Assignment #5 - Music

1. Many will try to categorize jazz as "smooth" and "easy listening", and while it is at times smooth, jazz is so much more than background music. Jazz is full of blues, rhythm, and improvisation. Jazz music originated in southern American cities, such as New Orleans, due to African and European blues and ragtime influences. Jazz is very unique to Americans because it was created by everyday Americans. It is also very unique to the African American culture because it developed out of blues and other spiritual music. After the great migration, the new form of music was expanded out of the south and introduced to cities across the United States, and jazz became increasingly popular. Jazz is still extremely popular today, and jazz festivals and other events are held quite often.

2. In Peter and the Wolf, Peter is portrayed by the string instruments, the duck is played by the oboe, the wolf is played by the french horns, the bird is played by the flute, Grandfather is played by the bassoon, and the Hunters are played by the timpani.

3. Classical is difficult to describe, because there are so many different aspects to it. Typically, classical music includes an orchestra, which makes it distinct to the listener. Classical music is very complex, but there are a few that has mastered it and can be considered true classical composers. Ludwig Van Beethoven is one of the first composers that I think of when asked about classical music, and his pieces such as the Ninth symphony, which includes "Ode to Joy", and his easily recognizable Fifth symphony, make him an icon and true legend. Mozart and Bach are also great classical composers, but I personally love Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, because he composed two of my favorite classical ballets, Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. The music from these two are very easily distinguished, and remain popular still many years later.