Portal:Music
|
Music is an art form, and cultural activity, whose medium is sound. General definitions of music include common elements such as pitch (which governs melody and harmony), rhythm (and its associated concepts tempo, meter, and articulation), dynamics (loudness and softness), and the sonic qualities of timbre and texture (which are sometimes termed the "color" of a musical sound). Different styles or types of music may emphasize, de-emphasize or omit some of these elements. Music is performed with a vast range of instruments and vocal techniques ranging from singing to rapping; there are solely instrumental pieces, solely vocal pieces (such as songs without instrumental accompaniment) and pieces that combine singing and instruments. The word derives from Greek μουσική (mousike; "art of the Muses"). See glossary of musical terminology. Read more... |
Explore...
Featured article
Joy Division were an English rock band formed in 1976 in Salford, Greater Manchester. Originally named Warsaw, the band primarily consisted of Ian Curtis (vocals and occasional guitar), Bernard Sumner (guitar and keyboards), Peter Hook (bass guitar and backing vocals) and Stephen Morris (drums and percussion).
Joy Division rapidly evolved from their initial punk rock influences to develop a sound and style that pioneered the post-punk movement of the late 1970s. Their self-released 1978 debut EP, An Ideal for Living, drew the attention of the Manchester television personality Tony Wilson. Joy Division's debut album, Unknown Pleasures, was released in 1979 on Wilson's independent record label, Factory Records, and drew critical acclaim from the British press. Despite the band's growing success, vocalist Ian Curtis was beset with depression and personal difficulties, and found it increasingly difficult to perform at live concerts.
On the eve of the band's first American tour in May 1980, Curtis committed suicide. Joy Division's posthumously released second album, Closer (1980), and the single "Love Will Tear Us Apart" became the band's highest charting releases.
Did you know...
- ... that the Russian seven-string guitar's open-G tuning D-G-B-D-G-B-D (illustrated) approximates the major-thirds tuning D#-G-B-D#-G-B-D#?
- ... that two of Lecrae's albums have been called the most important albums in Christian hip hop?
- ... that environmentalist critics have argued that Woody Guthrie's song "Pittsburgh Town" (1941), recorded by Pete Seeger, was a commentary on the city's pollution problem at the time?
- ... that Nicole Scherzinger's song "Boomerang" is about "not letting the haters keep you down"?
Subcategories
Today's Birthdays
- Birthdays in Music: April 4
- Danny Thompson, Brit double bassist, turns 81.
- Michel Camilo, Dominican jazz pianist, turns 66.
- Jill Scott, American neo soul singer, turns 48.
- Brian McFadden, Irish singer and songwriter, turns 40.
Connections
WikiProjects connected with music: Main project – Songs – Albums – Alternative music - Classical music – Composers – Contemporary Christian music – Contemporary music – Electronic music – Emo music – Hip hop – Instruments – Led Zeppelin - Metal music – Jazz – Musicians – Opera – Panic at the Disco – Powderfinger (band) – Punk music – Record Labels – Record Production – Rock music – R&B and Soul Music – Terminology – The Beatles
Create a requested article: See the list of Requested articles.
Improve an article: See the Music Noticeboard for a list of tasks.
Start a music course: School of Music at Wikiversity
Associated Wikimedia:
Subportals
