The history of music can be traced back to the ancient Greeks. In many cultures, there is little distinction between listening and performing music. In fact, virtually everyone is involved in some form of musical activity in some form, usually in a communal setting. Throughout the twentieth century, music became more accessible through recordings. The rise of the music video has made this a popular means of listening to music. But what is it about these musical instruments that makes them so popular?
There are several different theories about the expressiveness of music. One is associationism, which argues that the nature of music expression is dependent on conventional associations. For example, slow tempi are associated with sadness, while musical instruments are associated with war. However, this view is problematic because it ignores the interrelated nature of music. The rudiments of music are also often referred to as “the fundamentals,” but this is often not enough to define what constitutes music.
In ethnographic studies, music is a participatory activity. Individuals experience music in a wide variety of settings, from private performances to large concert settings. The musical experience involves non-commercial and commercial participants. Furthermore, different cultures and socioeconomic milieus give rise to distinct forms of musical performances. For example, in Europe, there is a division between high culture and low culture, and vice-versa. But this distinction is largely arbitrary, and is based on the perception of the composer.
Ethnographic studies show that music is a participatory activity. Whether experienced alone or in a large group, individuals are involved in the creation of music. Various types of musicians, including those engaged in commercial activities, perform in music. In these settings, the musical experience takes different forms, despite the fact that all of them share a common culture. In the western context, there is often a division between high and low culture.
Music is often preserved in memory, by ear, or in other forms. Unlike written material, music is often performed by the ear. Depending on its origin, the song may have a particular meaning, or it may just be an interpretation of the text. Its compositional process can be influenced by the emotions in the text. When a singer’s voice is heard, a purely instrumental composition is called a polyphonic piece of music.
Similarly, music can be interpreted as a cultural activity. Its definition comes from Greek mousike, which means “art of the Muses”. It includes a wide range of activities, including the creation and analysis of works of art. It can also be studied as a source of inspiration. If it has a musical value, it is most likely to be enjoyed by people from all walks of life. Its phenomenology explains the meaning of music.