We discussed the format of this course and reiterated the importance of attendance. Much of the class will be discussion and listening with information presented on this blog. In addition, the classes will be placed on this blog for supplemental study. We are working to develop a comprehensive understanding of the history of music including all styles of music and its theoretical components. Recognizing this is an ambitious project, we will capsulize much of the information with the hope that students will supplement through web resources available. Rather than approaching this course chronologically, we have decided to play ping-pong with music history by starting at the beginning then bouncing to the present. As we move forward and backward, the plan is to end with the Romantic period! Kind of different, but we established that most weakness seem to be in the areas of early music and current developments.
We discussed the artificiality of the time periods in music. It is absolutely necessary to know them and to place composers, terms, concepts within the time periods, but also necessary to know that rarely is anything kind of systematizing that clean. Know your time periods and be able to articulate something about them but also know that constraints that humans place on the arbitrary musical periods.
We had an odd discussion about harmonic language. How it originated with monody, became polyphony and relied on root movement by 4ths and 5ths. In the Classical period we have root movement by major 3rds, followed by minor 3rds in the Romantic period. Impressionism brings major 2nds and Dodecaphony relies on minor 2nds. It was a fun ride but rather fast and confusing as well.
We ended with a strange discussion about pop music versus cultivated music and had a funny moment talking about "This Little Light of Mine." It was all educational in an unusual sort of way.
So what do you think? What Praise and Worship songs sung today will withstand the test of time and be heard in 100 years? Why?
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If I had to pick one praise and worship song that I thought would "stand the test of time" I would say 'Revelation Song'. I don't really have a "musical" reason for backing this up. I just think the song has a powerful message that will forever be relevant.
ReplyDeleteFor starters I think that I am not as familiar with praise and worship songs as I would like to be. I may know the songs, but not those that wrote them or have sung them. As far as praise and worship songs, I would have to say that I would think it impossible if none of Chris Tomlin's songs lasted into this realm. I would think that 'Your Grace is Enough' or something like it should last for a while.
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