The Arts: Classical Music

The origin of American music came from European ancestors. When the Europeans settled in america they brought their psalms from protestent churches in the 1640's. Throughout the next 100 years, the american churches revised and put their own twists to the original music to make totally new songs. These songs however were lacking rhythm and pitch. As a result of this lacking knowledge, singing schools, choral societies, and chiors were built. This was the start of a new element of expression. All songs at this time were religious and secular. Since most of society was based off of religion at this time, the songs were based on the society's focuses, which was religion. By the 19th century, right after the revolutionary war, Europeans had a major influence on the moderation of the american music. Many people were still uneducated about music, and those who were wanted to imitate the foreign teachers becuase they had more experience and musical knowledge. Under the european influence, one of the most important musical organizations was founded, in 1815. This was called the Handel and Haydn Society of Boston. This organization encouraged the performance of choral and instrumental music. This was the foundation of american music. With the first organization in place, the ability of expression and imagination among the people sky rocketed because they were now able to have an outlet that was appropriate to the time. After a while of creating different sounds, African music became more influencial and started mizing with the already created, american music. This developed a new creative twist to the american music. Another foreign influence in the 19th century was Germany. Moving into the 20th century, however, French and Russian ideas took hold. All these ethnic ideas molded together to make a new american sound. The 3rd ethnic influence was Anglo-celtic. The educated musicians wanted to make a sound that would be recognized american. By the 1930's major experimentation took place and classical music was formed.

"American Music." American History. ABC-CLIO, 2010. Web 28 Jan. 2010. http://www.americanhistory.abc-clio.com/ .