The Music History

Music, as a source of entertainment existed in all societies. Here is a brief summary of various music of the world:

Music occupies an importance place in the history of Chinese civilisation. In Chinese mythology, Ling Lun is regarded as the founder of music. According to the Chinese, there were four societal functions.

Morals, Las, Politics and Music were those. This shows how vital was music for the Chinese. But music performed solely for entertainment was condemned by the Chinese. So music entertainers did not occupy a very high status.

Medieval period music history refers to the music of Europe which was written after the fall of Roman Empire and before the fifteenth century. The medieval period music of the Middle Ages is the longest period in the history of music.

During the middle ages, the church played an important role in the lives of people. Hence medieval period music is rich in a huge collection of chants which includes the Gregorian chant.

A notable feature of medieval period music is the system of musical notation. Records indicate that the system of musical notation developed only at a slower rate. According to evidences musical notation was introduced in the 9th century and rhythmic notation came into being during the 12th century.

For the Mexicans, music is a way of life. Mexican music has been influenced by Latin American music as well. Mexican music is very diverse and has a variety of music styles. Many Mexican songs are universally popular.

The Aztec culture that existed thousands of years ago in Mexico possessed a unique music culture. Mexico was a Spanish colony for around two hundred years and this had its impacts on Music.

Music has always been an important part of Indian life. The range of musical phenomenon in India extends from simple melodies to what is one of the most well- developed "systems" of classical music in the world. There are references to various string and wind instruments, as well as several kinds of drums and cymbals, in the Vedas.

It was the time when the fate of Jamaica was to be decided by the English. Slave trade was at its peak in the 19th century and as a result several Africans came to Jamaica as slaves. The coming of Africans introduced to the Jamaica new beliefs, religions, languages, cultures and a whole new variety of music.

These African traditions raised a fear in the minds of English as they might instigate a rebellion among the slaves. Hence in the year 1696 a legislation was passed through which public gatherings, prayers, singing, drumming and other forms of celebration were forbidden.