Critique of Major Music Pieces - Essay Example

This piece creates an awkward atmosphere as it makes people feel somewhat lost, disoriented, and uncomfortable. It renders a new understanding of beauty associated with Impressionism.

The Rite of Spring by Igor Stravinsky was composed under the influence of the avant-garde art movement at the beginning of the 20th century in France which was a center of cultural experiments. At the same time, this piece focuses on Slavic culture and its specific musical elements. This piece is an interpretation of Russian folk music in an avant-garde key; complicated rhythmic structure, dissonance, disorganized melody, and unconventional approach to ornamentation make this piece exceptional. It is not background music; it requires attention and understanding to be appreciated by people. It seems to be too difficult to understand at some points, but it is very engaging and beautiful music.

The first half of the 20th century was the time when music changed significantly in the USA under the influence of African American culture. Swing became very popular with the American population due to its lively rhythm, cheerful mood, and ability to dance. Cotton Tail by Duke Ellington is a great example of swing music. It is performed by the swing orchestra; its cheerful rhythm and dancing vibes cannot make people listen patiently. Swing music gives beginning to jazz in the USA; it is simpler in its rhythmic structure but it already has syncope and harmonies typical for jazz. It is music for people who belong to the lost generation born between two wars; it is carefree, joyful, and entertaining.

Indeterminacy by John Cage shows a new understanding of music born in the second half of the 20th century. It becomes an example of how music can be performed in other ways. Indeterminacy presents a cycle of short stories accompanied by specific sounds of various objects that are not musical instruments in their primary function. This piece challenges the traditional definition of music because it is not perceived as music. However, sound effects enhance the perception of the text and make it more comprehensive. Overall, one has to focus on the story because it adds value to the sounds.

In Farewell by Tan Dun, one can easily recognize Chinese culture. Chinese music has long music and a wide range of traditional music instruments used for its performance. Oriental motifs, specific melody, and traditional musical instruments used in this performance reflect the culture that is different from music created by Western composers. At the same time, traditional Chinese instruments are used together with classical symphonic orchestra; it shows that even old Chinese music has been influenced by globalization where different cultures merge and give birth to the beginning of new styles in music. This piece is unique because it shows how Eastern and Western cultures can work together. On the other hand, it has a pleasant melody full of mystery and legends of the past.