Childrens Illustrated Encyclopedia

Music

365

Military and

Marching Music

Music with a strong, steady beat helps

soldiers march in step. today, military bands

are not the only ones to play marching music.

american high schools and football teams

often have their own marching bands, which

entertain the crowds at halftime and

on special occasions.

religious Music

Music has always played an important part

in religion. in religious ceremonies, music

inspires people to think about their god

or gods. it accompanies religious songs

and sacred dances. composers also choose

religious themes for music that is not

part of worship: Messiah by the german

composer george Frideric handel

(1685-1759) sets part of the Bible to music.

rock Music

during the 1950s, a new form of popular

music was heard for the first time. rock

and roll songs had a powerful beat and

words that young people could relate to.

this form of music began in the united

states, where it grew from traditional

rhythm and blues played by african-

american musicians. over the years it has

influenced many other musical forms.

American-

born singer

Elvis Presley

(1935-77) sold

millions of rock

and roll records and

starred in 33 movies.

traditional Music

in much traditional music the composer is unknown, and

the music itself may not be written down. Performers are

often non-professional musicians who learn the tunes “by

ear”—by listening to each other play—so they do not need

a written score. Musicians sometimes make small changes

as they play, so there are often many slightly different

versions of the same traditional melody.

Cheerleaders

keep time with

marching

music and

encourage

spectators to

join in songs

and chants.

classical Music

classical music has become increasingly

popular in recent years, partly thanks to the

efforts of young musicians such as violinist

Vanessa Mae. Mae started writing her own

music at age nine, and by age 18 she had

made several records and performed in

classical concerts all over the world. she has

also mixed classical with modern by combining

the sounds of acoustic and electric violins.

Find out more

composers

Movies

366- Musical instruments

sound

theater

Buddhist monks

blow large horns

as part of their

religious

ceremonies.

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