Since the beginning of time, music has influenced society both culturally and historically. It strives to send a message to all its listeners about the issues and changes of that time, increasing dramatically since its beginnings. From the ancient Greeks to the popular songs of the 21st century, music has changed the way people see the world, advocate its listeners on a particular cause, and shape a nation’s culture.
Ancient Music and Its Influence
Although primitive and dating back to numbers in BC, the simplistic rhythm of music since prehistoric times plays a large impact on shaping the structure of future compositions. Music during this time, however, did not play as much importance upon society as other times.
Prehistoric Music
The influence …show more content…
They were the first to believe if music would influence the society in a good way or in a bad way, as expressed by Plato with his famous quote—cited in Duke (2014)—“Musical innovation is full of danger to the State, for when modes of music change, the laws of the State always change with them.” The philosopher also states that music was an integral part of society, and therefore students must learn them in his book Republic. (Cartwright, 2013) Not only did music play a role in religion in both ancient Greece and Rome, as evidenced by the many devotions to their respective divinities, but also in education and entertainment. As previously mentioned, Ancient Greek men were expected to learn music as a part of their education. In contrast, the Romans did not appreciate music that much, and did not consider them as a requirement for education. However, because of their profound influences from Greek music, this philosophy changed, and music became more reputable. (Music in the Greek and Roman World) As a result, Ancient Romans now saw music as a sign of education. (Walter, 1969) They frequently held music competitions that attracted thousands of people from all over the nation, including the tyrant Nero. (Suetonius as cited in Scott,
Ancient Music and Its Influence
Although primitive and dating back to numbers in BC, the simplistic rhythm of music since prehistoric times plays a large impact on shaping the structure of future compositions. Music during this time, however, did not play as much importance upon society as other times.
Prehistoric Music
The influence …show more content…
They were the first to believe if music would influence the society in a good way or in a bad way, as expressed by Plato with his famous quote—cited in Duke (2014)—“Musical innovation is full of danger to the State, for when modes of music change, the laws of the State always change with them.” The philosopher also states that music was an integral part of society, and therefore students must learn them in his book Republic. (Cartwright, 2013) Not only did music play a role in religion in both ancient Greece and Rome, as evidenced by the many devotions to their respective divinities, but also in education and entertainment. As previously mentioned, Ancient Greek men were expected to learn music as a part of their education. In contrast, the Romans did not appreciate music that much, and did not consider them as a requirement for education. However, because of their profound influences from Greek music, this philosophy changed, and music became more reputable. (Music in the Greek and Roman World) As a result, Ancient Romans now saw music as a sign of education. (Walter, 1969) They frequently held music competitions that attracted thousands of people from all over the nation, including the tyrant Nero. (Suetonius as cited in Scott,