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Technology and the distribution of music

Module by: Siyavula Uploaders. E-mail the author

ARTS AND CULTURE

Grade 9

EXPRESSION AND COMMUNICATION

Module 5

How technology has influenced the distribution of music

MUSIC

Activity 1

To explain how technology has influenced the distribution of music

  • While listening to Eine Kleine Nachtmusik imagine the following: You are living in Europe in the 18th century. The wonder child Mozart’s (13) music is creating a stir. He composes and performs his own work. Would it be possible for you to listen to his music? If so, how would you do it?

  • Compare it to the current situation. Name the technological inventions that make it possible to listen to any music today.

How has music been distributed since the beginning of the 20th century?

Figure 1
Figure 1 (Picture 1.png)

The influence of technology on the development of instruments

  • Since the very first musical instrument there has been an important connection between music and technology. Listen to the following extracts to experience the difference in sound:
  • Harpsichord music from the 17th century (Baroque Period) by JS BACH
  • Piano music by F CHOPIN

The piano developed from the harpsichord. Of the most important technological developments with regard to the piano is that the instrument could produce crescendo and diminuendo (gradually louder and softer) and sustain notes by using the damper pedal (the pedal to the right).

  • Poème Électronique by EDGAR VARÈSE

Since 1950 electronic instruments, especially amplified instruments like the electrical guitar and piano have become more prominent. With the development of electronic and computer technology the composer can be both composer and performer. Recordings are made in studios that have recorders, synthesizers, computers and other equipment to mix and filter sounds. This enables the composer to make use of a very wide spectrum of sound.

  • Try to recognise the following:

Bells

Sirens

Silence

Machine noises

Voices

Animal sounds

Electronic sounds

Activity 2 (group)

To debate the following quotation:

Figure 2
Figure 2 (Picture 2.png)
  • One of the most experimental classical composers of the 20th century is without a doubt John Cage. His famous (or is it notorious?) composition is 4’33” (1952).

Let’s perform this composition!

  • One learner is responsible for the tape recorder.
  • One learner must time the performance – the recording must be exactly 4’33”.
  • One learner seats himself in front of a piano (or other musical instrument) without playing! He is the performer.
  • The rest of the learners form the audience!
  • The educator is the conductor who shows exactly when to begin and when to stop.

Good: 1.....2......3......begin!

1 second, 2 seconds_________4 minutes 30 seconds, 4 minutes 31 seconds,4 minutes 32 seconds, 4 minutes 33 seconds STOP!

Now listen to the recording!

No music? Only sounds!

What is the aim of this composition?

According to the composer he tries to arrange the composition means in such a way that he doesn’t have any idea of what is going to happen! His purpose is to eliminate purpose. He wants people to learn to listen; not only to music, but to everyday sounds as well.

The unintentional sounds that the audience might produce are the music! Cage explains: “I try to arrange my composing means so that I will not have any knowledge of what might happen. My purpose is to eliminate purpose. The purpose would be achieved if people learned to listen.” This type of music is beneficial for better communication between composer and listener.

Figure 3
Figure 3 (Picture 3.png)

Activity 3 (Group and individual)

Figure 4
Figure 4 (Picture 4.png)

  • Divide into groups. Study the illustration, listen to the recording and discuss and answer the questions
Table 1
  • What is this type of dance called?
 
  • What is the writing in the background called?
 
  • In which environment is this type of dancing common?
 
  • What do we call the “singing” that goes with this “dance”.
 
  • Describe the singing.
 
  • Who is responsible for the accompaniment?
 
  • How does he/she perform the accompaniment?
 
  • What technique is used?
 
  • Name two different techniques used in classical music.
 
  • Why would you describe this type of accompaniment as “technology”?
 
Table 2
  • What message is conveyed by the lyrics?
 
  • Would you regard it as a positive message?
 
  • Is there any rhyming pattern?
 
  • Which musical element would you regard as the most important? (harmony, melody, rhythm, form, etc.)
 
  • Name the structure of this song.
 
  • Give two different structures in form, typical of the Classical period.
 
  • What do we call the South African equivalent of Hip-Hop?
 
  • Do research on Hip-Hop, Rap and Kwaito, making use of the Internet, magazines, videos, newspaper reviews etc., and then complete the questions above that you were unsure of.
Figure 5
Figure 5 (Picture 5.png)
  • Read the following selections from different Rap songs. Say them rhythmically.

Figure 6
Figure 6 (Picture 6.png)

  1. Choose a subject you are familiar with (or you can do research on it). Your approach must be positive and you may offer positive comments on social issues. The message must be positive! AIDS-Rap (be AIDS-positive, in other words a positive attitude towards AIDS), Drug-free Rap or Respect for others.
  2. Tell a story in rhyme. The first line must have a strong beat and the second must rhyme with the first – keep the same beat.

Repeat rhythm patterns. Some lines can be longer and others shorter.

The rhyme is in couplets (two-two)

Figure 7
Figure 7 (Picture 7.png)

Refrain: This line stays the same.

Sounds to be used: BR DR KR PR SL ST STR TR

  1. Time to HIP-HOP! (or KWAITO)

Use the written Rap and add what is needed for Hip-Hop!

You can work in groups: You will need someone to breakdance, someone to DJ, someone to Rap and the rest of the group can design a poster with the title in graffiti.

The group can either give a live performance of it can be recorded on video. Use your imagination and any available technology. Body percussion and sounds (ululation and others) can be used. There are no other rules!

EXAMPLES: Slimskud – Azanian

Brasse van die Kaap

Will Smith

REMEMBER: You can only Rapabout a topic you know well!

Table 3
         
  LO 4.3      
         

Assessment

Table 4
Learning Outcome(LOs)
 
LO 4
expressing and communicatingThe learner will be able to analyse and use multiple forms of communication and expression in Arts and Culture.
Assessment Standards(ASs)
 
We know this when the learner:
MUSIC
4.3 explains how technology has influenced music over time;

Memorandum

Activity 1

This activity deals with technology.

How has technology influenced music in terms of dissemination?

The following scenario is presented to the learners: It is the 18th century in Europe. The music of the Wunderkind Mozart (13) is creating a stir. He is both a composer and a performer. Would you be able to listen to his music? If so, how would this be possible?

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 20th 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 20th 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

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A lens is a custom view of the content in the repository. You can think of it as a fancy kind of list that will let you see content through the eyes of organizations and people you trust.

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