence-on-Music-27659.aspx How does music affect intelligence? How does music affect one's intellect? Music is said to affect the intellect of humans in several different ways. Specifically, it is said to affect infants more than any other age group. Music can improve learning skills, test taking skills, concentration, heartbeat, and relaxation. Music has been proven to offer several benefits for infants, young children, young adults, as well as for adults. With all of this in mind, how can one connect music with intellect? Many recent research studies focus on theoretically proving the way in which music improves cognitive thinking. These studies show that early learning experiences determine which neurons will connect with other neurons and which ones will die off. Connections between neurons (synaptic connections) are largely related to adult intelligence. They increase at the fastest rate during the first six years of a human life. Music training is said to develop synaptic connections that are related to abstract thought. For this reason, the number of music lessons given at ages six and younger are dramatically increasing. The right hemisphere of a human brain serves to process information in a spontaneous or intuitive way. For example, the way in which a person responds to the art of music is a form of an intuitive process of thinking. The left hemisphere of a human brain functions to process information in a linear or sequential way. Learning subjects such as Math or English are prime examples of this process. After using a brain scanning technique, scientists discovered that musicians had a 25% enlargement in the area of response in the right side of the brain. This enlargement was greater for musicians who began studying music at young ages. New born babies tend to use the right hemisphere before the left; they react to pitch and visual changes instantly before reacting to counting or words. Therefore, babies are exposed to music and rhymes. Infants and adults respond to music in similar ways. Infants and adults were tested in order to examine any possible relationship between each group’s reaction upon hearing music. During the experiment, infants were found to immediately turn their heads towards the music when any was presented. Similarly, when the test was given to adults, they responded in the same manner. These tests show that the patterns of responses in both babies and adults are the same, concluding that the human brain reacts to pitch changes regardless of age. 2005-08-01T07:53:31-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/How-does-music-affect-intelligence-27514.aspx A Close Look into the Successes of the Band Metallica A Close Look into the Successes of the Band Metallica A successful twenty years in the music industry is an amazing accomplishment. Bands come and go all the time. They shine brightly for a while, but eventually disappear. So how has the metal band, Metallica, stayed in the running? Metallica has been able to stay in the mainstream because of its members, music, and financial stability. This legendary band has broken new ground and continues to stay one step ahead of everyone else. In the late 70's and early 80's, there was a new wave of music that was hitting the world. This was known as the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. Bands such as The Ramones and Motorhead influenced a young, impressionable Lars Ulrich (P Ward). After attending many live performances, Ulrich aspired to form a band of his own. In the summer of 81, Lars searched the LA area for fellow fans and musicians. After failing to find a band, Ulrich then decided to place an ad in a local magazine named Recycler (Hadland 1). The Recycler fell into the hands of a die-hard fan of heavy metal. James Hetfield came across the ad and contacted Lars. On May 9th, Lars and James met in Newport Beach, CA ("Biography"). At first, James was not impressed with Lars's drumming. His timing was a little off and one of the cymbals on his drum set fell over every time it was struck. James did not want to pursue making a band with Lars at the time. Three months later, James received a phone call from Lars. "I've got a track saved for my band on Brian Slagel's new Metal Blade label." (Hadland 1). James could not refuse this enticing offer. It seemed that joining forces with Lars might end up being a rather good decision for James. On October 15, 1981, Metallica was born. Hetfield and Ulrich then recruited Lloyd Grant. The three recorded "Hit The Lights" for the album "Metal Massacre". James provided vocals as well as rhythm guitar and bass guitar. Lars covered drums and Lloyd played lead guitar. Later Ron McGoveny joins Metallica, as its bass player and Dave Mustaine replaced Grant on lead guitar. Not long after Ron was kicked out for not cooperating with the ideals of the band. James and Lars needed a new bassist. Brian Slagel recommended a remarkable Cliff Burton. Both Lars and James 2005-07-10T00:42:51-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/A-Close-Look-into-the-Successes-of-the-Band-Metallica-27268.aspx PETER ILICH TCHAIKOVSKY Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky, a Russian composer, the foremost of the 19th century, was born in Votkinsk, in the western Ural area of the country in the year 1840. Even as a boy, Peter Tchaikovsky was said to be emotional, intense, and complex. From his earliest years, Peter's emotions spanned the gamut from extremely happy to intensely depressed. History recalls that Peter Tchaikovsky was a headstrong, impetuous youth. The complex boy became a complex man. Brilliantly intellectual, Tchaikovsky at first opted to study law. However, well into his law studies, Tchaikovsky determined that the profession was an ill suited choice for someone of his emotional temperament. Fortunately, Peter Tchaikovsky was also talented musically - gifted, in fact - and he was accepted into the Conservatory of St. Petersburg to study music. Tchaikovsky mastered the fundamentals of composition quickly and began writing original compositions within months of entering the conservatory. It was as if he were driven to write, so many hours did he dedicate to the task. But considering his temperament, it was characteristic of Tchaikovsky - the intensity and the perfectionism. In fact, Tchaikovsky was so intent that his music be his best that if he did not consider a piece perfect, he tore it up. His teachers at the Conservatory of St. Petersburg included Russian composer and pianist Anton Rubinstein, from whom Tchaikovsky subsequently took advanced instructions in orchestration. In 1866 composer-pianist Nicholas Rubinstein, Anton's brother, obtained for Tchaikovsky the post of teacher of harmony at the Moscow Conservatory. There the young composer met dramatist Aleksandr Nikolayevich Ostrovsky, who wrote the libretto for Tchaikovsky's first opera, The Voyevoda in 1868. In 1876, a wealthy widow named Nadejda von Meck heard the music written by the young Tchaikovsky. She was so impressed by it that she offered to financially underwrite his composition efforts. Her only stipulation was that they correspond only in writing and that they never meet in person. Tchaikovsky consented, though the stipulation was odd. And despite the boundary the widow von Meck had set, the friendship flourished. For fourteen years, Tchaikovsky poured out his heart in his letters to the widow, telling her his hopes, frustrations, impressions, and even disappointments. And for fourteen years, her financial assistance allowed Tchaikovsky the freedom to compose. With time, however, Tchaikovsky became a brilliant success and he no longer needed his benefactress's assistance. He never regretted the friendship, though odd in nature, as 2005-06-19T06:39:25-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/PETER-ILICH-TCHAIKOVSKY--26951.aspx Death Metal Another controversial kind of music Death Metal: Another controversial kind of music We can say that the birth of Death Metal was inspired by cult thrash metal bands like Sodom, Destruction (both German), Slayer and Dark Angel in the USA. The sound was very deep and heavy, and the lyrics was again concerning controversial arguments like war, death, sickness, and religion. In 1986 Slayer's cult album Reign In Blood, an absolute masterpiece in metal, caused the increase of the following in extreme metal music, and, some years later the mixing of metal, hardcore and the need to go "beyond" gave life to the darkest form of metal music. Death Metal. Again, many young people began to play that music, and so, in the late eighties and early nineties, the Death Metal scene was counting so much bands that is really impossible to mention them all. For a while, Death Metal primary bands were Sepultura from Brazil, with their intelligent mixing of standards for the genre and a touch of tribalism, Carcass from England, an unique band whose lyrics were written by the drummer, student in a Medical Centre and obsessed by sickness and surgery. Their shocking debut Reek Of Putrefaction and the following Symphonies Of Sickness are famous for their disgusting artwork, consisting in an homemade collage of pictures taken from Medical Encyclopedias, like burnt corpses, dismembered torsos and funny stuff like that. A real must for the lovers of the genre was surely Left Hand Path by the Swedish Entombed, a band born from the seminal ashes of Nihilist in the end of the eighties. The sound was so heavy, thanks to the guitars chorded two semitones lower than the normal, drum set sounds like explosions and the voice of L.G. Petrov, most monster than human. In Sweden and Scandinavia in general, the album really gave birth to thousands of clones, and the sound soon became a cliché to make distinction from bands from the rest of the world. Soon, Death Metal was divided in two kinds of sounds: the American one (especially prolific was Florida state, with such bands like Morbid Angel, Death, Atheist, Obituary and so on) more technical oriented and clearly recorded (famous was the producer Scott Burns), and the European, more direct and radical, with bands as Unleashed, Grave, Dismember, Merciless whose crunchy guitar sound and low pitched riffs was a trademark for the genre. Some years passed and the sound evolved obviously 2005-06-16T00:41:06-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Death-Metal-Another-controversial-kind-of-music-26860.aspx Not Music To My Ears An Opinion Paper on Pop Music Not Music To My Ears Today's current music scene has steadily become filled with pre-packaged assembly line bands and singers. This teen oriented pop phenomenon is repulsive. I see the so-called bands and singers for what they really are. They are passing trends made special, just for the teens, with all image and no real talent. For their own good, I can only hope these brainwashed teens will grow out of this horrible phase. Fabricated bands such as O-Town, N*Sync, and The Backstreet Boys exhibit a minimum level of talent. The Backstreet Boys, referred to as BSB, for example were initially actors trying to get a job in Orlando, Florida, a virtual hotbed for aspiring young stars. None had any musical past history, however they were hired on an audition for a band because they are marketable. As we all know sex appeal has the power to market anything, and teens have money to burn on CD's and any product containing the bands name. We have all seen teens at the mall buying boy band paraphernalia such as Calendars, mugs, and pens. They will purchase just about anything with the band name imprinted on it. The bands and record companies make their money not in record sales, but in revenue form this merchandise. An article from the Montreal Gazette written in July 1998 states that boy bands are a "Mass-marketed phenomenon, manufactured for overnight success." Not one of the five members of the BSB can play a musical instrument. I went to the official Backstreet Boys website and learned that out of over 40 songs they released, the band only wrote three of them. Is it just me, or aren't bands supposed to write their own songs and play musical instruments? How they can be referred to as "boys" in the first place I will never comprehend, they are all men in their twenties. These posers show teenyboppers that it is okay to be uninspired. Trans Continental president and music producer Lou Perlman has created such "Boy bands" as The Backstreet Boys and N*Sync. His latest project, an ABC network show in collaboration with MTV called appropriately enough "Making the band", has tracked the weekly progress of his latest super group invention O-Town. I have had the unfortunate displeasure of viewing one episode where their 2005-05-16T06:24:14-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Not-Music-To-My-Ears-An-Opinion-Paper-on-Pop-Music-26638.aspx Emo Music The Great Deceit Opinion Essay Emo: The Great Deceit Argumentative Essay Up on stage, a skinny white boy dressed with thick rimmed glasses, a striped tee shirt from the 80’s, a pair of torn jeans and black converse sneakers strums his guitar and sings out “You filthy whore Shut up and swallow my pride for me move closer and drive further suck on the end of this dick that cum lead”. The boy is the lead singer of a band called Glassjaw whose musical focus is the genre of Emo, (emotional type of alternative punk music). This boy, hidden by his exterior look, sings the same message as his thuggish black rapping counterpart. The question is why doesn’t society comment on his language and blatant disregard for women? Emo has some how escaped the feminist persecution. Because male Emo artists demean women from a passive position in which the males are seen as the weak partner in a relationship as opposed to the dominant position prominent in rap music, Emo has succeeded in fooling its audience and not allowing them to realize that the genre has still reduced women to sexual muses and heartbreakers through its lyrics and imagery. The Emo genre shares its roots with many other musical genres of today. Its emotional roots come from the 80’s from bands like the Cure, and the Smiths. After nearly twenty years of developing, Emo has become a major genre in today’s musical society. The genre is based on capturing man’s emotional pain and putting it into lyrics; hence the title of Emo meaning emotional. The most prevalent type of pain in Emo is the pain of failed relationships between these male singers and the women in their lives. The artists present themselves from a passive position to display the pain women cause. “She’s the blade and I’m just paper” a lyric from the band Sugarcult, shows the emotion that the men place in their lyrics. The woman is the one that cuts him up; the woman is the one who is causing the problems. All Emo bands use the theme of pain cause by females to inspire their lyrics. A band that exemplifies the portrayal of men as the victim in the game of love is Taking Back Sunday. 2005-04-30T03:45:56-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Emo-Music-The-Great-Deceit-Opinion-Essay-26578.aspx The Origins of Hip Hop and Rap The Origins of Hip-Hop and Rap In the late 1970’s a new, popular form of urban youth culture emerged in the Bronx, New York that changed the face of popular music and American culture. Throughout its development, hip-hop has become a vastly commercialized, inextricable component of popular American culture; however, it took the efforts of many pioneers and innovators to shape modern hip-hop culture and music. By exploring hip-hop’s origins, one can better understand its evolution and its influence on different social groups throughout the United States. There are many misconceptions about what the term hip-hop entails. Many believe hip-hop is synonymous for rap music; however, hip-hop encompasses all the cultural elements of surrounding rap. In its beginning, the hip-hop subculture included deejaying, emceeing, graffiti, and break dancing. These elements contributed greatly to hip-hop, and therefore must be considered when examining the evolution of hip-hop into the major cultural force it has become. Hip hop’s origins begin much farther back than the 1970’s. According to Black Arts literary critic Addison Gayle, Jr., Black Art has always been based on the anger felt by African Americans. Thus, he draws a connection between the Black Arts Movement of the ‘60s and hip hop culture. Hip-hop culture absorbed many of the convictions and aesthetic criteria that evolved out of the Black Arts Movement, including calls for social relevance, originality, and an effort to challenge American mainstream artistic culture (Gladney 291). Graffiti, rap music, and break dancing were all forms of artistic expression within the hip-hop culture. As writer Marvin J. Gladney asserts, “Those who pioneered hip-hop were offering artistic expression designed to cope with urban frustrations and conditions” (Gladney 292). Scholar Cornell West believes that hip-hop is more than just feelings of frustration, but also an outward protest of the poor living conditions in the black ghetto which is intended to reach its listener on a personal level. He explained: lack rap music is primarily the musical expression of the paradoxical cry of desperation and celebration of the black underclass and poor working class, a cry that openly acknowledges and confronts the wave of personal coldheartedness, criminal cruelty, and existential hopelessness in the black ghettos of AfroAmerican. (West 26) Thus, rap developed as a form of artistic expression articulating the urban impoverished experience. As New York City expanded due to the influx of immigrants new forms 2005-04-20T04:14:45-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/The-Origins-of-Hip-Hop-and-Rap-26516.aspx Led Zeppelin Led Zeppelin was one of the hard rock bands of the 70‘s. They were also one of the greatest success stories that ever played hard rock music. They were formed in 1968 in England. The group was one the more popular hard rock groups that performed in the seventies, and even had some hits in the 1960’s. Their music was so popular mostly because they brought a new form of rock to the table. They brought their own style which was unusual for this time an attracted many listeners. Led Zeppelin was formed from the old band The Yardbirds. They mixed a variety of different genres of music like album rock, British blues, British metal , arena rock, heavy metal, hard rock, blues-rock, rock/pop and the blues and incorporated mythology, cystitis, and most notably world music and British folk. The members of the group are Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Paul Jones and John Bonham. Jimmy Page played guitar, Robert Plant was the vocalist, John Paul Jones played bass guitar and the keyboard, and John Bonham was the drummer. They produced their first record in thirty hours. When they first came to the United States they supported Vanilla Fudge. They also played in clubs to start their American popularity. After they played in the clubs they got their first headlining tour. Led Zeppelin the record was released by the Atlantic Records in 1969. Shortly after the record was released it was number eight and stayed in the top twenty for six weeks. When the “Led Zeppelin II” was released, it was Atlantic Records fastest selling album at 100,000 copies a week. They broke their own record in 1975 when “Physical Graffiti” that sold 500 copies an hour. All of their albums have gone platinum. That is something that is quite amazing and is rarely ever done. They were the first group to heavily tour the United States and tour the rest of the world. This occurred because there was a lack of interest in them in Britain. Their success was due to their manager Peter Grant. Peter was able to keep the group moving from place to place and kept the people interested in them. Led Zeppelin starred in their own movie called “The Song Remains Playing.” A representative from their record company called and told Page that the sales of their new album “Houses of the Holy” 2005-03-14T17:49:39-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Led-Zeppelin--26365.aspx Louis Armstrong and His Contributions to Jazz Louis Armstrong's Influential Career Louis Armstrong was the most successful and talented jazz musician in history. His influence and expansive career continues to make waves in the jazz world. That is what made him become what he is to many today - a legend. Born on August 4, 1901, in the poorest section of New Orleans, Armstrong grew up with his grandparents due to his parents' separation. On January 1, 1913 he made a mistake which turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to him. At a New Year's celebration in downtown New Orleans, Louis Armstrong, also known as "Satchmo" and "Satch", fired a pistol into the air and was placed in the Colored Waifs' Home. It was there that he was introduced to Peter Davis - the brass band leader who taught him how to play the cornet (Brown 17). Soon after he began playing, Armstrong was made leader of the band - something he was extremely proud of. In June of 1914, Armstrong was free to leave the Waifs' Home. He was hired by various cabarets throughout the city, as well as for picnics, dances, and funerals. It was at one of these places that he was spotted by the famous Joe 'King' Oliver. King Oliver found Armstrong stand-in slots at orchestras and other venues. In 1918, he was offered the vacant seat left by Oliver in the band the Brown Skinned Babies. Kid Ory, leader of the band, once said that after Louis joined them he, "...improved so fast it was amazing. He had a wonderful ear and a wonderful memory. All you had to do was hum or whistle a new tune to him and he'd know it right away" (Boujut 21). At the end of 1918 Armstrong married Daisy Parker, a prostitute he had met at a dance hall that he played on Saturday nights. The marriage ended only four years later due to her beating him regularly (Bergreen 87). Louis Armstrong was hired in May of 1919 to play on a riverboat that traveled the Mississippi River from New Orleans to St. Louis. Armstrong soon became very popular in St. Louis and was in high demand (Collier 124). Two and a half years later, he was thrown off the riverboat and fired due to a fight. After returning to New Orleans, he received a telegram from King Oliver in Chicago. It 2005-02-28T03:33:08-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Louis-Armstrong-and-His-Contributions-to-Jazz-26354.aspx Bach's 6th Invention In E Minor Bach's 6th Invention In E Minor An invention in this context is a short two- piece of music, usually instrumental, which shows off the composer's inventiveness in writing polyphonic (multiple independent voice) music. Bach's inventions are probably the most often played pieces in this genre. His two-part inventions were composed in Cothen around 1720. They were intended not only as pieces for teaching "clean" playing of two (or three) part polyphony, but also as models of composition. Bach created a total of 15, 2- part inventions. Of these 15, I had the opportunity of listening to number 6 in E Major. The song is played on what I presume to be either a harpsichord or a guitar. At first impression, the song seems just go up and down the scales. Starting off slow and eventually speeding up and then ultimately coming to a screeching halt similar to the life of an elevator. I found the melody could be broken down into 3 sections: Measures 1- 20, 21- 42, and 43- 62. I say this because each section seems to have its own story to tell. Measures 1- 20 and 43- 62 seem to act as an intro and outro, with 21- 42 playing the body of the song and possessing the ability to be broken down further. Measures 9 through 13 of the first section are interesting to look at because of its interesting pattern. Looking at measures 9, 11, and 13 you can see a consecutive dip in chord progression. In other words, the chord in 9 is the same as 11, but 1 degree lower. The same rule applies to 11 to 13 and the same relationship is found between measures 10 and 12. The end of the first part of the story also ends our time in E Major indefinitely. Section 2 begins in B Major. Although in this new key, the new section does not reveal itself until measure 25. The first few measures of section 2, resemble section 1. I assume Bach does this so as not to make his work look blocky. Section 2 is unique among all other parts of the song because it goes to 3 different keys. Starting off in the key of B major, by the end of measure 32 we are in G# major, and by the end of measure 42 we 2005-02-21T03:25:38-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Bach-s-6th-Invention-In-E-Minor-26289.aspx Similarities Between Classical Music and Ellington's Jazz The Similarities Between Classical Music and Ellington's Jazz One of the greatest tragedies in the 20th century can be seen in the debasing of the Jazz genre as a unworthy equal to it’s predecessor, European Classical music. This can be seen in various statements about Jazz, such as Boris Gibalin commit, “The “Jazz Mania” has taken on the character of a lingering illness and must be cured by means of forceful intervention.”1 This conflict can be traced through out the history of Jazz, as Classical composers have relatively disregarded this new type of music. Before Duke Ellington’s Cotton Club performances, Jazz play on the radio was delegated for late night audience only. This sub-culture treatment has led many critics to disregard the Jazz movement as a dance craze, or unsuccessful recreations of Classical pieces. This slandering of Jazz has not only created a false image of the music, but it has also lead to a full disconnection between the two genres. It is for this reason that I propose in my paper to show the relationship between these two musical categories. My hopes in demonstrating these similarities is to disassemble the schism of ignorance built between the two, and place both Jazz and Classical music on equal footing. Critics of Jazz have always perpetuated this schism by utilizing the reasoning behind Jazz, that of it being a free form interpretation, to question the legitimacy of calling a Jazz leader a composer. For how can one be styled as a proper composer and still remain true to the Traditional Jazz concepts? The classic composer has at their disposal highly skilled musicians who are trained to work within professional bodies, such as a symphony orchestra or string quartet, and who then relies on the efficiency of these professionally trained bodies to interpret his scores as he sees fit. On the surface this appears to run contradictory to the Jazz composer whom, “Has to write for specific combinations which do not exist until he brings them into being, and to rely on highly individual executants whose personal style must be blended together to give expression to his own ideas without…losing their individuality”.2 Yet to interpret this blending of highly individualistic sounds as proof of a schism between this and the rigidly structured Classical composer is a false impression. This fallacy can be attributed to overemphasizing the sporadic and improvisational aspects of Jazz and refusing to 2005-02-02T03:25:30-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Similarities-Between-Classical-Music-and-Ellington-s-Jazz-26203.aspx Origins of Jazz This is a short paper I wrote to summarize what I learned in a jazz class. Essay on the Origins of Jazz Jazz developed in the latter part of the 19th century from black work songs, field shouts, sorrow songs, hymns, and spirituals whose harmonic, rhythmic, and melodic elements were predominantly African. Because of its spontaneous, emotional, and improvisational character, and because it is basically of black origin and association, jazz has to some extent not been accorded the degree of recognition it deserves. European audiences have often been more receptive to jazz, and thus many American jazz musicians have become expatriates. At the outset, jazz was slow to win acceptance by the general public, not only because of its cultural origin, but also because it tended to suggest loose morals and low social status. However, jazz gained a wide audience when white orchestras adapted or imitated 2005-01-08T09:04:48-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Origins-of-Jazz-26153.aspx Differing Mentalities In Hip Hop And Rock Some of my friends listen to certain genres of rock music, some listen to hip-hop. Despite our friendship we have differing views upon each genres of music. Having listened to both genres of music at one point in my life I have an understanding of why some rock listeners would be quick to reject hip-hop as meaningful, complex and valid art form. The production of hip-hop music first consisted of two turntables and a microphone. The originators of the music who embraced the essence of spoken word in a rhythmic format, were working with the best of what they had living in a situation of poverty. As time and technology progressed, and became cheaper, the production of hip-hop became digital. Beat machines, computer programs that sequenced samples and DAT players that recorded vocals all combined in a computer to produce a finishing product known as hip-hop. Rock music consisted of a drummer, a guitar and a bassist. As time and technology progressed the instruments of this music also changed. The introduction of the electric guitar connected to amps and speakers. Guitar players were able to distort the sound giving it a louder angrier tone. Although technological progress has changed the method in which hip-hop is produced, rock music is still traditionally played with guitarists, drummer and bassists. The actual music being played in hip-hop is simplistic. Traditional hip-hip will not exceed 8 bars of music and is looped over and over again. It is usually a repetition of one-note with quarter note intervals or mere arpeggios, or just the use of a sample with simple bass and constant drum line. There is a reason for this simplicity. If hip-hop were more melodic, it would clutter the MC. Therefore the beat in hip-hop plays a secondary role, accompanying the MC. The focus of hip-hop music is not in the actual music being produced but is the content of the message that the MC is attempting to portray. Of course some have more meaningful things to say than others. The simplicity of hip-hop is where most of the rock listeners find hip-hop music unappealing, because of the “lack of skill” in the production of music compared to that of rock. Majority of rock music is more complex than hip-hop concerning the actual music being played. There is more effort in the production of the notes being played as it grows from a 2004-12-30T02:54:50-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Differing-Mentalities-In-Hip-Hop-And-Rock-26106.aspx Nelly and My Life Nelly and My Life Have you ever really heard good music? Now think again, you have only heard good music if you have heard Nelly. Nelly is more than some fast rapping thug from the S.T.L., for those of you that aren't avid Nelly followers that's, St. Louis. I look at Nelly for more than his music. I look to him for his personality, outlook on life and most of all his examples of how he lives his life. Also the lyrics in his song inspire me to live my life just as I do. These are only a few reasons for my love of music and Nelly. First off Nelly has a great personality. You might see it on MTV, BET, or wherever your paths might cross with him. My first encounter with Nelly's new style of rap came at the end of my junior year in high school. I was sitting in my room on my computer and I saw his spanking new song "Country Grammar" on M.T.V., from that point on I was hooked. I immediately called one of my good friends and had him burn a c.d. for me with that song on it. After I received that c.d. I listened to it until I knew every word from the main vocals to the bumping beats on this lyrical genius. Some say this man is only a "rapper" to some but an icon to my-self. After about three weeks it finally came Nelly's first album came out, titled "Nelly, Country Grammar." My day of delight was finally here; I picked it up and hour before our family trip to Florida. The trip was thirteen hours long, and thirteen sleepless hours and eight AA batteries later, I had listened to the c.d. to the point of no return. I was hooked on Nelly. I had that c.d. for almost a year before the next c.d. was to hit the store shelves. Of course I was first in line for the opportunity to get my Nelly hungry hands on his new album, which included his posse "The St. Lunatics." The album was titled "Free City" included his brother Murphy Lee, Kyjaun, Ali, City Spud, Tluv, Yella Mac, and Courtney B. This album showcased Nelly's family, which needless to say in a great addition to his unique sound. Now Nelly is planning to come back with another solo album called "Nellyville" and the 2004-12-22T19:41:46-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Nelly-and-My-Life--25958.aspx The Classical Style: Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven Book Report The Classical Style: Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven Book Report The Classical Style The Classical Style: Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven is such a remarkable book which is written by Charles Rosen. It not only explicitly introduces many important aspects of Classical style, but also fully discusses the musical characteristics of those major Classical composers. Charles Rosen is smart enough to cover so much materials without overlapping or skipping any other crucial details so that it makes the whole book concise but refined. The content is consisted with 7 parts. In fact, it could be divided into two main parts: The first and the second part are basically introducing the theoratical materials: such as tonality, form and structure, ect. While the third and the rest of the parts are simply focusing on three major composers and some of their outstanding works which are the representatives of the typical Classical Style. In the both first parts of the Introduction and the second Chapter, they all deal with the same topic¡ªMusical Language. Speaking of the musical language of the Classical Style, Rosen tries to start talking about it since the late 18th century. In contrast to the constant spinning¡ªout of Baroque music, the new styles were periodic. Phrases were consequent, pairing. Rosen tells us more about it: Symmetrical melody in balanced phrases and cadences; meanwhile, they are quite tuneful and diatonic, with narrow leaps. For better illustration. Rosen gives many examples and detailed analysises. By talking about the musical language at the beginning, Rosen gives the readers a clear idea about the sound and tonality of the music in the Classical Style so that we could have a better thought to trace his ideas which are following in the rest of the chapters. Obviously, according to the examples which he illustrates, no matter they are Haydn¡¯s quartets or Beethoven¡¯s symphonies, they all deal with the same kind of topics: textures and dynamisc. It seems Rosen is attempting to bulit up a strong point of views on the characteristics of the Classical Style by explaining the similarities out of those composers¡¯ music. It goes without saying that many new things were going on during this period. From the sample of Mozart¡¯s, we found out an individual and compact character of the new melody. It replaces the long lines and the figuration styles of Baroque. From the example 2004-12-21T23:13:41-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/The-Classical-Style-Haydn,-Mozart,-Beethoven-Book-Report-25954.aspx Muisc as a Form of Language TOK Paper [i:6cfc17256b]Would you classify music as a language? Justify your answer, considering the extent to which it resembles or differs from natural language, and the role it plays in the acquisition of knowledge. [/i:6cfc17256b] Theory of Knowledge Essay To many of us in this world, language means what we speak and what we write. In our busy, day-to-day lives, we do not always perceive other languages that are used. One of these "hidden" languages is music. It is very similar to natural language and is as useful to us in acquiring knowledge as natural language. Natural language is inherently difficult to define because it is so broad and can have so many interpretations. Fundamentally, it is a method of communication which can take a number of forms such as, but not limited to, written and oral expression. Natural language must have rules which provide structure and allow us to form recognizable expressions that others can comprehend and interpret. It must also be able and learnt, thereby allowing others to use the language for communication and self-expression. Music is primarily an auditory language. When you turn on your radio or go to a concert, the form in which music comes to you is sound that has been organized into something understandable and interpretable. These sounds can be vocal, instrumental, or a combination of the two. They can be written down, though this is rare when we look at the world's cultures. Music is a form of expression of feeling, emotion, thought, opinions, and views which can be understood by people worldwide. Just as writers and poets express themselves through a written language, composers and other musicians say what they want to through their music. Music can be a story. Take, for instance, the Háry János Suite by Kodály, a Hungarian composer. This work is a six-piece suite that tells of the exploits imagined by the soldier Háry János. The listener forms images in their imagination of what is happening to Háry as he weaves intricate tales even though there are no words and pictures. The sounds of the instruments and of the voice(s) unlock images and feelings from within the mind of the listener. These pictures will, of course, vary with the listener and the culture, but in general the image will be the same. This is what happens with books. When you read a novel, you form images in your mind of what 2004-11-28T02:45:56-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Muisc-as-a-Form-of-Language-TOK-Paper-25759.aspx Are Mathematics, Logic and Music Languages? [i:d77e2e7298]IB Theory of Knowledge (TOK) Paper[/i:d77e2e7298] Are Mathematics, Logic and Music Languages? Mathematics, logic and music all play rather important roles in the lives of most people and are used quite frequently to communicate certain things. However, does the mere use of these forms of admittedly limited communication qualify them as languages? I shall attempt to show that two, music and mathematics, act as languages by themselves, as well as become incorporated in the larger scheme of spo ken language, for which they serve integral roles. Logic is not a language by itself, but rather aids in the language process and provides a type of playing field for all types of language. Mathematics is perhaps the more straightforward of the two to understand as a language by itself. It has a set of symbols which are used to convey certain messages and has rules which it follows in which one can convey these messages. These messages, whether they are as simple as “1+1=2,” or more complex like “º 3x2 + 2x + 3 dx = x3 + x2 + 3x + C,” can be understood by anyone in the world who has a basic working knowledge of mathematics. Needless to say, a more advanced knowledge of math is required for the more complex aspects, but the point remains the same: math fulfills the requirements of being a language. It works with a set of symbols to convey a message which can be understood by anyone who knows how to interpret the symbols. Most may not think of math as a language, since it doesn’t work in the same manner that spoken languages work. While it is true that math cannot convey things such as emotion, it is quite useful in explaining most everything else. Superficially viewed, one might think of numbers as only being useful for describing quantity. However, when reminded of the role that physics plays in the natural world (which math in an integral part of), it goes much deeper. Math can describe motion, color and sound, among other things, in a purely mathematical form, which again, can be understood by anyone who is fluent in the language of math. Math reflects the aspects of human existence which are pure reason. Music is perhaps a little less concrete in its existence as a language. To best discuss music, I will divide it up into two parts: musical notation and actual sound produced. Musical 2004-11-28T02:38:00-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Are-Mathematics,-Logic-and-Music-Languages-25754.aspx International Baccalaureate Music’s Effects On The Human Mind and Body International Baccalaureate Extended Essay Abstract Last year I was alerted to a study in which it was shown that children who took piano lessons had greater spatial reasoning skills than their counterparts who had not received any music instruction at all. Being a musical individual, I was immediately interested. This interest was the spark for my Extended Essay, in which I approach the question: “What effect does music have upon an individual?” I was able to gather enough information to see that music had two specific effects: those upon the mind and those upon the body. Upon closer examination of my materials, though, the effects which it had on the body were all related to pain and music’s analgesic abilities. Since music it self is not a narcotic in any sense of the word, it must trigger endorphins to act as pain-killers. Thus, I found that music has a calming effect on the body. This calming effect is directly related to its effects on the mind. Since the funding for many music programs in schools in the United States is being reduced or removed, it only seemed logical to explore the effects that music has upon one of the most important aspects of the mind; education. My findings indicate music can help calm individuals and groups and prove beneficial to the learning environment both by physically changing the structure of the brain and improving spatial reasoning abilities. Music’s Effects On The Human Mind and Body Word Count: 3971 words Music is everywhere. From the womb, you experience sound: your mother’s heartbeat, breathing and muffled voice. Growing up you sing songs and hear music being played—you may even make your own music. From the discordant, irritating noise of traffic in the street to the soft, soothing Muzak played in the elevator and at shopping malls, music surrounds you and, may impact you without your knowledge. The constant honking of a car horn will tend to irritate you; whereas, a string quartet playing classical music has the tendency to calm you. As music’s calming powers are its most noticeable results, it would prove worthwhile to explore the benefits of listening to music as a means of relaxation as well as what possible applications music may have in relation to this phenomenon. Countless studies have shown that music’s relaxing effects can be seen on anyone, including newborns. Music therapist Janel Caine explored the effects of music on preterm babies and low-weight 2004-11-27T18:53:49-05:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/International-Baccalaureate-Music’s-Effects-On-The-Human-Mind-and-Body-25743.aspx Influence of Heavy Metal on Youth Does Heavy Metal Corrupt Youth? Musical preferences are as diverse as the people who listen to it. Different types of music have different reputations. Heavy metal music is often labeled as "negative." Yet others find it a harmless form of music. The argument presented in this paper will show that heavy metal music poses no threat to the well-being of its listeners. Like other types of music, such as jazz, blues, and even rap. The distinct style of heavy metal music can be grouped into three main sections (Ratliff 1). One popular style of heavy metal is death metal. Death metal has a more dark sound and eerie style than other forms of heavy metal. The music itself is fast, heavy, and loud. The images that death metal portrays are death, doom, destruction, suicide, sex, and drugs. Some see these images as harmful or having a negative effect on the listener (Halbersberg 1). Another form of heavy metal music is speed metal. Speed metal has a more upbeat sound than death metal and is not as depressing as death metal. It is fast paced and has a hard impact The lead guitar follows a frenetic pace. This is in contrast to death metal which emphasizes rhythm guitar (Graff 3). The last type of heavy metal music is thrash metal. The name refers to both the thrashing sound of the music and the flailing movement of its listeners. The sound is very loud and has the same tone and style of speed metal (Graff 3). These styles however, attract certain people. The majority of people who listen to heavy metal music are suburban white males. These males range in ages between 14-24. They have a certain style of dress and way of life. They wear dark clothing with morbid images of death and destruction. This clothing can be seen to be a costume that advertises the teens' musical preference. It is a way of getting attention. Surprisingly, even though the crowds tend to be young, adults are also seen at these concerts. One example of an adult and a parent is Dave Mullins. He likes to take his sons to see death metal shows.(Graff 1) Mullins says about death metal, "I did see one band that had a clear bag with a fetus inside it. It looked gross, but it was just a gag. When I'm watching the kids, they're just letting off steam. 2004-10-31T07:44:13-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Influence-of-Heavy-Metal-on-Youth-25677.aspx The Development of Modern Rap The Development of Modern Rap Rap music as a musical form began among the youth of South Bronx, New York in the mid 1970's. Individuals such Kool Herc and Grandmaster Flash were some of the early pioneers of this art form. Through their performances at clubs and promotion of the music, rap consistently gained in popularity throughout the rest of the 1970's. The first commercial success of the rap song "Rapper's Delight" by the Sugar Hill Gang in 1979 helped bring rap music into the national spotlight. The 1980's saw the continued success of rap music with many artists such as Run DMC (who had the first rap album to go gold in 1984), L.L. Cool J, Fat Boys, and west coast rappers Ice-T and N.W.A becoming popular. Today, in the late 1990's rap music continues to be a prominent and important aspect of African- American culture. Rap music was a way for youths in black inner city neighborhoods to express what they were feeling, seeing, and living and it became a form of entertainment. Hanging out with friends and rapping or listening to others rap kept black youths out of trouble in the dangerous neighborhoods in which they lived. The dominant culture did not have a type of music that filled the needs of these youth, so they created their own. So, rap music originally emerged as a way "for [black] inner city youth to express their everyday life and struggles" (Shaomari, 1995, 17). Rap is now seen as a subculture that, includes a large number of middle to upper white class youths, has grown to support and appreciate rap music. Many youth in America today are considered part of the rap subculture because they share a common love for a type of music that combines catchy beats with rhythmic music and thoughtful lyrics to create songs with a distinct political stance. Rap lyrics are about the problems rappers have seen, such as poverty, crime, violence, racism, poor living conditions, drugs, alcoholism, corruption, and prostitution. These are serious problems that many within the rap subculture believe are being ignored by mainstream America. Those within the rap subculture recognize and acknowledge that these problems exist. Those within this subculture consider "the other group" to be those people who do not understand rap music and the message rap artists are trying to send. The suppresser, or opposition, is the dominant culture, because it 2004-10-31T07:29:35-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/The-Development-of-Modern-Rap-25676.aspx Comparison of Jazz and Classical Music Jazz vs. Classical Music Upon entering a modern record store, one is confronted with a wide variety of choices in recorded music. These choices not only include a multitude of artists, but also a wide diversity of music categories. These categories run the gamut from easy listening dance music to more complex art music. On the complex side of the scale are the categories known as Jazz and Classical music. Some of the most accomplished musicians of our time have devoted themselves to a lifelong study of Jazz or Classical music, and a few exceptional musicians have actually mastered both. A comparison of classical and Jazz music will yield some interesting results and could also lead to an appreciation of the abilities needed to perform or compose these kinds of music. Let's begin with a look at the histories of the two. The music called classical, found in stores and performed regularly by symphonies around the world, spans a length of time from 1600 up to the present. This time frame includes the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Contemporary periods. The classical period of music actually spans a time from of 1750 to 1800; thus, the term Classical is a misnomer and could more correctly be changed to Western Art Music or European Art Music. European because most of the major composers up till the 20th century were European. Vivaldi was Italian, Bach was German, Mozart and Beethoven were Austrian; they are some of the more prominent composers. Not until the twentieth century with Gershwin and a few others do we find American composers writing this kind of art music. For the sake of convention, we can refer to Western Art Music as Classical music. Jazz is a distinctively American form of music, and it's history occupies a much smaller span of time. Its origins are found in the early 1900s as some dance band leaders in the southern U.S. began playing music that combined ragtime and blues. Early exponents of this dance music were Jelly Roll Martin (a blues player) and Scott Joplin (ragtime). The terms "Jazz" and "Jazz Band" first surfaced in the year 1900. Some say this occurred in New Orleans, although similar music was played at the same time in other places. The most prominent exponents of this early music, called Dixieland Jazz, included Louis Armstrong and Sidney Bechet. After World War I, Jazz music had evolved and was 2004-10-31T07:28:45-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Comparison-of-Jazz-and-Classical-Music-25675.aspx Experimental Music of John Coltrane John Coltrane the Experimental Musician Jazz, taking its roots in African American folk music, has evolved, metamorphosed, and transposed itself over the last century to become a truly American art form. More than any other type of music, it places special emphasis on innovative individual interpretation. Instead of relying on a written score, the musician improvises. For each specific period or style through which jazz has gone through over the past seventy years, there is almost always a single person who can be credited with the evolution of that sound. From Thelonius Monk, and his bebop, to Miles Davis' cool jazz, from Dizzy Gillespie's big band to John Coltrane's free jazz; America's music has been developed, and refined countless times through individual experimentation and innovation. One of the most influential musicians in the development of modern jazz is John Coltrane. In this paper, I examine the way in which Coltrane's musical innovations were related to the music of the jazz greats of his era and to the tribulations and tragedies of his life. John William Coltrane was born in Hamlet, North Carolina, on September 23, 1926. Two months later, his family moved to High Point, North Carolina, where he lived in a fairly well-to-do part of town. He grew up in a typical southern black family, deeply religious, and steeped in tradition. Both of his parents were musicians, his father played the violin and ukulele, and his mother was a member of the church choir. For several years, young Coltrane played the clarinet, however with mild interest. It was only after he heard the great alto saxophonist Johnny Hodges playing with the Duke Ellington band on the radio, that he became passionate about music. He dropped the clarinet and took up the alto saxophone, soon becoming very accomplished. When Coltrane was thirteen, he experienced several tragedies that would leave a lasting impression on him and would have a great impact on the music of his later years. Within a year, his father, his uncle, and his minister all died. He lost every important male influence in his life. After graduating from high school in High Point, he moved to Philadelphia in 1943, where he lived in a small one-room apartment and worked as a laborer in a sugar-refinery. For a year, Coltrane attended Ornstein School of Music. Then in 1945, he was drafted into the Navy and sent to Hawaii where he was 2004-10-31T07:27:01-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Experimental-Music-of-John-Coltrane-25674.aspx Women In Music Romantic Period The Romantic Period allowed women, like pianists Clara Schumann and Amy Fay, singers such as Lillian Nordica, Margaret Blake-Alverson, and Sissieretta Jones, to perform publicly. Also, Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel, Clara Schumann, Ethel Smyth, and Luise Adolpha Le Beau overcame societal stereotypes to become successful composers. Although their compositions were often kept “in the parlor”, primarily songs or chamber pieces were published. Advanced musical education of women became possible in the nineteenth century because women were allowed to receive training as singers, instrumentalists, and composers in public conservatories. Also, the rise of the piano as the favored chamber instrument provided women of the middle and upper classes a performance outlet that was socially affordable acceptable. The development of women’s talent, which was mainly limited to singing and playing keyboard, was supposed to be used mainly for entertainment of their families and during courtship. Music was not something women performed publicly. Only opera singers received full expression on the stage. Composition during this time period remained primarily a man’s job, but some women broke away from the tradition to become successful composers. In addition to some composition works women exerted a significant influence as patrons of music. An example is Nadezhda von Meck. She is remembered as the woman who supported Tchaikosky and made it possible for him to compose. Also, several women of the upper class supervised musical salons were composers could gather to perform and discuss their music. One of the most distinguished female musician is Clara Schumann. She was born in Leipzig, Germany, on September 13, 1819. Her father was a piano storeowner and a highly esteemed piano teacher. Her mother, a daughter and granddaughter of a musical family, was a talented pianist and soprano. Her father began teaching 5-year-old Clara piano pieces by ear. Clara was a fast learner and it was her father’s great pleasure to create a musical prodigy. By the age of 9 she played public concerts, and as an 11-year-old she toured Paris playing solo recitals. At age 14, Clara began composing the Piano Concerto in A Minor. She performed the completed concerto at age l6 with the Leipzig Gewandhaus orchestra, conducted by Felix Mendelssohn. As a teenager, Clara fell in love with Robert Schumann, one of her father’s piano students, who became one of the most beloved composers of the 19th century. Schumann, who was 9 years older 2004-10-31T04:18:24-04:00 http://75.150.148.189/free-essay/Women-In-Music-Romantic-Period-25667.aspx