Category: Classical Music

This essay will provide research (both found and from personal experiences) based upon how disadvantaged and disabled people react to music of different genres ranging from classical to more modern styles of music.

Music therapy has been used to help disadvantaged and disabled people for hundreds of years dating back to 1789. Musical therapy is considered to be a healthy form of therapy especially for children and adults with autism. One of the reasons that music has quickly become a tool used in autism therapy is that it can stimulate both hemispheres of our brain, rather than just one. This means that a therapist can use a song or instrument to support cognitive activity so that we can build self-awareness and improve relationships with others.

Classical music is a very popular choice for music therapists as they are often classically trained with degrees in music. They are also often multi-instrumentalists who can adapt their styles of teaching to each of their patients/students. Classical music therapy can also be used to teach music. By teaching music to autistic people, you can increase their responsiveness to social situations. Classical music has a wider range of different sounds that can be used to treat different types of autism. Soft woodwind sounds of a full orchestra can be used to calm down people with autism. Because autism is a spectrum soft sounds have different impacts depending on the severity of the spectrum. People with mild autism can understand the softer sounds more logically. In music therapy they may take notes on how the music makes them feel. I know this from first-hand experience as this is an exercise I did whilst playing music to people with autism. People who are higher on the autistic spectrum may use the softer sounds as a calming measure as sometimes they struggle to understand how the music makes them feel. One study has found that when children with autism listen to music it increases and focuses them. It can also be used to reduce anxiety. For the average child, loud or rowdy environments can be just a part of everyday life. For autistic children, though, a loud environment can be overstimulating. Because many individuals on the autism spectrum are unable to filter the stimuli they encounter, it’s easy for an autistic individual to become overwhelmed. With this in mind, it is easy to see why those on the spectrum can have anxiety issues. Just like anyone else, autistic individuals may find they have preferences for one genre of music over another. Generally, though, classical music or any kind of music that has a repetitive beat is best to reduce anxiety. Classical music often has very complex structure. This can also help people with severe anxiety to handle more sociable situations with lots of different people. The complex structure of classical music is then able to act like different people.

Moving away from autism into people with mobility disabilities, classical musical therapy is very useful to help them get through pain. Classical music as said before is a great genre of music to relax people. Classical music often has slow movements, especially in symphonies, and therefore can be used to slowly move their joints so they can feel freer. Again, I have had personal experiences with this. Whilst conducting Vaughan Williams’ London Symphony for the City of Carlisle Orchestra there were a few elderly people at the front of the audience who reportedly, from people in the orchestra, started to move around in their chairs especially during the second movement which has a lovely slow tempo. People often move to music, but this is normally fast and more modern types of music. Because people with mobility disabilities struggle to move to quick music slow, classical movements can be a good option to relieve their pain. Music therapy in this form can act like physiotherapy. People can listen to slower music to help build up their strength before they can stand after an accident.

Classical music has been one of the best forms of music for music therapy since the 1700’s. However modern music therapy focuses on more modern instruments and music. The second part of this essay will focus on how modern music techniques can help children.

Modern forms of music therapy are used differently from its origins. Nowadays music therapists are often free-lancing musicians who come into hospitals and provide music therapy to children. They often bring a wide range of instruments with them and allow their patients to use these instruments. Modern music therapy is also very closely linked with science studies to focus on how music reacts with the brain. These studies are used on both children and adults however, a child’s brain is more active than an adult as they can pick up sounds differently. From past experience of teaching music to both adults and children I have found that adults frequently aren’t able to improve their part whereas if I asked a child to possibly pitch higher than what they are thinking. They often respond well to this and are therefore able to get a note easier than an adult. Some studies have found that you can compare the effect that music has on the brain with cocaine use. Music and cocaine both stimulate and release dopamine in the nucleus accumbens, which makes the listener feel pleasure. Freelance music therapists often use both traditional and modern forms of instruments when they see a patient. They frequently use guitars as they offer a wide field of different sounds. The guitar is also a multipurpose instrument as it can be used melodically, chordal and sometimes be used as a drum. Guitars can also be relatively cheap compared to other instruments such as brass and woodwind. The guitar is easier to learn to play as the patient won’t need to use their lips which can take time. It is also used when a patient has difficulty breathing as you don’t have to blow through the instrument.

I was watching a music therapist online a few months ago and I noticed his different approach to teaching instruments than conventional music teachers. His approach was not from a book and rather he used himself as a physical and interactive book. He played the guitar to a child patient whilst they were holding maracas. As someone who has taught in a very conventional way to young, beginner cornet players I found this approach very interesting and inspiring. He was experimenting with the different sounds from the guitar and maracas. He also encouraged the child to create lyrics after he had sung a few himself. Music therapists’ sometimes feel that if they can actually teach a musical instrument then they might try going through books with patients. However, this is normally not the preferred method because some of the patients aren’t able to learn normally. In some hospitals, music therapy has become part of treatment to patients. Some hospitals have several different music therapists each in a different area of expertise. Sometimes music therapy encourages non-verbal communication like eye-contact, anticipation and concentration. An exercise a music therapist might do is do a group exercise instead of one-to-one tuition. This can be used to help patients with anxiety. Anticipation may be a result from the therapist asking their patients to hold an instrument and play it when no one else is without telling anyone that they are about to play. This leads onto the patient concentrating hard on how they might be able to complete this task. If they are not able to complete this task the therapist may introduce eye-contact so the patients would therefore be able to let each other know when they were going to play. This task is said to decrease a child’s anxiety as it gets them used to communicating with others but without actually talking to them which can be challenging.

“Playing a musical instrument, being part of a choir or in a band, listening to music – these are all ways in which we can engage in music. They help us to connect with ourselves and others. Music can be exciting or calming, joyful or poignant. It can stir memories and powerfully resonate with our feelings, helping us to express them and communicate with others” (ArtsProfessional, 2019).

In conclusion, music therapy has changed drastically throughout the decades. Starting in the 1700s helping patients with classical and baroque music. The sounds of a full orchestra have now turned into one therapist and their guitar but can also provide the same effect that a full orchestra has. Music therapy has become a respected profession and they are thought of highly in the music industry as using music to help people with physical and mental disabilities. This essay was to show how music therapy was back in the 1700s to how it is today.

References

1. 2019 NurseJournal.org. (2019). The Benefits Of Music Therapy For Autistic Children. [online] Available at: https://nursejournal.org/community/the-benefits-of-music-therapy-for-autistic-children/ [Accessed 9 May 2019].
2. The-art-of-autism.com. (2019). [online] Available at: https://the-art-of-autism.com/how-music-can-be-used-to-help-autistic-people/ [Accessed 9 May 2019].
3. Judd, R. (2019). Ryan Judd. [online] YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrX41p_UQ-liq-pjVY9EHSw [Accessed 14 May 2019].
4. ArtsProfessional. (2019). British Association for Music Therapy (BAMT). [online] Available at: https://www.artsprofessional.co.uk/node/200130 [Accessed 14 May 2019].

The fact that the strict principles classical music from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries adhered to became the foundation of pretty much any musical genre that was going to emerge after the heydays of its original composers should not be surprising to anyone remotely into music.

Listen to how Beethoven epically channeled his inner turmoil, Handel’s oratorios, the complexity of Bach’s compositions, Mozart’s focus on three to four chords and specifically Schubert’s arrangements, and it becomes obvious that their reoccurring themes served as the blueprint not only for what was going to become the chorus of modern music but the DNA of rock and punk. Specifically, the Baroque period and its richly ornamented emissions, timbre and extensive use of contrast as a dramatic element, has provided the framework for what blue and rock was going to evolve to.

My first exposure to classical music was in elementary school where we were taken to concerts and made to choose an instrument to learn. While I thoroughly enjoyed it, it did not really resonate with my inner core.

That was about to change when in my pre-teens when I was exposed to Anthony Burgess’ ‘A Clockwork Orange’, where the main protagonist’s conditioning against classical music and specifically references to Beethoven’s ‘Symphony No.9’ and the resulting events not only sparked a deeper connection but also the urge to watch and listen how Stanley Kubrick transitioned the book into the realm of cinema. The way the soundtrack of ‘A Clockwork Orange’ combined classical music and electronic music and the impression it made on me not only changed my outlook on music and what it could serve as a catalyst for, but also instantaneously explained where quite a few of the more successful synth pop bands of the eighties got their inspiration from.

Under the aegis of an ambitious music teacher, my early teens not only saw a departure into punk rock and juvenile delinquency but into the Beatles’ rich catalogue and the complex compositions of Richard Wager. The latter of which has had a lasting impact on how I interpret musical phrases to be associated with characters and plot element and who made me look at music as a means of storytelling and the impact it can have far beyond composition reaching into all facets of life. I cannot neither recall the times I have witness the Nibelungen Ring incarnate in over twenty countries not the times I was humbled by meeting fellow enthusiasts and the knowledge they were kind enough to share on the intricacies of creative viewpoints and cultivated sensitivities.

Growing older, listening to classical music has become more and more a therapeutic exercise during turbulent times, especially when craving balance, recalibration and symmetry.

People often use music without borders to describe the popularity and breadth of music. Spain is a nation that can sing and dance very well. The Spanish are born with the blood of art. Therefore, they do have their unique features in music. Naturally, some Spanish international singers have emerged and led the unique ‘Latin’ style of today’s music scene. In addition, both the full national colors of traditional Spanish music, Spanish or classical music with European romantic, have a place in the music world

When people talk about Spain, they first think of bullfighting, then Spanish art. Of course, Flamenco will be the first thing people think of. But do you know that in addition to flamenco-like Spanish music, Spanish pop music, and classical music are indeed rich in their unique charm

In the Chicago Public Library, Cindy Pritzker Auditorium, there was a concert about Spanish & Mexican Music for the Harpsichord and the Clavichord on Tuesday, October 29, 2019. David Schrader performed two musical instruments the Harpsichord and the Clavichord, according to Norman Pelligrini, he said: “David Schrader is truly an extraordinary musician who brings not only the unfailing right technical approach to each of these different instruments, but always an imaginative, fascinating musicality to all of them” (Norman Pelligrini, WFMT, Chicago) when David Schrader at home in front of a harpsichord, organ, piano, or fortepiano. He was not only a great soloist who appeared at national conventions of the American Guild of Organists, but also he was a performer of wide-ranging appearances with the Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco, and Colorado Symphonies. Now in this concert, he was going to show two kinds of music played by using the Harpsichord and the Clavichord. These two musical instruments were used for play all the repertoire in the list, which are “Pavana con su glosa – Antonio de Cabezon (1510-1566)”, “Diferencias sobre las vacas”, “Tiento del octavo tono”, “Tiento del cuarto tono al modo de cancion – Francisco Correa de ”, “Tiento del noveno tono – Aruxo(1583/4-1654)”, “Diferencias sobre las vacas”, “Fantasia de consonancia del quinto tono – Luis de Narvaez (fl. 1530-50)”, “Improvisacion en stilo Iberoamericano – David Schrader (b. 1952)”, “Sonata en re menor – Antonio Soler (1729-1783)”, “Sonata en f mayor”. All of this music appeared in early Spanish organ music during the Renaissance. I think this concert was a great experience that helped me understand Spanish and Mexican development in history. It was a classical music concert venue with an indoor auditorium, the interesting thing is I did not see any speakers around or hanging in the venue, but once the instruments started I could hear them very clearly, I think it was because of the structure of music venue, and the three-layer stage and soft curve on the edge naturally expanded the volume.

The obvious about this concert is all the music was played by the Harpsichord and the Clavichord, these were not only two ancient musical instruments but also prototypes telling the history of modern organ music. Since I was seated kind of closer to the stage, I only had a side view of the Harpsichord and Clavichord. The harpsichord is a piano organ instrument, but it sounds different from than piano, it sounds more like a high-pitched guitar with a keyboard on it. When I did some research after the concert, I found Harpsichord does look like a piano from the upper view, but Harpsichord does have two sets of keyboards whose strings are set in vibration by plucking. Generally, Harpsichord has two or more sets of strings, and each set produces different tone qualities, “One set may sound an octave higher than the others and is called a 4-foot register, whereas a set of strings at the normal pitch is called an 8-foot register.”(Encyclopaedia Britannica, Harpsichord) The harpsichord was one of the most important keyboard instruments in Europe from the 16th through the 18th century.

There are three types of instruments commonly used in the 16th century: string, wind, and keyboard. The Lute the string instrument is the most popular instrument. It is popular among the folks of Italy, Spain, France, Germany, and Poland. It is also popular among the nobility. It is often used as a singer or dance. Dance music is usually always connected by two different dance songs. The one is slower and smoother, two beats or four beats, and the other is faster three beats. There is also a harp in the stringed instrument, which is also the most commonly used instrument, often used as an accompaniment song with the Lute. Then instrumental music gradually began to develop independently and got rid of the subordinate status of vocal accompaniment. Most of the early instrumental music was transplanted from vocal music, but instrumental music created images of pure music that did not attach any lyrics. Much instrumental music in the Renaissance was still improvised, and some instrumental music was recorded as music scores, such as the music played in concert. The predecessor of the European keyboard instrument was the medieval plucking psaltery. The two ancient pianos of the 14th century have matured during the Renaissance. One is a Clavichord with a metal smashing string. Although the sound is slender, the playing can control the volume with the strength of the touch keys. The other is the Harpsichord, which is a plucked string of feathers. The sound is louder than the former but the touch can’t control the change of sound.

The earliest Harpsichords were found in Italy, it was built in the early 16th century. During the 16th through the 18th centuries, Harpsichords evolved and became one of the most important European instruments. Before the eighteenth century, new musical instruments seemed to have been generated by some mysterious process to which names of originators could rarely be attached. Until that time, perhaps the earliest known inventor of a Harpsichord was John Rose, who in 1562 created Bandora, a wire-strung plucked bass instrument. Consequently, it is difficult to believe that we can point to someone who lived six hundred years ago and say, even without absolute proof, “He was the inventor of the harpsichord”; yet growing evidence suggests that we may indeed be able to make such a claim. According to Edward L. Kottick and his book called A History of the Harpsichord, he claimed “ John Rose was hired as the personal physician to Rupert, a minor German king who nevertheless reigned as emperor of the Holy Roman Empire between 1400 and 1410, indicates that he had the advanced qualifications of a medical astrologer. Hence he was perfectly capable of inventing the new music-making machine such as the Harpsichord, particularly since he was known to be an accomplished organist.”(Kottick, E. L., 11)

The clavichord was another organ instrument that was built in a similar era to Harpsichords. When I looked from auditorium to stage, the observer difference is Clavichord is smaller and shorter than Harpsichords, Clavichord also does not have as many keyboards as Harpsichords. The sounds of Clavichord are sharper and higher than Harpsichords. When I did some research after the concert, I noticed Clavichord looks wider and shorter than a Harpsichord because a Clavichord is usually rectangular, instead place string straight Harpsichords, Clavichords are made string vertically, the reason why is rectangular because “The strings run horizontally from the tuning pins over the bridge to the hitch pins in the left. A small brass blade tangent stands on each key just below its string. When the key is depressed, the tangent strikes the string, causing it to sound. When the key is released, the tangent falls away from the string, which is then silenced by the felt.”(Encyclopaedia Britannica, Clavichord). The difference between Harpsichord and Clavichord is more than the shape. The appearance is very characteristic of each of them. Different from the simplicity of Harpsichords, Clavichord pays more attention to beauty, “its case and lid were usually highly decorated, painted, and inlaid. The right, or treble, end contains the soundboard, the bridge, and wrest, or tuning, pins.”(Encyclopaedia Britannica, Clavichord) The purpose of rectangular shape and high decoration made it lightweight and easy to carry, it made the clavichord continue in use in the Renaissance, most often as a practice instrument for organists who could often use the main organ instrument. The earliest Clavichord is unequivocally mentioned in a poem of 1404 from Eberhard Cersne’s Minne Regal and Machaut’s La Prise d’Alexandrie. Both Machaut and Cersne mention several plucked stringed instruments in their poems, the most common of the wire-strung group, came in a variety of shapes, but the one that looked like a small, wide Harpsichord with bent sides on both left and right. A soundbox with a moveable bridge was a useful tool for tuning, finding intervals, and giving pitches. It was thought that the monochord could be transformed into a viable maker of music with the addition of a few more strings, and a keyboard with tangents. Then at some time before the end of the fourteenth century, this provided with keyboards and transformed into the instruments we now know as the Clavichord.

For the next couple of hours, I enjoyed the music and the background information that David Schrader provided to me. And then followed by his music, he led me back to the golden age of the Renaissance where in Spanish and when Antonio de Cabezón was alive. He was blind but he turned it become his advantage and was employed by the royal family as a composer and organist, He was one of the most important composers in the Renaissance and the first major Iberian keyboard composer.

During the Renaissance, the most important forms of secular music in Spain were Romance and Country Songs. Romantic music popular in the early 16th to the 17th century, is a lyrical epic, diverse, often with a sad nature; is accompanied by a solo song with a stack of songs, but also a chorus; with a dramatic form, can be on stage show. Spanish music in the sixteenth century is diverse and international. Perhaps it is the fusion of various styles that have made 16th-century Spanish music brilliant. In this way, Spain has been a country full of music cells since ancient times, and because of this, Spanish modern music has been influenced by Spanish classical music and national music, forming a unique musical style. Spanish music is unique and culturally regional, you may like classical music, you may like folk customs, or maybe you have a soft spot for pop music, whether it is Spanish Latin music or Spanish music, its status in the world is strongly in the music world. With the changes of the times, it is becoming more and more international and it is loved by more non-Latin Americans and forming a Latin music trend.

A string quartet performance can pack a concentrated punch of joyful music. It might involve a deeply meditative moment or the exhilaration of four stringed instruments in soaring flight. Jax Cello Quartet concerts at Jacksonville University by two dynamic string quartets delivered all of the glory of this concentrated telepathy in repertoires that spanned the graceful minutes of the intense flutter of contemporary works.

On November 18th, the Jax Cello Quartet brought all of their strings to a concert performed before a capacity audience. The Jax Cello Concert is composed of violinists Rune Tonsgaard Sorenson and Frederik Oland; violist Asbjorn Norgaard and cellist Fedrik Schoyen Sjolin. Their telepathic musical partnership is grounded in their many years of playing together.

Open the concert was the was utterly, exquisitely beautiful with “ Feierliches Stocks each dam Huge sum Munster. What a sensitive and interesting interpretation. This arrangement full of tenderness and musicality and interpreted brilliantly, makes me love Wagner. Thank you very much to this talented quartet.

Move on to the second piece “Impromptu” This piece has its ups and downs. it started with an energetic feeling with all the aggressive sounds from all different notes then it changed to a meaningful feeling with some deep and soft sounds, and lastly It turned back to the energetic.

The third piece was the great combination of the “three Pieces” of Duke(1899-1974) and the arrangement with Wrener Thomas- Mifune. the first piece was Zemlinsky: Piano Trio in D Minor, op. 3. Second: Shostakovich: Piano Trio No. 1 in C Minor, op. 8 (“Poème”). Third: Mendelssohn: Piano Trio No. 1 in D Minor, op. 49. “The players bring a mark of a great ensemble to all three pieces: unity of purpose combined with individuality of character. A delight.” (The Telegraph)

Apres un reve, Gabrielle Urbain Fauré (12 May 1845 – 4 November 1924) was a French composer, organist, pianist and teacher. He was one of the foremost French composers of his generation, and his musical style influenced many 20th-century composers. Among his best-known works are his Pavane, Requiem, nocturnes for piano, and the songs ‘Après un rêve’ and ‘Clair de lune’. Although his best-known and most accessible compositions are generally his earlier ones, Fauré composed many of his most highly regarded works in his later years, in a more harmonically and melodically complex style (Wikipedia). Towards the end of the 19th century, France saw a renaissance for chamber music after a long period largely dominated by opera. Rather than popular demand it was the composers themselves who propelled this development, for instance through the ‘Société nationale de musique’, founded in 1871 by Saint-Saëns to provide a platform for composers to have their works performed. An early response to Saint-Saëns’ initiative came from a former student, Gabriel Fauré, who in 1876 completed his Violin Sonata in A major and gave it the opus number 13, making it the first instrumental work in his official work list. Premiered at one of the society’s concerts in 1877, the sonata was a resounding success and gave Fauré the confidence to continue to write chamber music. Similarly, society became a stepping-stone in the careers of many younger composers, including Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel. Selecting works by these three French composers, the Swedish team of Christian Svarfvar and Roland Pöntinen have put together a recital framed by Fauré’s sonata and that by Ravel, composed some 50 years later and here serving as a reminder of the new influences that reached France in the meantime. With its celebrated second movement, entitled ‘Blues’, the Sonata in G major testifies to Ravel’s interest in Afro-American music and jazz – but also to his ability to incorporate foreign influences into his own, unmistakable style. Between these, we hear a handful of shorter pieces, including Ravel’s Spanish-perfumed Pièce en forme de habanera and his Berceuse, a tribute to his old teacher Fauré. Svarfvar and Pöntinen also perform Debussy’s arrangement of his piano prelude Minstrels, another French response to the popular music coming from the U.S.A., but they have chosen to name their disc after what probably remains the most popular piece by Fauré, his early song Après un rêve. This is just miraculously beautiful! This song reminds me that life is just so good, so rich, so tender, so poignant. Also, there was a piece “Red Mundi” that can not be missed in the performance.

‘The Blue Danube’ is the common English title of ‘An der schönen, blauen Donau’, Op. 314 (German for ‘On the Beautiful Blue Danube’), a waltz by the Austrian composer Johann Strauss II, composed in 1866. Originally performed on 15 February 1867[1][2] at a concert of the Wiener Männergesangsverein (Vienna Men’s Choral Association),[2] it has been one of the most consistently popular pieces of music in the classical repertoire. Its initial performance was considered only a mild success,[1] however, and Strauss is reputed to have said, ‘The devil take the waltz, my only regret is for the coda—I wish that had been a success!'[2]In 1865, Johann Herbeck, choirmaster of the Vienna Men’s Choral Society, commissioned Strauss to write a choral work; due to the composer’s other commitments, the piece wasn’t even started. The following year, Austria was defeated by Prussia in the Seven Weeks’ War. Aggravated by post-war economic depression, Viennese morale was at a low and so Strauss was encouraged to revisit his commission and write a joyful waltz song to lift the country’s spirit. Strauss recalled a poem by Karl Isidor Beck (1817-79). Each stanza ends with the line: ‘By the Danube, beautiful blue Danube’. It gave him the inspiration and the title for his new work – although the Danube could never be described as blue and, at the time the waltz was written, it did not flow through Vienna. To the waltz, the choral society’s “poet” Josef Weyl added humorous lyrics ridiculing the lost war, the bankrupt city, and its politicians: “Wiener seed’s free! Oho! Wieso?” (“Viennese be happy! Oho! But why?”). The premiere of the Waltz For Choir at Vienna’s Dianabadsaal (Diana Bath Hall) took place on February 15, 1867. Considering its subsequent popularity, its reception was somewhat muted (apparently it received only one encore, which in Strauss’s terms equaled a flop). This may have been because both the choir and the audience hated the words. But when, later that year, Strauss introduced the waltz in its orchestral garb to Paris at the World Exhibition, it created a sensation. (Classic)

“Christmas Fantasy’ made me feel Christmas is never as wonderful as it was. The performance made my heart beat so excited. This piece shows how beautiful Christmas is and how the vibe of Christmas always makes people feel more energetic

Ave Maria” was written by Franz Schubertin in 1825 as the sixth song in his song cycle based on Walter Scott’s poem The Lady of the Lake. It is perhaps the best known of all his melodies, adapted for piano by Franz Liszt, and for orchestra many times since. It is often sung with the Latin lyrics of the Catholic hymn of the same name and has been heard everywhere from the Disney movie Fantasia to the funeral of J.F. Kennedy. This version is arranged as a duet for two Cellos. Musicians at an intermediate level and above will find this ideal for formal and informal performances. Both parts play the melody. The overall performance time is around four and a half minutes. After hearing a favorite piece of mine. the piece gives me an idea of the tempo as I have never heard it played anything but slowly and with all the pieces also played higher up.

Julius Klengel (24 September 1859 – 27 October 1933) was a German cellist who is most famous for his etudes and solo pieces written for the instrument. His most famous is Suite in D Mini, Op.22 with 6 movements but there are 3 movements were performing: Introduction, Sarabande, and Fughette. the style of music overall is romantic.

Both text and music of “Asturiana” come from a folk song of the Asturias, in the northern part of Spain. It’s the delicate story of a tree, sympathetically crying along with the hero. The piano is, once again, set on a pedal, almost for the entire length of the piece. The left hand adds sorrow to the melody through the use of a few dissonances. These limbs of pain never fall into a rage: a deep sense of sadness permeates the entire piece, ending hopelessly on the lowest F of the keyboard. I adore this piece: of the Siete canciones populares españolas is the one that best depicts the sentiment of desperation. There is a sense of immobility and inevitability from the beginning to the end. The tree looks at the sadness of the hero from the outside: empathizes with his sadness, but is helpless in front of it and can not help but accept its impotence. Manuel de Falla was born in Cádiz, Spain, in 1876. His mother was his first music teacher. A skilled pianist, Falla studied in Madrid and moved to Paris from 1907 to 1914 where he met several composers who greatly influenced his style, such as Maurice Ravel, Claude Debussy, and Paul Dukas. De Falla returned to Madrid at the beginning of World War I, then moved to Granada in 1921. A fervent Catholic, his religious beliefs brought him more than some trouble with Franco’s regime. In 1939 he accepted an offer for a series of concerts at the Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires, settling then permanently in Argentina where he died in 1946.

The Concert ended with “Carmen Fantasy” which was a completely outstanding performance this piece is extremely difficult. I can not express how amazing this piece is, one of my favorite versions of this piece itself.

Overall the performance was successful with the amazing combination of all the cellists. They make the cello become my favorite instrument.

Music Essay 1 (100 words)

Music holds a remarkable ability to transcend boundaries and connect with people on a profound level. Its melodic notes and rhythmic beats have the power to evoke emotions, trigger memories, and inspire creativity. Whether it is the soothing melodies of classical compositions, the energetic beats of pop music, or the soul-stirring lyrics of heartfelt ballads, music has the ability to touch our souls and uplift our spirits. It serves as a universal language that unites people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs. Music has the unique capacity to transport us to different worlds, express our deepest feelings, and create a sense of unity among individuals.

Music Essay 2 (200 words)

Music is a universal language that deeply impacts our lives. It evokes emotions, inspires creativity, and brings people together. Whether it’s pop, classical, or rock, music connects us on an emotional level, creating a shared experience that transcends boundaries and cultures.

It accompanies us through important moments, providing solace and a means of expression. Music transports us, evoking memories and stirring emotions. It celebrates joy and offers reflection during somber times, reminding us of the depth and complexity of the human experience.

Music has historically driven social change. Artists use it to voice opinions, challenge norms, and advocate for justice. Songs like “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “Imagine” unite communities, inspiring collective action and sparking conversations that lead to meaningful transformations.

Beyond emotions, music nurtures cognitive development. Playing an instrument enhances brain function and listening to music improves focus and creativity. It’s also therapeutic for mental well-being, offering a source of comfort and an outlet for self-expression.

In conclusion, music enriches our lives in profound ways. It transcends boundaries, ignites change, and fosters personal and social connections. As a universal force, music is an essential part of the human experience, shaping our emotions, thoughts, and actions in ways that are both transformative and timeless.

Music Essay 3 (300 words)

Introduction

Music is a universal language that evokes emotions, uplifts spirits, and promotes unity. This essay explores the types of music, its power, ability to transcend barriers, therapeutic applications, and its enduring presence in human culture.

Types of Music

From classical symphonies to rock anthems, music encompasses diverse genres catering to various tastes and preferences. Whether it’s soothing melodies, heart-wrenching ballads, or energetic beats, there’s music for every emotion and occasion.

The Power of Music

Music impacts emotions, transports us to different realms, and provides solace. It inspires, heals, and connects people on a deep level, serving as a source of comfort, inspiration, and a conduit for self-expression and storytelling.

It has No Barriers

Music transcends language, culture, and boundaries, fostering shared experiences and promoting harmony among diverse communities worldwide. It unites people, breaking down barriers of race, religion, and nationality, celebrating our shared humanity.

Usage of Music in Treatment

Music therapy addresses physical, emotional, and psychological conditions, reducing stress, alleviating pain, improving mood, and enhancing cognitive functions. It harnesses the power of music to create a therapeutic and healing environment, promoting overall well-being and quality of life.

Conclusion

Music, a powerful and universal art form, enriches lives, transcends boundaries, and promotes unity. Through melodies and rhythms, it shapes our experiences, inspires, heals, and brings people together in appreciation of its timeless appeal. Music is a testament to the beauty and resilience of the human spirit, connecting us all in the universal language of sound.

Music Essay 4 (400 words)

Introduction

Music is a universal language that has the power to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers. It has been an integral part of human civilization for centuries, serving as a means of expression, communication, and entertainment. From ancient melodies to modern compositions, music has evolved into various styles and genres, captivating audiences and leaving a profound impact on society. In this essay, we will explore the different styles of music, discuss the importance of it in our lives, and delve into the unlimited power that music holds.

Styles

Music encompasses a wide range of styles and genres, each with its own unique characteristics and cultural influences. Classical music, with its symphonies and sonatas, embodies elegance, complexity, and meticulous composition. Jazz, on the other hand, is characterized by improvisation, syncopation, and a vibrant energy that ignites the soul. Rock and roll, born out of rebellion, delivers powerful guitar riffs and driving rhythms that speak to the youth. From pop to hip-hop, folk to electronic, music styles are as diverse as the human experience itself, providing a rich tapestry of sound to suit every taste and mood.

Importance of Music

Music holds a significant place in our lives, enriching our emotions, shaping our identities, and connecting us to others. It has the power to evoke nostalgia, triggering memories and emotions associated with specific moments in time. Music is often a source of solace during challenging times, offering comfort and healing to those in need. It serves as a form of self-expression, allowing individuals to communicate their deepest thoughts and emotions when words fall short. Moreover, music brings people together, fostering a sense of community and unity as we share in the experience of rhythm and melody.

Unlimited Power of Music

Beyond its aesthetic and emotional qualities, music possesses an unlimited power that transcends boundaries. It has the ability to inspire change, to challenge social norms, and to give voice to the marginalized. Throughout history, music has served as a powerful tool for protest and activism, rallying masses and sparking revolutions. It has the capacity to influence moods, alter perceptions, and create transformative experiences. It can uplift spirits, motivate creativity, and even enhance cognitive abilities. Its therapeutic effects have been harnessed in various fields, such as music therapy, where it has proven to be a valuable healing resource.

Conclusion

In conclusion, music is an integral part of our lives, offering a diverse array of styles and genres that cater to our individual preferences. Its importance extends beyond mere entertainment, as it connects us to our emotions, memories, and fellow human beings. The unlimited power of music lies in its ability to transcend boundaries, incite change, and heal. It is a universal language that speaks to the depths of our souls and binds us together in a harmonious symphony of humanity.

Music Essay 5 (500 words)

Music Every Day

Music has become an integral part of our daily routines, permeating through various aspects of our lives. Whether it’s the cheerful tunes playing on the radio during our morning commute or the soothing melodies that accompany our evening relaxation, music has the power to enhance our everyday experiences. It has a way of creating ambiance, providing a backdrop for various activities, and setting the tone for our moods. From the catchy jingles in commercials to the carefully curated playlists during workouts, music has become an omnipresent force that adds depth and richness to our lives.

Music Makes You Happy

One of the most remarkable aspects of music is its ability to uplift our spirits and bring happiness into our lives. Numerous scientific studies have shown that listening to music can stimulate the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. When we hear a song that resonates with us or strikes a chord within our hearts, we experience a surge of positive emotions. It has the power to transport us to different emotional landscapes, allowing us to temporarily escape from the stresses of daily life. Whether it’s the infectious rhythm that makes us dance or the heartfelt lyrics that bring tears to our eyes, music has an extraordinary ability to elicit happiness and create a sense of well-being.

Music as Identity

Music serves as a powerful tool for self-expression and the formation of our identities. The genres we listen to, the artists we admire, and the lyrics that resonate with us become a reflection of our values, beliefs, and experiences. It allows us to connect with like-minded individuals, creating communities and subcultures centered around shared musical preferences. It can provide a sense of belonging and validation, offering a space where we can find solace and understanding. Whether it’s the rebellious spirit of rock and roll or the introspective nature of folk music, the music we embrace becomes a part of our identity and shapes how we relate to the world around us.

Conclusion

In conclusion, music holds immense power in our lives. Its omnipresence adds richness to our daily routines, while its ability to evoke happiness brings joy to our hearts. Furthermore, it helps shape our identities, providing a means of self-expression and a sense of belonging. Whether we are enjoying a favorite song on a sunny day or finding solace in the lyrics of a poignant melody, music remains an ever-present and transformative force that enriches our lives in countless ways. As we continue to appreciate and engage with music, let us remember its profound impact on our happiness and sense of self.

Music Essay 6 (600 words)

Introduction

Music has been an integral part of human culture for centuries, serving as a means of expression, communication, and entertainment. Its power to evoke emotions and connect people from different backgrounds is unparalleled. This essay delves into the history of music, explores various genres, and highlights the importance of music in our lives.

History of Music

The history of music dates back to ancient times, with evidence of musical instruments and compositions found in archaeological sites across the world. From the rhythmic beats of drums in tribal communities to the complex symphonies of classical music, music has evolved and adapted to various cultures and eras.

Genre of Music

Over time, numerous genres of music have emerged, each characterized by its distinct style, instruments, and cultural influences. Genres such as classical, jazz, rock, pop, hip-hop, and electronic music have captured the imagination of millions of people worldwide. Each genre has its own unique characteristics, allowing individuals to explore a wide range of musical preferences.

Popular Music Genres

Among the plethora of music genres, a few have gained immense popularity. Classical music, with its rich compositions by legendary composers like Mozart and Beethoven, continues to be cherished for its timeless beauty. Jazz, born in African-American communities, is celebrated for its improvisation and syncopated rhythms. Rock music, with its rebellious spirit and electrifying guitar solos, has captivated generations. Pop music, known for its catchy melodies and relatable lyrics, dominates the charts and captures the hearts of listeners globally. Hip-hop, with its energetic beats and lyrical storytelling, has become a cultural phenomenon. Electronic music, characterized by synthesized sounds and pulsating rhythms, has shaped the modern music landscape.

Importance of Music

Music holds immense importance in our lives. It has the power to evoke emotions, provide solace, and create lasting memories. Music has been used therapeutically to aid in healing and promote emotional well-being. It serves as a creative outlet for artists, enabling them to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Moreover, music acts as a unifying force, transcending language and cultural barriers, bringing people together through shared experiences and emotions.

Music is Universal

One of the remarkable aspects of music is its universality. Regardless of one’s cultural or linguistic background, music has the ability to resonate with individuals on a deeply personal level. A melody can evoke joy, sadness, or nostalgia, stirring emotions that are universally understood. Through music, we can connect with people from diverse backgrounds and gain a deeper understanding of their cultures and experiences.

Music Makes Learning Easy

Music has proven to be a valuable tool in education. Research has shown that incorporating music into the learning process enhances memory retention and cognitive abilities. Children exposed to music at an early age often exhibit improved language skills, mathematical aptitude, and overall academic performance. Moreover, music can make learning enjoyable and engaging, fostering creativity and critical thinking.

Music Relaxes

In our fast-paced and often stressful lives, music serves as a source of relaxation and rejuvenation. Listening to soothing melodies or engaging in musical activities can reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, and alleviate stress. Music therapy is increasingly recognized as an effective form of treatment for mental health conditions, providing comfort and emotional support.

Conclusion

In conclusion, music is a universal language that has shaped cultures, inspired movements, and touched the lives of countless individuals. Its ability to transcend boundaries and evoke emotions makes it an integral part of our society. Whether as a means of self-expression, a tool for learning, or a source of relaxation, music continues to enrich our lives in profound ways. As we navigate the diverse world of music genres, let us celebrate the power and beauty of this art form that unites us all.

Melodies of Transformation: Unlocking the Power of Music – Essay 7 (700 words)

Music plays an important role in every society and culture in various forms and occasions like wedding birthday fun and spiritual. There are no limitations in the form of music. There are classical, traditional, romantic, country-pop techno, spiritual, etc. kind of music. It is a very powerful medium to reach a person’s emotions and expressions that go beyond words. It is scientifically proven that music has helped people to get out of their mental and physical illnesses. Music is one of the most important things throughout my life. I think living without music is impossible for me. It has helped me to face some difficult situations in my life as well as help me to motivate myself. I love playing music while driving to places. Some music does resemble the journey of my life

At the point when I was younger, I really didn’t have an extraordinary love for music as I do now. I love music to its core. I used to tune in to anything that was playing on the radio that my siblings were listening to. I wasn’t much about music. There were some cases where I used to listen to some Bollywood music every now and then, but that is all I used to love in those days. Regardless of whether I was studying at home, or anywhere else there are beats constantly playing behind my mind without me knowing. At the time I really didn’t care what genre of music was, but now as I’m more concerned, I have been apricating music as it reminds me of some good times. When I hit my adolescent years, music has been like breathing, and bit by bit began to inhabit my life.

I believe music can express a lot of feelings and emotions. Whether the feeling is delight and bliss or trouble through rhythms, and beats, the music, and lyrics show it. The tune ‘Love story’ by Tylor swift is such an enthusiastic and moving melody that when I hear it, I generally feel each beat, when I watch it being played live, I was stunned. The impact that music can make us feel so much about ourselves, as it can carry someone to a flood of teas or bust into laughter.

Music has been amazing over the duration of years. Music can take me back to my old memories in no time like a time machine. It has made me turn and see the life I have gone through and what I gained or lost from it. I can paint an image by listing to music, for instance in traditional, classical, and country a story was told in a form of music. The music in traditional music recounts a story without lyrics which is a massively powerful thing. I feel this applies to the saying “music imitates life and life imitates music”.

I believe music affected people in many different situations in life. To me music means much more than just something to listen to it beyond the word and feeling anyone can understand, it’s something to feel. Music is extremely important in my life. I think it brings me closer to my friends and family. I also feel music has helped me to get through the most difficult times of my life and a good time. For example, I remember flying from India to the USA I have been listing to music the whole way also we went on a group trip we were singing songs aloud. Music is such a powerful thing and has a huge impact on my life right next to my heart. Although there are some negative parts of music, I accept the great far surpasses the terrible. Without music, this world would be a dull spot. Music stands to be one of the most significant things throughout my life. I don’t know where I would be without it; with how I was thinking, I probably wouldn’t be alive today.

Beethoven’s political ethos was liberal; however, he did at times seem to express views that were quite conservative and could also be interpreted as ambiguous. He was not afraid to express his political views through music. Examples of which could be heard in the opera ‘Fidelio’, about the unjust imprisonment overcome by a heroic individual. Also, in his cantata on the death of Emperor Joseph II, a kind, benevolent enlightened leader. His overriding beliefs were in family, fairness, love, and equality (Coffey, 2020, p.320). Thus, supporting the revolution only because its overarching goal was for freedom, peace, liberty, equality, and fraternity. Beethoven’s views were shaped through personal life experiences under the rule of Joseph II. He understood first-hand the impact of enlightened rule that would use its power for the good of its subjects. He also believed in democracy and that people should do good whenever possible and be truthful, regardless of who is asking, even the king. Beethoven’s music was shaped and nurtured directly by the social and political activities of the day. A case in question is his cantata ‘The Glorious Moment’, written for the Congress of Vienna, which was rewritten on several occasions. Therefore, demonstrating how his mood was affected by his beliefs and the changing political and social landscape of the revolution alongside his disdain for Napoleon and his love of lady liberty (Coffey, 2020, p.315)

The congress of Vienna 1814 was a standout moment in history, which consisted of a series of meetings held from September 1814 to June 1815. After the downfall of Napoleon, Europe was in a state of chaos and it needed reorganization. Thus, the Congress of Vienna came into force, essentially nullifying Napoleonic’s influences and attempted to re-establish the monarchies he had dethroned. Beethoven used this occasion to express his views through his music. Whilst an example of this is his cantata – ‘The Glorious Moment’. Analysis of this music piece reveals a cantata-recitative, written as words to a story of events during the French Revolution. It starts with flutes and oboe at 00:0, followed by strings at 00:27 alongside recorders, complimenting the voices of the women, in allegro non-troppo tempo. The timbre is one of jolly frolicking unity, representing the women of France stepping forward as a band of brothers in defense of the nation, its children, and families. The innocent children grow hungry and needy. The voices of the children grow louder and louder, binding their cries for food until it sounds like one voice unified. This cantata is for a quartet chorus. However, it can be sung as an aria with 4 soloists. We have men, women and children all performing in this piece. The composition lends itself well as a collective of voices each playing their part. Just as men, women, and children all would have done during the French Revolution, which impacts the whole of society and, the whole family. The women seem to be playing the role of Vienna, and the women as revolutionists, stepping forward as sans-culottes (Goodrich, 2020, p.267). At 0:28, the sound of children singing with violins and the strings at hand lift the tempo. The children as the innocent nobility kings and princes, dethroned by Napoleon, cry out and get caught up in the revolution only to bind together again.

Evident within the piece mixed chorus and orchestra with pairs of flutes, a piccolo, oboes, clarinets, bassoons, timpani, and strings. Also noticeable are the drum, cymbals, horns and trumpets, all-powerful instruments are driven by the trumpet to announce the successful force of the people as a whole. This cantata comes together with most instruments, all playing together at 00:50, the men of the armies march together with banners and weapons held high as they fight for the nation. The drums portray marching troops, the flutes and recorders, the women banding together and finally, the violins and violas represent the innocent voices of the children.

In conclusion, it can be viewed that Beethoven’s music was influenced by life experiences and personal political views. He believed in enlightenment, liberty, equality, and fraternity. This is reflected in the composition of ‘The Glorious Moment’, which touches on the political situations within the changing times of the revolution. This piece represents Vienna as a peacemaker sung by women. The return of monarchs through the voice of children. Children’s voices as the innocents. And finally, the men as an army defending the boundaries of Vienna and fighting the wars. Men, women, and children that were affected by such events. All given a voice and story to tell.

Music is everywhere. It is heard, it creates music everywhere. Everyone listens to and produces music, no matter what their job or status in life. The inclinations or the type of music we like are different. Sometimes the music we listen to depends on our mood. Sometimes jazz, sometimes classical, and who knows what else. We are united by music, giving each other the opportunity to be with each other, to express feelings or emotions using music. Sometimes we describe things with music, and sometimes music alleviates the situation experienced at any given time.

I like classical music. Big aspects of our lives are composed and revolve around music. We know its value, we know that it plays a role in the lives of all of us. Music can change or transform a person’s life, or it can affect our moods or emotions. Music calms me down; it’s my go-to when things are bothering my mind, and it’s also what I rely on when I have things to do or are doing. The classical music I choose, or I like, because the messages of the song are beautiful, it brings back the past conditions of life and time. It describes each person’s passion. It seems to take us back to the past, making us feel how fun and full of value it is. There are many things we want to refresh and want to experience when we listen to classical music. The emotions that hit us are different. The emotions that form in every mind and heart are different when we listen to classical music, and we seem to live in a time when only fun and romance are around. Classical music or music in general must be revived. Young people must be made aware of how beautiful and full of value it is. Because young people today no longer know that classical music is a work, there is art in every song, there are emotions, there are feelings, and it feels real. We need to revive the value of classical music. We need to experience again the people who dream of going back in time, going back to the past.

People and young people would wish they were alive then so that they would have experienced the emotions provided by classical music. Let’s go back to the past, like the songs we hear on the radio every week. Let’s listen to them again. Listening to music helps us in all aspects of his life. Those doubts are sometimes fixed or affected by music.

The influence on the listener is undeniable because it attracts attention. I can see in what I said how much I love music, classical music. I like to listen to it, especially on Sundays. It’s good for the ears, and it’s good to listen to the old songs, they say. It’s not old, it’s classical for me. Furthermore, it is full of images and meaning. We just need to listen to them properly to understand and comprehend their value. Surely, not only am I a lover of classical music, but you too, if you listen to it.

Introduction

A renowned classic music composer, soloist and director, Benjamin Britten was born in England, on November 22, 1913. Even in his childhood, he was actively involved in music, composing his first works at the tender age of five. From then on he progressed in creativity and composition even though he had no form of technical training in music.

However, his mother was a part time singer and she aided his growth in approach and musical content. “The Royal Family” is one of his well known compositions in his early childhood, which was about the death of the fifth son of George V in 1919.

Educational background

Frank Bridge, who was a well known music composer, became interested in Britten while he was still very young. Frank had a passion for developing innovative styles of music which led him to see the unique qualities of Britten’s work [1]. Frank was therefore in a sense responsible for mentoring Bitten, providing him with the technical understanding that Bitten needed to create quality compositions.

The only well known institution that Britten enrolled into was the Royal College of Music in 1930 with a goal of studying musical composition and the piano under the tutorship of Arthur Benjamin, John Ireland and Harold Samuel [2]. It was here that his work begun receiving acclaim, for he went on to receive numerous awards for compositions like a “Boy was Born”, in 1933.

Musical career

From April 1935, Britten adopted music as a profession when he took on the job of creating music for documentary films produced by the General Post Office (GPO). It was here that he met W.H. Auden in July 1935, and they went on to work on several projects together while at GPO, including the films Coal Face, Night Mail and the song series “Our Hunting Fathers”.

Auden was a brilliant poet who went on to influence much of Britten’s 1942 composition; “Hymn to St. Cecilia” [3]. It is while still working at GPO when Britten met Peter Pears in 1937, who later became his musical collaborator and a source for musical inspiration. It was in that same year that he composed “Variations on a Theme of Frank Bridge” for string orchestra, one of his most remarkable works.

Move to America

The primary reason that made Britten move to America in 1939 was that at the time, Auden had immigrated to America. Another reason is that he was disgruntled by the cold reception that his work “A Pacifist March” had received, after he had composed it for the Peace Pledge Union [4].

Along with his friend Peter Pears, they set off for the United States and eventually settled in Amityville, Long Island, New York. In 1940, Pears inspired Britten to composed “Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo”, the first among many songs that he would dedicate to Pears.

His stay in America consequently influenced Britten, who together with Auden wrote an operetta, “Paul Bunyan” a musical drama which was followed by a number of works like “the Violin Concerto” and “Sinfonia da Requiem” for orchestra performance [5]. In 1943, Britten together with Pears returned to England and went on to release “Hymn to St. Cecilia” which he had composed on his trip back from America in March, 1942 and shortly after his return, in 1943, he composed “Rejoice in the La” [6].

Famous works

A unique quality that can among others be identified in Britten is his consistency. Through out his life, Brittan went on to write and compose music till his death in 1976. However, some of his works went ahead to receive great public acclaim and consequently won Britten a great number of prizes and awards. Britten’s most popular works include; “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, “Peter Grimes” and “The War Requiem”.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

This is an opera by set to a libretto and was modified by Benjamin Britten together with Peter Pears and was drawn from William Shakespeare’s play, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”.

The sound is highly individual and harmoniously subtle and riddled with tenor undertones. Unlike most of his other works, Peter Pears did not assume a leading role on stage, as an alternative he took up the comical character of Flute. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” won Britten the 1961 UNESCO International Rostrum of Composers Award.

Peter Grimes

Peter Grimes is also an opera with the libretto having been modified by Montagu Slater. The original Peter Grimes was from a section of George Crabbe’s poem “The Borough”. It is highly thought that the main reason why Britten moved back to England from America is because of this poem, because he strongly related with the misfortune of the fisherman named Peter Grimes [7]. However, Britten altered the personality of Grimes from the antagonist he was in Crabbe’s poem, to a victim of social injustices who is wrongly understood.

In this opera, the “borough” is a fictional village which shares the same scenario with that of Crabbe and also to that of Aldeburgh, on England’s east coast, where in fact, Britten lived at the time. The opera therefore had several innuendos pointing at Britten’s and Pears’ life. In a broader sense, Peter Grimes was the first opera composed by Britten that was professionally criticized and popular among the public.

The War Requiem

The War Requiem was written for the commemoration of Coventry Cathedral where it was first performed on 30 May 1962. The core of this composition was full of pacifist signatures mainly so because the Battle of Britain in World War II had left the Coventry Cathedral completely ruined [8].

Britten was requested to compose something to be performed at the ceremony to officially announce the completion of a new cathedral which was designed by Basil Spence and was built next to the ruins of the original structure [9]. Bearing in mind that the work was to be presented inside the new cathedral, acoustics were definitely to be included since Brittan was an accomplished acoustic pianist. The ceremony was graced by a number of Britten’s works, including Tippett’s opera King Priam.

The War Requiem was dedicated to four of Britten’s friends who were killed during World War I, and was used to send a strong pacifist message. It was not a glorification of the British troops, rather a public declaration of Britten’s antiwar convictions. This piece pointed out to others the wickedness of war, and not necessarily the wickedness of human beings [10].

Britten wrote the War Requiem for a German, a Russian and a British soloist, meaning he viewed war as a universal loss and not just loss to his home country, and therefore emphasized the need for unity and peace.

Effectively, the War Requiem was as well intended to serve as a warning to future generations, negating the absurdity of taking up arms against fellow human beings. Among all of his works, The War Requiem has by far been deemed the most popular to this day. Consequently, he went on to receive numerous awards due to this piece even after his death.

Some of the prizes he received are “Grammy Awards 1963 – Classical Album of the Year”, “Grammy Awards 1963 – Best Classical Performance”, “Grammy Awards 1963 – Best Classical Composition by a Contemporary Composer”, Sonning Award 1967, “BRIT Awards 1977 – Best Orchestral Album” and the “Grammy Hall of Fame Award in1998”.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that Benjamin Britten was a gifted individual when it came to music. Apart from being a skilled pianist, he composed some remarkable works and was also a music conductor. He drew inspiration from the people he surrounded himself with like Peter Pears and the poet Auden.

Britten did however face rejection from other composers whom did no find his style trendy. He was forced to move away from London due to the rejection which can be seen in most of his work. Most of his leading characters are misunderstood by the society that they are in and it is possible that he was pointing at himself. All in all, Britten’s work will surely prevail for a long time for his compositions are performed.

References

Carpenter, Humphrey. Benjamin Britten: A Biography. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1992.

Evans, Peter. The Music of Benjamin Britten. Minnesota: University of Minnesota Press, 1979.

Kennedy, Michael. Britten Works. London: J.M. Dent & Sons Ltd, 1981.

[1] Humphrey Carpenter. Benjamin Britten: A Biography (New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1992), p. 32
[2] Michael Kennedy. Britten (London: J.M. Dent & Sons Ltd, 1981), p. 21.
[3] Peter Evans. The Music of Benjamin Britten (Minnesota: University of Minnesota Press, 1979), p. 54.
[4] Humphrey Carpenter. Benjamin Britten: A Biography (New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1992), p. 38.
[5] Peter Evans. The Music of Benjamin Britten (Minnesota: University of Minnesota Press, 1979), p. 54.
[6] Michael Kennedy. Britten (London: J.M. Dent & Sons Ltd, 1981), p. 46.
[7] Michael Kennedy. Britten (London: J.M. Dent & Sons Ltd, 1981), p. 75.
[8] Michael Kennedy. Britten (London: J.M. Dent & Sons Ltd, 1981), p. 117.
[9] Peter Evans. The Music of Benjamin Britten (Minnesota: University of Minnesota Press, 1979), p. 54.
[10] Michael Kennedy. Britten (London: J.M. Dent & Sons Ltd, 1981), p. 21.