Jennifer Kitchen: Change of Music throughout American History from Colonization to the Civil War
By jen2194763
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Period: Jan 1, 1400 to Dec 31, 1500
Introduction
Music is a very important aspect in society. It is a form of communication through people and emotions. Music of America has changed throughout time as the nation has grown into what it has become today. The music of each time period, especially during the years of colonization up to 1865, reflects a different piece of history and how it either influenced America or its people. -
Period: Jan 1, 1500 to
Music in Colonial Times
During the 16th and 17th centuries, American colonization began to take place."Colonial music involved both written and oral/aural processes" ("About Early American Music"). Many people knew a large body of tunes by ear, and we frequently find new sets of words "composed" to fit these older tunes. Single tunes also served a variety of functions. The music of the colonial times were adapted from European music and composers. Folk and church music were the most popular during this time period. -
Period: to
The Baroque Era of Music
Baroque music can be seen as being highly ornate, lavishly texturized, and intense. The music of this time period was characterized by rich counterpoint and a highly decorated melodic line. The music of this period has a number of defining characteristics including the use of the basso continuo and the belief in the doctrine of the affections ("The Baroque Era"). Many composers influenced the music of America and their music was widely known throughout Europe and America. -
Johann Sebastian Bach
Athough Bach was a composer in Europe, his music influenced the culture of America. (Brainard). Music was adapted from Europe into America when the colonists began to settle. Many folk music and church music was seen in the colonies. Bach's music was from the Baroque Period of music, which was more lively than the previous reinassance music. Bach was a very popular composer during this time period and a lot of Americans could identify with his music. His pieces would appeal to the emotions. -
Period: to
18th Century
The music of the 18th Century uses intruments and techinques from the past centuries. However, this time period was when the war songs began to arise and the songs of the Baroque period began to become known as well. These two influences of music and those who created the music both contribute to the fact that American identity was changing - and the music
had to change with it. Before, Americans were soley influenced by Europe for their music. -
George Washington's Song
George Washington: a born leader, general, and the first president of the United States. He was a farmer in Mt. Vernon, however he had military experience ("George Washington"). There were several songs written about him that showed the American people what type of leader he was. After he led the American people to battle against Britian and won, all aspects of Europe (including music) began to diminish in America. "The President's March" Song: http://www.earlyamerica.com/music/gw-life.html -
French and Indian War Songs
"The French and Indian War, as it was referred to in the colonies, was the beginning of open hostilities between the colonies and Gr. Britain. England and France had been building toward a conflict in America since 1689" ("The French and Indian War"). Parliament was desperate to obtain to tax the colonies to recover monies expended on the battle of America. The songs of the French and Indian War became some of the first war songs of America. -
The French and Indian War Songs Continued
This was where some of the first battle songs were found in America. Using musical knowledge from previous years, the tune of one of these war songs was very different from music of the Baroque period. However, America was changing, and so did the music. This is where the music began to influence the soldiers who were fighting in wars. Some of these songs include, "The Girl I Left Me Behind" and "Wolfe's Song":
http://www.earlyamerica.com/music/french-indian.htm -
The Revolutionary War Songs
The songs of the Revolutionary War (1775-1783) reflected the freedoms and desires of the American people. Many of the songs were about the soldiers and their experiences with fighting the battles, or they were simply songs to create hope within the soldiers fighting. The song, "Free America" uses a hearty, upbeat tune in order to show freedom.
"Free America" Song: http://www.earlyamerica.com/music/revolutionary.htm -
Songs of Slavery
Spirituals were religious songs created by African slaves in 19th century America. Indigenous to Africans in the United States, spiritual songs were a blend of religious music from Africa with religious music from Europe. Spiritual music developed in the U.S ("Owen's Sound Black History"). These spiritual songs were created for the slaves to hope for a brighter future - one where they were able to live freely and securly with their families. -
Period: to
19th Century
The music of the 19th century was reflected soley on the basis of America being a free nation. Although there were some wars during this time period that challenged the idea of liberty and justice for all, the songs of freedom were steadfast. The songs of the 19th century in America reflected the ideas of her people and a hope for a bright future. European music was not as big of an influence, due to separating from America in the Revolutionary War. -
War of 1812 Songs
Continuing on with the songs of war, the War of 1812 songs reflect a more solemn tone. It seemed as if the American people were worried that their freedom they just won would be lost through another war ("The Music of Early America"). The song, "The Lakes of Ponchartrain" uses these ideas into their music.
"The Lakes of Ponchartrain" Song: http://http://www.earlyamerica.com/music/war-1812.htm.' -
The Star Spangled Banner Song
The Star-Spangled Banner is a symbol of our country's freedom and liberty. Written by Francis Scott Key, the Star-Spangled Banner is a tribute to America and it reflects how much was sacrificed during the fight for freedom. Although this song was created during a war, it is mostly considered an anthem or a declaration than an actual war song. With it's beautiful tones and movements, it is a true statement of America's liberty.
http://www.earlyamerica.com/music/star-spangled-banner.htm -
Francis Scott Key
Francis Scott Key, a poet-lawyer, witnessed the valiant defense of Fort McHenry by American forces during The Battle of Baltimore. On September 13, 1814 when he saw the American flag flying over Fort McHenry "by the dawn's early light" ("The Music of Early America"). Francis Scott Key changed the words of the original tune from England, replacing them with his own. He named it The Star-Spangled Banner. -
Spiritual Songs of the Slaves Continued
Here are some of the songs that the slaves sang. These songs implied freedom and the want for justice during the 19th century.
* The Ballad of the Underground Railroad
• Follow the Drinking Gourd
• Steal Away
• Swing Low Sweet Chariot
•Wade in the Water http://www.osblackhistory.com/songs.php. -
Civil War Songs
Songs with a good tune and rousing lyrics both mirrored and inspired the events of the American Civil War (1861-1865). They told tales of battle, slavery, emancipation, victory, and defeat, and a century and a half later, they enshrine the shattered brotherhood of a nation and the lessons taught by war ("A Treasury of Civil War Songs Sung by Tom Glazer"). Civil War songs were unique because America was at war with itself and brothers were fighting against brothers. The songs reflect that idea. -
Civil War Songs Continued
The songs of the Civil War were a little different since the nation was at war with itself. Most of the songs included victories of the Union and of the Confederate. Other songs include Lincoln and his presidency. A couple songs include lyrics that indicate a brother against brother fighting. A few of the songs are listed below at this website:
http://www.folkways.si.edu/tom-glazer/a-treasury-of-civil-war-songs-sung/american-folk-american-history-historical/music/album/smithsonian -
Period: to
Conclusion
Throughout history, we have seen the effects that music has on a nation and her people. Although there were different types of music, the overall message of music conveyed the events in history most important to a growing nation. Though the instruments have been about the same through the
timeline, the music produced reflected a nation and the ideas and beliefs of her people. The music has changed with America because that's what was needed to influence the ever growing nation.
