Music for Tea Time or Whisky Bar

Luis Gimenez
April 14, 2007
Level 6- Essay – Differences #2
Jazz Music/ Classic Music

Music for Tea Time or Whisky Bar

What style of western music you do think is going to be more important in the 21st century, Jazz or Classical music? Historically, Europe had has a big influence on western music over the centuries, but in the new world “America”, the new sounds developed became really important for music. In the beginning of the 20th century in the U.S., African-American people started to develop their own musical expression, and from Blues music they found the origin to create several styles that were going to influence the world as European classical music did in the past. Today, we have two very important and recognized gerres of music, Jazz and Classical. The music’s world is grateful to enjoy of the characteristics around the origin, the instrumentation and the concerts of Jazz and Classical Music.

The history about these two gerres of music is the history of western society, and how it was developed could be a comparison of two continents. The origin of Jazz started with African-American people who began to develop a new kind of sound with roots in Blues music. Jazz music was the sound of Black people who have left the cotton fields, and now were looking for a better life living in big cities like New Orleans, where it was born. On the other hand, classical music has centuries of history, and it was developed with the progress of the European monarchies. Accordingly, classical music has so many periods of evolution compared to Jazz. Nevertheless, the sound of New Orleans has expanded all around the U.S. getting new sounds, and crossing the globe helped for the communication’s Medias development. For example, people like the trumpeter and composer, Louis Armstrong had the opportunity to show his talent in many countries around the world or sell records in others cities. On the contrary, the most genius composer of classical music “Mozart” never traveled outside Europe, and he always played in the monarchy circles where it was the only place where a recognized musician would play.

When you are listening in a record play Jazz or Classical music, sometimes you think about how its sounds come together, and what particular kind of instruments they are playing. There are some differences between the instrumentation of both styles, but it is what makes special each one. Jazz music is considered popular music, and it is in the instrumentation that we can find a contrast with classical music. In Jazz, the musicians usually play electrical instruments, and there are not too many players on stage unless it would be a “Big Band”. For example, in Jazz there are instruments that we are not going to find in Classical music as drum, keyboard or electric guitar. The progress in classical instrumentation started with a few instruments like clavichord or flute, and small concerts for a selected audience. However, the evolution of Classical music had so many types of formations and now we have orchestras, quartets of strings, symphonies or solo concerts. In fact, the roots of classical music have a big implication with old monarchies lifestyles.

People who are thinking about going to a Jazz concert know what kind of place they can find. It is the same situation with classical concerts. When you want to see a Jazz concert or classical music, there are different places to go, and the options are very interesting to find the best place for each style. Jazz concerts regularly are in small Jazz clubs like you can find in a city like New York. Also, the environment of the concert is like an everyday bar with people listening music in a spontaneous atmosphere. On the contrary, the environment of a classical concert is normally formal, and many institutions use this music in official events. As a reflection of the style, there are places for classical music that are historically prepared to keep a high quality of the sound, and provide comfort to the people who are attending, like auditoriums or theaters. For example, the best place to play a concert, whichever gerre is always going to be in a place set up for classical music like the Chicago Auditorium. In addition, people have their own opinion of what a concert sound should be the best for a good performance.

The relationship between theses two gerres of music have been reflected in society, and today’s society can give us the opportunity to explore both sides of music evolution. In the history of our society, the musical expressions of immigrant and life styles are the perfect example to find our own roots. Consequently, the importance of Jazz and Classical music is the main point of this comparison because it shows us where we come from. Finally, the magnificence of Jazz and Classical music began with the sophistication and simplicity of two gerres of music, and two different expressions. A lot of people likes both, Jazz and Classical music because quality and beauty are present in these gerres. Consequently, you can have your middle week whisky with “Duke” Ellington in some bar or enjoy an English tea with a piano concert of J.S.Bach, or of course having all together in a Chick Corea album.