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During this time, music is principally associated with mating rituals and collective work
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Music between 5000 BC and 476 AD encompasses ancient civilizations, characterized by being primarily functional (ritual, religious, theatrical), monophonic (unison), and transmitted verbally. Notable features include five-note scales in China, hymns and theatrical music in Greece and Rome, and the evolution of bone, wind, and string instruments.
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Earliest known musical score, the Hurrian Hymn No. 6, found in Syria
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In Ancient Greece, music was influenced by all the surrounding civilizations, given its important strategic position. Cultures such as Mesopotamian, Etruscan, Egyptian, and even Indo-European were significant influences on both their music and musical instruments.
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During the earlier medieval period, liturgical music was monophonic chant; Gregorian chant became the dominant style. Polyphonic genres, in which multiple independent melodic lines are performed simultaneously, began to develop during the high medieval era, becoming prevalent by the later 13th and early 14th century.
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Guido d'Arezzo develops advancements in musical notation, laying the groundwork for modern staff notation
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Renaissance music, spanning roughly 1400–1600, is European art music characterized by smooth, polyphonic textures, balanced melodic lines, and a shift toward richer, triadic harmonies. It represents a "rebirth" from medieval styles, balancing sacred vocal compositions with growing secular forms like madrigals, often featuring imitative counterpoint and increased expressiveness.
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The birth of opera occurred in 1597 in Florence, Italy. This was the first time that opera was defined as a music genre, and it was Jacopo Peri who was the key person in the creation of this movement
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Derived from the Portuguese barroco, or “oddly shaped pearl,” the term “baroque” has been widely used since the nineteenth century to describe the period in Western European art music. During that time was also the birth of opera.
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Classicism in music refers to a European style and period, characterized by balance, elegance, clarity, and emotional restraint, often reflecting Enlightenment ideals of order. It moved away from complex Baroque polyphony toward a lighter, clearer homophonic texture—a single, prominent melody over subordinate harmony.
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Romanticism in music is a stylistic period in Western classical music, roughly 1800 to 1910, characterized by an emphasis on intense emotional expression, individualism, and imagination. Breaking from strict Classical forms, it embraced nature, the supernatural, nationalism, and complex harmonies to evoke personal feelings and dramatic narratives
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This was the first symphony that included a choir, which created a unique sound. It was first performed on May 7, 1824, in Vienna. It features the well-known "Ode to Joy," which was performed by Beethoven and enjoyed by many listeners
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Emile Berliner invented the microphone in 1877, a game-changer for the music industry. Since its creation, it has continued to be used and hasn't been replaced by any other product
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The Eurovision Song Contest debuted on May 24, 1956, in Switzerland. It has been key in many popular artists' careers, such as acts like ABBA, who gained fame from the competition. It has a strong influence, as it is watched by many people who enjoy this traditional show
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The creation of hip-hop can be traced back to August 11, 1973, when DJ Kool Herc hosted the first-ever hip-hop party in the Bronx, New York. This cultural and musical revolution gave voice to marginalised communities and would go on to influence not only music but fashion, art, and social movements
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This was a key moment in history and one that will be remembered forever by those who were born at the time. It provided another element of listening to music that allowed the fans to connect with the story of the song and also the artist. The first video was "Video Killed the Radio Star" by The Buggles, which was aired on MTV