Contemporary Music

Paper Summary:

The paper argues against the cliche that contemporary music is without lasting significance. It shows that contemporary music is made up of a multitude of facets, including jazz, country-western and rock and roll. The paper discusses what constitutes good contemporary music, from its style to the source from which it springs. The paper also explores how one judges the cultural strength of a particular style of contemporary music. Finally, the paper looks at the inventive side of contemporary music, such as the use of instruments and lyrics.

From the Paper:

"A good example of contemporary music that served our culture well were the anthems and songs sung on 9/11/2001. A few songs were chosen again and again at ceremonies, gatherings, commemorations and fundraisers, and these songs had an even greater impact than the American flags that were waved in so many towns, in so many homes across the country. Although we have a national anthem, and a beautiful one, simpler songs often won the day. "God Bless America" could not be more homespun in its words and simple melody. Like a poem of the people, it inspires and reverberates through the cultural fabric. Another song that was almost always performed was "America the Beautiful." The melody is simple and memorable, the words evoke the majesty and myth that is America her spacious skies, her amber waves of grain and the song inspires emotions that very few Americans can resist."

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