Download Early American music influences

In order to fully appreciate the origins (beginnings) and
purposes of music from any era (time period), it is necessary
to understand what was happening during that time period.
We need to look at the time, place and characteristics of an
era.
Time is about history.
Place is about geography.
Characteristics encompass what was the main ideas
of the time and how they are reflected in music.
Time:
Place:
17th, 18th, and 19th centuries
(1600’s , 1700’s & 1800’s)
Early (Colonial) America
People traveled, on boats, from Europe (especially England) to
begin a new life in a new world that would later become the United
States of America. With them were brought their traditions, beliefs
and customs.
These European settlers created
communities in different areas on
the East coast, which became
known as colonies. Of course, the
people who lived in these colonies
were called colonists.
This is why this period in history is
called Colonial America.
When settlers arrived in this
New World, some lived in
what is known as Jamestown,
Virginia (1607).
They met Native Americans
who were already living there.
These colonists learned new
ways of living or customs from
these Native Americans. They
learned how to plant crops like
corn and beans.
The most noted
contribution of Native
American culture in
European music is the
ostinato
Ostinato: A musical
pattern which repeats
over and over
Can you think of any
English words that
look and sound like
ostinato?
The settlers brought with them their
music influences.
Musical elements of rhythm, melody, harmony,
form, timbre, tempo, and dynamics which were
used by European composers, were incorporated
in the colonists’ music.
Composers that were popular in
Europe during Early American times
were Bach and Handel (1600s),
Mozart (1700s) and Beethoven (1700s
-1800s).
Adults brought their treasures and most cherished possessions with
them on the trip to the New World.
Some of their possessions included music instruments.
Instruments brought over from Europe that became prominent in the New World:
Violin
Dulcimer
Guitar
Harmonica
Recorder
M
a
n
d
o
l
i
n
Harpsichord (if you
could get it shipped
over)
Piano wasn’t invented
until 1771.
•The clarinet is a specific example of
a musical instrument which developed
in Europe, but was used in American
music.
•Johann Christoph Denner invented
the clarinet in Germany around the
turn of the 18th century by adding a
register key to the earlier chalumeau.
•What instrument family does the
clarinet belong in?
•How does a reed instrument like the
clarinet make sound?
•Link
Even though settlers brought
over the styles and elements of
music to the New World,
European music (Classical) was
rarely performed in the colonies.
Big cities and towns and rich
people (politicians, etc.) had
classical music performed at
special events.
Folk songs and Game songs
were one of the most popular styles of
music in Colonial America.
Folk songs, in general, are usually songs about
everyday life AND are passed down from
generation to generation.
Folk Songs examples: Old Dan Tucker; Oh, Susannah
Game Songs examples: Ring Around The Rosie, Mulberry Bush,
London Bridge
To make a long story short:
Africans were brought
over as slaves to the
Americas. They
“carried” with them their
culture, beliefs, and
music. They brought
over their rhythms and
re-made instruments that
they used in Africa.
The slaves sang work songs
while working in the fields
of the slave owners. Over
time, these work songs
integrated with Early
American songs and church
music and developed into a
style of music called
Spirituals. These spirituals
were sacred and was a way
for them to ease the burden
of their hard life (they sang
about hope for a better life).
Follow the Drinking Gourd
Africa’s Contribution to Music:
•Banjo
•Drums
• Call & Response
• Improvisation:
• Polyrhythms:
Making music up as you go along.
Two or more contrasting rhythm patterns being
played at the same time.
POLYRHYTHM EXERCISE
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
A1
4
7
10
B
23
5 6
89
C
1 3
5 6
8
11 12
10 11
Early American music influences came from European
(instrumentation) Native American (ostinato) and African
(polyrhythm) music
Instruments of Early America: violin (fiddle), dulcimer, banjo,
guitar, harpsichord, jaw harp, harmonica, and recorder
Styles of Music:
Folk Songs - usually about everyday life; passed down from
generation to generation
Game Songs – for recreation.
Africa’s Contribution to Early American Music:
•Banjo
•Drums
•POLYRHYTHMS: Two or more contrasting
rhythm patterns played at the same time.
• Call & Response
• Improvisation:
Making music up as you go along.
•Work Song: Slave songs while working in the fields
•Spiritual: Type of religious music which developed from
the work song