Gable Music

We all love our music. It moves us, speaks to us, and even speaks through us, projecting our own feelings about life and the world into the ether. But have you ever wondered about where it began and how it has progressed through the years? The answer to that question could just surprise you.

Before anyone could even write or talk, there was a way to communicate. Simple tones and rhythms were employed. The melodic chirping of a bird could very well have given our ancient ancestors the idea to mimic the sound and then make it better. It is difficult to judge the musical abilities of prehistoric man. Language didn’t exist yet. There was no way to relate sounds in order to pass them on to the next generation. But drumming on different surfaces can be described as the first incarnation of music. Eventually, as basic speech was developed, words were added to this.

The next evolution of music came with the development of the written word. This advancement pushed everything forward, of course, as it was then possible to document knowledge and more easily convey it.

Hand made instruments were soon added to the mix. Flutes, pipes, and string instruments were created. Melodies developed. And with this came the creation of the first sounds that you and I would readily know as music. So it was then, more than four thousand years ago, that this ancient music was born.

Different areas of the world would be quick to develop their own, unique sounds. Technology and methods of craftsmanship was different, therefore the musical instruments were as well. But for the purpose of this discussion, our main interests are classical music, folk music, and the metamorphosis and intermingling of the two.

When we refer to classical music, we generally think of such famous composers as Beethoven or Mozart, but the term can really be used to describe any music of this period and region. It was common for it to be formally taught as a valued skill instead of being developed by experimenting and trial and error. The music of this period was generally inspired or supported by religion. The compositions that were the result of this were normally rigidly performed according to the written work.

The uneducated class went in their own direction. They generally couldn’t read or write so they learned their music orally. Techniques were learned, then made different, time and time again as new performers would exercise their own artistic license and change whatever bits and pieces they needed to, to suit their own expression. This form was called folk music. It gave voice to the exploits of the lower class. As such, it was not supported by political and religious leaders. However, it was tolerated, and is still a form of music that is practiced to this day.

Over time, these two forms of music would merge to a certain extent. Classical music would become less rigid and gradually acclimate to the idea of the personal artistry that was a trademark of folk music. Performers would add a bit of their own flair to a piece, even when using learned pieces. The music would sound different from performance to performance.

This innovation would continue until the invention of radio and recorded music would slow it down. If something is recorded, it becomes captured in time and never changes. This meant that audiences had an expectation for a live performance to mimic this sound. To appeal to the widest audience possible, an artist had to take into consideration less of his or her own personal expression, and just give them what they paid to hear.

This trend has continued to this day. Music has become simplified as it has to be readily identifiable and easily categorized. Complex forms of artistry may lead to lost sales. This is what we have become accustomed to these days. However, many current forms do tend to completely neglect the melody or the lyrics. Old music can now be recycled via sampling, which gives the performer a ready-made audience, but also limits the artistry possible.

Hopefully, these trends in popular music won’t be the end of the road. I can only look forward to the day when musical creations again hold the artistry to be the highest goal, becoming more unique and beautiful in the process.