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 (mousiké; "(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 (auto-generated)
- ... that when Helena Braun visited New York "just for the trip", she sang the role of Brünnhilde in Wagner's Die Walküre at the Metropolitan Opera with four hours' notice?
- ... that Roger Waters thought The Phantom of the Opera's main theme was ripped off from Pink Floyd's "Echoes"?
- ... that Metropolitan Opera star John Gurney performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" for sporting events in which his son, racing driver Dan Gurney, competed?
- ... that the Cello Sonata by John Foulds features quarter tones in the second movement, but it is uncertain if he introduced them in the 1905 version or the 1927 revision?
- ... that after George Alexander Albrecht collapsed when conducting Beethoven's Ninth Symphony during a New Year's concert, he returned to composing and began hospice work?
- ... that Hans Haselböck, later an international concert organist and professor at the Vienna Music Academy, began 65 years as organist at the Dominican Church, Vienna, on 4 November 1949?
Today's Birthdays
- Birthdays in Music: March 18
- John Hartman, American drummer with The Doobie Brothers, turns 72.
- Bill Frisell, American guitarist, turns 71.
- Irene Cara, American Academy Award-winning songwriter and actress, turns 63.
- Grant Hart, American drummer and songwriter of Hüsker Dü fame, turns 61.
- Taja Sevelle, American singer and songwriter, turns 60.
- Jeff LaBar, American guitarist for Cinderella, turns 59.
- Vanessa L. Williams, American actress, model, and singer, turns 59.
- Courtney Pine, Brit multi-instrumentalist, turns 58.
- Jerry Cantrell, American songwriter and guitarist with Alice In Chains, turns 56.
- Queen Latifah, (born Dana Elaine Owens) American Grammy Award-winning rapper and Academy Award-nominated actress, turns 52.
- Stuart Zender, Brit bassist with Jamiroquai, turns 48.
- Shola Ama, (born Mathurin Campbell) Brit singer and one-hit wonder, turns 43.
- Adam Levine, American guitarist of Maroon 5 fame, turns 43.
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WikiProjects connected with music: WikiProject Music – 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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