The Evolution of Music
The history of music is very important to understand; not only is music's evolution prominent, but the revolutionary impact that music has had on other cultures and societies around the world evokes deep insight!
The following timeline offers information on some of the most historical musical achievements made, including their impact, throughout various centuries:
1430
The Renaissance begins. Favoring the simplistic qualities of classic Greek and Roman styles, more of a one harmonized melody is developed, as well as the increased popularity of secular music.
1573
The first known meeting of a group of musicians who came together to discuss various subjects including the arts, known as the Florentine Camerata. From their discussion and experimentation it is said that the monodies and the opera were created through their interest in reviving the Greek dramatic style.
c. 1600
The Baroque period begins in Europe, characterized by strict musical forms and ornamental works, signaling the end of the Renaissance.
1750
Famous composer Johann Sebastian Bach dies. The end of the Baroque period is often seen in conjunction with his death, giving rise to the simpler, more clarified styles of the Classical period, with the emergence of symphonies and string quartets.
1795
The Paris Conservatory of Music is founded.
1803
Composer and pianist Ludwig van Beethoven produces his third symphony, Eröica. This piece marks the beginning of the Romantic period.
1842
New York Philharmonic Orchestra is founded.
c. 1860
The slave trade introduces West African rhythms, work songs, chants and spirituals to America, strongly influencing blues and jazz.
1877
Thomas Edison invents sound recording.
1878
Thomas Edison patents the phonograph.
1908
The harmony and tonality characteristic of classical music are replaced by dissonance, creating what many listeners consider to be noise. This change is brought about with the release of Arnold Schoenberg's Book of Hanging Gardens.
1919
Jazz establishes Chicago as its capital. The city will become home to such jazz greats as trumpeter Louis Armstrong and pianist Jelly Roll Morton.
1951
In an effort to introduce rhythm and blues to a broader white audience, disc jockey Alan Freed uses the term rock 'n' roll to describe R&B.
1956
Elvis Presley emerges as one of the world's first rock stars. The rocker enjoys fame on the stages of the Milton Berle, Steve Allen and Ed Sullivan shows, as well as in his first movie, Love Me Tender.
1959
The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences sponsors the first Grammy Award ceremony.
Frank Sinatra wins his first Grammy Award for Best Album for Come Dance with Me.
1963
Beatlemania hits the U.K. as The Beatles, a British band composed of John Lennon, George Harrison, Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney, take Britain by storm.
The Rolling Stones emerge as the anti-Beatles, with an aggressive, blues-derived style.
1964
Musician Bob Dylan becomes increasingly popular with songs objecting to the condition of American society at this time.
1977
Saturday Night Fever sparks the disco inferno.
Elvis Presley dies at Graceland, his Memphis, Tenn. Home at age 42.
1978
Sony introduces the Walkman as the first portable stereo.
1979
The Sugar Hill Gang releases the first commercial rap hit, “Rapper's Delight,” bringing rap into the popular music scene.
1981
MTV goes on the air with around the clock music videos, debuting with “Video Killed the Radio Star.”
1982
Michael Jackson releases Thriller, selling more than 25 million copies, becoming the biggest-selling album in history.
1991
Nirvana releases the song “Smells Like Teen Spirit” on the LP Nevermind and enjoys national success. As well, the grunge movement is born, characterized by distorted guitars, and dispirited vocals.
1995
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum opens in Cleveland. (1)
The story that history teaches us is that music evolves, reforms, and is revived to suit a specific society's culture over a course of time.
(1)“Music Timeline.” Infoplease. 2009. 1 Apr. 2009 <http://www.infoplease.com/ipea/A0151192.html>.