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Culture and music have always been closely related. Music represented people’s identities and relationships to one another long before recording equipment was invented. Music still has an impact on our lives today and can be used to convey traditions, values, and tensions within and between communities.
We’ll delve into the background of music beyond self-expression below. You’ll discover more about how it may inspire social change, preserve cultural history, and foster international relationships between individuals from various origins.
The background of music and culture in history
Music inspires, teaches, and unites neighbors everywhere in the world. Music served as the foundation for both secular and sacred activities in ancient Greece and medieval Europe. Tribes in traditional cultures passed down customs and stories to future generations through music.
There are also many instances of music acting as a symbol or a catalyst in difficult times. For instance, Nelson Mandela formally proclaimed the hymn “Lord Bless Africa” a joint anthem prior to South Africa combining its national anthems. The song, which began as a hymn, grew to symbolize resistance to the oppressive Apartheid government.
Similarly, during the Civil Rights Movement, songs like “This Little Light of Mine” and “We Shall Overcome” were well-liked. The song’s lyrics made it apparent that people should oppose racist laws and policies.
Around the world, we witness the blending of music and culture from several historical periods, with each one contributing a distinct viewpoint to the repertory.
What aspects of cultural identity are reflected in music?
The wide variety of instruments, sounds, and lyrics, as well as the dozens of musical genres, are all examples of the myriad ways in which cultural identity can be expressed. Let’s examine how music contributes to cultural identity and how its components come together to provide a much more comprehensive message.
Lyrics that represent
Anything from direct appeals to action to abstract poetry might be included in the lyrics. However they are presented, various musical styles express a culture’s ideals, history, and social issues.
Since most civilizations use lyrics to communicate their general spirituality or confidence in the divine, religious rites may be the most common place to witness representation.
Lyrics can also be used by communities for more pragmatic issues in day-to-day living. In Appalachia, for instance, ballads were often used to tell largely illiterate tribes about recent events.
Conventional instruments and noises
The materials, technology, and artistry of the civilization that produced musical instruments have always been reflected in them. The Neanderthal flute is the oldest known instrument, dating back 50,000 years. This bone instrument adheres to the fundamental ideas of our contemporary scales despite its age.
Beyond simply producing music, instruments have also been used for other reasons. Historians have observed that Ancient Mesopotamians employed tools to indicate class and labor distinctions based on artwork from as early as 2,800 BC.
Stereotypes and class divisions associated to music are still evident today, especially when it comes to traditional sounds. For instance, some might think that classical music is stuffy or just for the wealthy, but this couldn’t be further from the reality!
Instruments frequently produce a musical experience that reflects the feelings, events, or social atmosphere of the ensemble. Certain noises are quite clear, such as the drumming that signals the beginning of combat or the rhythmic chanting that promotes solemnity during a religious ceremony.
Nonetheless, instruments are adaptable enough to transcend cultural boundaries. Drums, for instance, are as ubiquitous at celebrations as they were in times of conflict. At Carnival in Brazil, tambourines and drums enliven the masses. Lion dances are performed in China to ring in the new year and ward off evil spirits. They combine dance and martial arts with percussion.
Types of music and regional styles
A genre’s distinctive sounds, lyrics, and style are what characterize it, as you will discover when you study it. Popular music, for instance, combines stable rhythms that are predictable enough to dance to with exciting beats and enticing lyrics.
These traits frequently result from the location of the music’s inception. Africans who were slaves in the South, for instance, kept up their musical traditions. Their musical history paralleled New Orleans’ growing interest in brass bands.
Early jazz was influenced by African-American performers such as Buddy Bolden, who used his cornet to break the conventions of the genre at the turn of the century. Jazz gained popularity almost immediately due to its infectious and energetic nature, and it soon became a popular genre in almost every region of the nation.
The proliferation of musical genres is a result of globalization, which also encourages people to experiment with different sounds and incorporate their own tastes into the mix.