The Evolution of Music

842 Words2 Pages

Any non-living thing created by humans is bound to evolve at some point. Evolution is the process in which something (living or nonliving) changes. In this case, I am referring to music. Music has an interesting evolution because it is divided up into periods. Each period features new types of music that was popular at that period. The most major periods where music evolved were the medieval period, Renaissance period, Baroque period, Classical period, Romantic period, 20th century, and the 21st century.
The medieval period, believe it or not, was the middle age of music, not the beginning. It began in year 500 and ended in the 1450s. Music from this period is vastly different then the music someone would listen to today; it is religious, sacred, and mostly monophonic. The instruments used during this period included a wooden flute, lute, mandore, gittern, and psaltery (instruments you’ve probably never heard of). Usually, these instruments later evolved into the instruments people use today. When it came to music theory, the medieval period was the foundation for the theory. All the fundamentals and special markings started in this age. Few composer names could be gathered up during this period because of the lack of evidence that a composer left behind when he/she died. Some noteworthy names, however, are Abbess Hildegard von Bingen, Perotin Magnus, and Guillaume de Machaut.
As music continued to evolve, the next period popped up; the Renaissance period. This period was mostly focused on the rebirth of humanity and revival of culture, so the music was emotional and dramatic. Renaissance music had four main characteristics: music based on modes, richer texture in four or more parts, blending rather then contrasting musical ...

... middle of paper ...

... hard driving rhythms, intense and unique musical styles, and a common 4/4 meter. Instruments most commonly included the guitar, bass guitar, drums, and a keyboard. Famous rock artists include The Beatles, The Who, and Queen.
The last period that one can currently document is the 21st century (2000 – present). The 21st, or current, century is the time where pop music is popular. Pop music featured catchy tunes, direct lyrics, and technological music. Pop music is simple, so most of the technique used is simply simple music theory. Some famous pop artists include The Black Eyed Peas, Justin Bieber, and Katy Perry.
Nobody knows where music is headed, however, one can see that it is still evolving and in my opinion, will never stop evolving. Let us just hope that music keeps inspiring and providing knowledge of the culture that people lived with in a specific time.

Open Document