Music

Some of the most memorable moments of our lifetime can be dictated by music. In the summer the Glastonbury festival hits the headlines as the biggest acts perform onstage and events that mark this event often make up the news. Whether it is the famous fire that engulfed the pyramid stage or Radiohead’s world famous performance there in 1997, people are aware of the festival. Then there are other landmarks, with the likes of David Hasselhoff singing during the downing of the Berlin Wall or The Beatles famous roof top performance. And of course there are huge cultural and charitable events such as Live Aid and Live 8, which are engraved in people’s memories and remembered as historical events.

As a result, we can see how music shapes the world. It is not just another art form or medium, it is something that is intertwined with our culture and finds its way fit in influencing other famous works of art. Whether it is the relaxing music playing in an art gallery or sombre note that carries over into film, music can make the transitions across boundaries and enhance the qualities of other works.

It means that musicians can work in completely different environments. Those who record scores for movies or games will have completely different experiences and working conditions to those who work in a rock band. The former might not perform their work live and instead it is all down to the recording whist the latter might live for the stage show and constantly be striving to make it as great as possible. Some might just write music for others to perform, either in a pop group or for a stage musical.

Musicals themselves are hugely popular right now, with the 2008 movie Mamma Mia! managing to earn more money in the United Kingdom than the monumental The Dark Knight and film series like High School Musical continue to put a smile on young people’s faces. Other films like Grease or Chicago have managed to survive the years since their release to become popular favourites and it shows how music maintains great power in the film industry.

The popularity of music may never end. It is constantly changing and keeping up with the time whilst bringing something to the table that nothing else can.