Portal:Music
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Music is the art of arranging sounds in time through the elements of melody, harmony, rhythm, and timbre. It is one of the universal cultural aspects of all human societies. General definitions of music include common elements such as pitch (which governs melody and harmony), rhythm (and its associated concepts tempo, meter, and articulation), dynamics (loudness and softness), and the sonic qualities of timbre and texture (which are sometimes termed the "color" of a musical sound). Different styles or types of music may emphasize, de-emphasize or omit some of these elements. Music is performed with a vast range of instruments and vocal techniques ranging from singing to rapping; there are solely instrumental pieces, solely vocal pieces (such as songs without instrumental accompaniment) and pieces that combine singing and instruments. The word derives from Greek μουσική (mousike; "(art) of the Muses").
In its most general form, the activities describing music as an art form or cultural activity include the creation of works of music (songs, tunes, symphonies, and so on), the criticism of music, the study of the history of music, and the aesthetic examination of music. Ancient Greek and Indian philosophers defined music in two parts: melodies, as tones ordered horizontally, and harmonies as tones ordered vertically. Common sayings such as "the harmony of the spheres" and "it is music to my ears" point to the notion that music is often ordered and pleasant to listen to. However, 20th-century composer John Cage thought that any sound can be music, saying, for example, "There is no noise, only sound."
The creation, performance, significance, and even the definition of music vary according to culture and social context. Indeed, throughout history, some new forms or styles of music have been criticized as "not being music", including Beethoven's Grosse Fuge string quartet in 1825, early jazz in the beginning of the 1900s and hardcore punk in the 1980s. There are many types of music, including popular music, traditional music, art music, music written for religious ceremonies, and work songs such as chanteys. Music ranges from strictly organized compositions—such as Classical music symphonies from the 1700s and 1800s—through to spontaneously played improvisational music such as jazz, and avant-garde styles of chance-based contemporary music from the 20th and 21st centuries. (Full article...)
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Did you know...
- ... that Wolfgang Anheisser was the leading baritone at the Cologne Opera while simultaneously a member of East Berlin's State Opera?
- ... that although Dmitri Shostakovich initially dismissed his own Piano Sonata No. 2 as a "trifle, something impromptu", he would later consider it his most important piano composition?
- ... that the finale of Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 31 sees a gradual "return to life" and ends with a "passionate" and "heroic" coda?
- ... that composer Ida Carroll played a central role in the merger of the Northern School of Music and the Royal Manchester College of Music to found the Royal Northern College of Music in 1973?
- ... that Gottfried Hornik, a baritone at the Vienna State Opera for 25 years, appeared in his signature role of Beckmesser from Aachen and Barcelona in 1976 to the Municipal Theatre of Santiago in 2001?
Today's Birthdays
- Birthdays in Music: October 6
- Masahiko Satoh, Japanese composer and pianist, turns 80.
- Kevin Cronin, American singer with REO Speedwagon, turns 70.
- Gavin Sutherland, Brit vocalist of The Sutherland Brothers , turns 70.
- David Hidalgo, American singer-songwriter with Los Lobos; member of Los Super Seven, turns 70.
- Matthew Sweet, American singer and guitarist with The Thorns, turns 57.
- Tommy Stinson, American bassist with The Replacements and Soul Asylum, turns 55.
- Mark Whitfield, American session musician (guitarist) and Berklee College of Music graduate, turns 55.
- Tim Rushlow, American country music singer, turns 55.
- Joanna Pacitti, American singer, turns 37.
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WikiProjects connected with music: Main project – Songs – Albums – Alternative music - Classical music – Composers – Contemporary Christian music – Contemporary music – Electronic music – Emo music – Hip hop – Instruments – Led Zeppelin - Metal music – Jazz – Musicians – Opera – Panic at the Disco – Powderfinger (band) – Punk music – Record Labels – Record Production – Rock music – R&B and Soul Music – Terminology – The Beatles
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Start a music course: School of Music at Wikiversity
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