Technology and the distribution of music  (Page 3/3)

The only way of listening to his music would be to actually be at the place where he is performing. BUT in those days there were no planes or cars - people travelled by horse or boat. The answer is therefore quite obvious: You would probably never have been able to hear him play!

Due to technological inventions like radio, television, audio recordings, video recordings, Internet, etc. it has become possible to listen to any music today. Discuss live broadcasts of certain musical events.

View parts of the film Amadeus and listen to Eine Kleine Nachtmusik , for instance.

Dissemination of music since the start of the 20 ^th Century

Initially music was disseminated only by means of printed sheet music. Although the first recordings of music had been made by 1904, composers were still uncertain whether it would be appropriate to allow their music to appear on records!

Sheet music was not sufficient for the distribution of music any longer, since most jazz composers could not read or write music notation. Eventually recordings (and records) were developed which enabled the listener to listen repeatedly to music until he or she fully understood it. We distinguish between the "Seven Single", that was used for the distribution of an individual song (and its B-Side song), and the Long Play (LP) album that included a number of songs (normally fast and slow songs alternately).

By 1980 the Compact Disc (CD) was commonplace.

The influence of technology on the development of instruments

Look at Learning outcome

Activity 2

"Technology is the art of arranging the world in such a way that we do not experience it." - Max Frisch

One of the most experimental composers of 20 ^th Century art music is definitely John Cage. His most famous work is 4'33'' (1952). It comprises the following: The performer takes a seat at the piano, in front of the audience, but does not play at all. For precisely 4 minutes and 33 seconds the performer sits passively at the piano. All audible sounds form part of the composition.

Activity 3

One of the most important developments in Rock is the rise of Rap in the 1980s. The singing consists of a type of rhythmic speech style ("saying rhymes to the beat of the music") and the accompaniment consists of pre-recorded or sampled bits of already existing music (technology!).

The singer is thus accompanied by a Disc Jockey (DJ), who manipulates records on two (or more) turntables to create a collage of rhythmic effects. Techniques used include:

The rapid alternation of records - the recordings of other artists!

Mixing different tracks

"Backspinning"

Turning the record with the fingers, repeating specific phrases

Scratching the needle on the record to create certain rhythmic effects

Rap developed from the Hip-Hop music culture

Hip-Hop includes:

DJ-ing (records)

MC-ing or rapping

B'Boying or Breakdance

Graffiti (writing)

Lyrics

• The lyrics of the American Hip-Hop culture are mostly aggressive and violent (Gangsta Rap). South African Hip-Hop normally conveys a positive message, while the uniquely South African Kwaito often addresses the consequences of bad habits like drug abuse, crime and even indolence. An example of a Kwaito singer: Arthur Mafokate, the Father of Kwaito.

• Learners must study an illustration in groups, listen to a recording of Rap and then discuss and answer questions. They must be encouraged to do research by means of the Internet, magazines, write-ups in newspapers, etc.

Examples to listen to

Brasse Vannie Kaap

Coolio

Will Smith

Eminem

POSSIBLE ANSWERS

1. What is this type of dance called?

Breakdancing

1. What do we call the writing on the background?

Graffiti

1. Where do you think one would find this picture?

Townships, where young people are

1. What type of singing is associated with this?

Rap

1. Describe the singing

Rhythmic, speech-like style

1. Who does the accompaniment?

Disc Jockey (DJ)

1. How does he / she do the accompaniment?

Recordings on turntables

1. Which techniques does he / she use?

Quick alternation of records, mixing of different tracks, backspinning, turning the record with finger, scratching the needle on the record

1. Which techniques are used in Classical music? (Name 2)

Repetition, imitation, sequences

1. Why would you consider this type of accompaniment as "technology"?

Technological means are used; no orchestra, band or accompanist

1. What message is conveyed by the lyrics?
2. Would you consider this as being positive?
3. Is there any pattern in terms of a rhyme scheme?

Normally aa bb, etc.

1. Which musical element would you consider to be most important (harmony, melody, rhythm, etc.)?

Rhythm

1. What is the form structure of this song?

Verse and chorus

1. Name two form schemes characteristic of Classical music.

ABA, AB, Rondo, Theme and Variations

1. What is the South African equivalent called?

Kwaito