Portal:Music
The Music Portal
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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 Thomas Guggeis, who studied conducting and quantum mechanics, began at the Berlin State Opera as an assistant of Daniel Barenboim and became the youngest Staatskapellmeister there?
- ... that the 1856 Cello Sonata by Charles-Valentin Alkan has been described as "anticipating Gustav Mahler's juxtaposition of the sublime and the trivial"?
- ... that a reviewer from The Guardian noted after a concert at The Proms that Jonathon Heyward led Beethoven's Third Symphony "from memory – a fast and fearless performance"?
- ... that the first exhibit of the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame came from founder Michael Lipton's record collection?
- ... that when Lviv-born Maria Moscisca performed the title role of Verdi's La traviata at the San Francisco Opera in 1913, a review described her as "the impersonation of grace and refinement"?
- ... 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?
Today's Birthdays
- Birthdays in Music: April 3
- Eric Kloss, American alto saxophonist, turns 73.
- Richard Thompson, British guitarist, songwriter, turns 73.
- Judie Tzuke, British singer/songwriter, turns 66.
- Mike Ness, American singer and guitarist of Social Distortion fame, turns 60.
- Leona Lewis, English singer, turns 37.
- Paris-Michael Katherine Jackson, daughter of Michael Jackson, turns 24.
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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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Start a music course: School of Music at Wikiversity
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