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

Politics and Parliament

An understanding of the role of parliament and the policies and beliefs of the major political parties is essential not only for your GS exam but also for your own general knowledge

First off, the sites of the three main parties. What are their headline topics ?
Do they really fit in with what the ‘man in the street’ is concerned about.
For example, surveys show that local issues are uppermost in most people’s minds .
Are the parties more concerned with the ‘big picture’ ?

Conservative Party

Labour Party

Liberal Democrats

Now onto specific policies. Each party has a particular stance on a wide variety of issues. You should be able to summarise these , at least in outline terms. I’ve picked what are probably the current major topics. What are the differences in each case ?; What are the similarities ?; Do the opposition parties simply have contrary policies because they are ‘the opposition’ ?

You may like to explore their sites further for other issues for example immigration, ID Cards, environment, public services etc

Health
Labour Policy
Conservative Policy
Lib-Dems Policy

Crime
Labour Policy
Conservative Policy
Lib-Dems Policy

Education
Labour Policy
Conservative Policy
Lib-Dems Policy

Now onto Parliament itself…
This is an extraordinarily complex institution, steeped in tradition. These links will give you some insight into its workings

Explore Parliament
Although much of this site is aimed at younger students, there is still a great deal of useful information to be gleaned.
Yes, you can play the games !

Parliament Videos
These videos provide an excellent overview of parliament and its everyday operation and function Do set aside some time to watch some of these

Parliament explained booklets
This series of booklets (in PDF format) cover a good range of topics. If time is short the ‘Introduction to… ‘ is a good start

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Set the video
The Politics Show
BBC2 Sunday 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm 30mins
Andrew Neil and Jenny Scott present the political stories of the week . You can alos watch the latest show on line here
Go Out
I know its a long way, but some of you may be in London . If you get a chance, do visit the Houses of Parliament. It is much more fascinating than you may think