Our World Our Music Chapter 1 Summary

Robert Elliot’s Our World Our Music gives an elaborate answer to the question what is music? Elliot focuses on the history of music and the social changes that were the catalyst for all these unique sounds we hear today. He defines music as “the universal language (1)” continuously implying how impactful and connecting music has been throughout time. The first instrument was discovered in 41,000 B.C and it resembled the flute (1). Although the instruments that make the musical sounds are important, one must fully understand form and structure because they are the two key elements of music. The notation system is one component that is used to write music and indicate the pitches that must be used in a composition. Pitches are also very important because it allows vocalist to know how low and high they need to sing. Understanding the organization of music helps explain why it is so impactful. Elliot begins with the history of music and when music was first recognized. The origins of music began in the church with hymns for service. As time progressed the concept “secular music” came into place and began to become extremely popular. This was due to the fact that secular musicians were given more creativity and higher pay (66). Elliots clearly demonstrates …show more content…
Chapter five explains the advancement made in the distribution of music across the world. Phonographs were used in the 1960’s. It recorded “data as bumps and dips...a slight scratch is interpreted as a data bump or dip and results in a pop.(200)” In the 1930’s the first analog tape was introduced and as time progressed so did musical communication. Today we use items such as cellular devices, MP3 Players, and even compact disc. Since music has so many distribution outlets music is easily spread and shared around the world. People in America can listen to the music played in Cuba or