Sara Batt History 1700

Influential Music in History

Throughout this history course, as well as own personal observation, music has always been an important part of peoples lives. Whether a great depression loomed, or the economy was good, people were actively involved with listening to, dancing to, or performing music. It is not uncommon for those of all ages to have a favorite type of music that lifts their spirits. Many different styles of music have been a positive influence throughout the continuance of time. The actual origin of music is unknown, but music is believed to have existed even in prehistoric times where rhythms and natural sounds were used. One of the first musical instruments was, of course, the human voice. Another was the flute carved and made out of bone. As humans progressed and evolved, music also developed. Not only were hundreds of musical instruments invented to be used alone, but also to be used in collaboration with other instruments to create orchestras and bands. The Renaissance or Baroque eras, included three of the most influential composers of choral music that dominated the classical era, Franz Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Ludwig van Beethoven. These composers are some of the most influential in musical history and are still appreciated and respected today. In the late 1800s to early 1900s and during the Revolutionary War, popular music consisted of songs directly related to America, like The Star Spangled Banner. However, from a different perspective, slaves and those of black communities had their own songs meant to lift their spirits during times of trouble and turmoil. They would get together and sing to build a sense of union, to offer comfort, and to provide meaning within their communities. Decades late, in the 1960s, people would get so involved and crazy about some music

that they would swarm bands, such as The Beatles, who offered upbeat music (with drug influenced lyrics) during the World War ll. The Beatles made music that people could find some joy in and relate to. In the late 1980s through early 1990s, Kurt Cobain fronted a grunge band called Nirvana, who had quite the following due to their fairly depressive lyrics. Younger people could relate to this band, especially those in their troubled teen years and early 20s. In 1994, Cobain was found dead at his home due to a suspected suicide and still remains a so-called legend to this present day. In the 1900s up until the present day, music has evolved more quickly than other time periods. With technology so readily available, many different types of music have evolved. Some genres include grunge, pop, rock, heavy metal, classic rock, techno, hip-hop, and many more. Much of the music made in present day has been mixed with other genres that cant be given an actual title. From church hymns to The Beatles to Kurt Cobain, one thing that has remained is the passion and need for music in peoples lives, of all ages, all around the world. Music has been used in times of needed comfort and in times of joy. Music will continue to progress and grow as people evolve and generations pass. But music will continue to be a positive influence in the lives of our children, and our childrens children and to all those in the future, just as it has been in the past and present.