What is Music ?

After last week’s more serious topic, a little light relief. These links will take to a range of sites looking at some controversial modern composers and some more modern artists. There are many things to think about – Why do you like some the music you will hear ?; Is it music at all ? ;What makes classical music ‘classical’;  Why is pop music considered ‘lowbrow’

Karlheinz Stockhausen
One of the most controversial of the modern composers. Many of his pieces have cause outrage amongst both critics and audiences. Follow the multimedia link to listen to some pieces – If you only have time for one, listen to the Helicopter String quartet (.Helikopter-Streichquartett) completed in 1993. In this, the four members of a string quartet each perform from their own helicopter flying above the concert hall. The sounds they play are mixed together with the sounds of the helicopters and played through speakers to the audience in the hall
Alternatively watch this interview

Philip Glass
Glass is a more accessible composer and his works are highly regarded. His early works are forms of minimalist music, but these have evolved into a unique style. You can often hear his work and influence  in adverts, documentaries and films.
Video 1
Video 2
This link takes you the ‘Glass Engine’ which gives an over view of his work

X factor
This show, and its many clones, have been reviled and celebrated in equal amount. How big an influence do they have on the UK music scene/ popular culture. Can 11 million people ( typical audience) be wrong ?

John Cage
John Cage has been regarded as one of the most influential musicians and composers in the 20th Century. His compositions push the boundaries of what could be called music. A video for “Imaginary Landscape 1” can be found here
Perhaps his most controversial work is 4:33, which is ‘performed’ by a group of musicians who sit in total silence for 4mins and 33 seconds before leaving the stage
You can listen and watch it here

Biosphere
This collective are regarded as ‘gods’ by fans of Norwegian Ambient music. Is this just too bland  ? – listen and decide

Electronic music samples
Try some of these. Do you like any of them – Why/Why not ?

Japanese Pop
I make no comment about this , but you really must listen to some of this as a part of your wider music appreciation and this group  did support the Kaiser Chiefs on one otheir tours

Junior Eurovision
And finally, what about this ?. A great chance for young people across Europe to come together in a spirit of peace and harmony or just ’sick and wrong’ – listen if you dare – the clips are, thankfully,short

Go Out
There are many live music venues in the area. Make an effort to go and see at least one live music session this month.
Cox’s Yard – Stratford

Set the video/ Watch online
The Story of the Guitar
New BBC series tracing the history of what is probably the world’s most popular musical instrument
Starts 5/10/08
Watch it on line at the link