Musical Canons and Genre

Question 1

What did the idea of classical music tie in with?

Answer 1

German nationalism

Question 2

What has classical music created?

Answer 2

Created cultural heritage that has shaped today’s media and music

Question 3

What dominates the field of classical music?

Answer 3

Small group of Austro-German composers

Question 4

What did Kramer (2009) do?

Answer 4

Looked at the output of 4 different radio stations (2 German and 2 American or French)

Mozart was at the top, then Beethoven, then Bach (All German speaking composers)

Most music is provided by German speaking composers - even as far away as America.

Question 5

When was the emergence of classic rock albums?

Answer 5

Between 1960-1990

Question 6

What define the canon of popular music?

Answer 6

Mostly albums

The greatest albums appear in various lists

Question 7

What criteria do they use to define the greatest albums?

Answer 7

Similar criteria used to describe the classic composers and other arts (painting, sculpture, literature)

Question 8

What are the criteria used to define the greatest albums or composers?

Answer 8

Innovative (use a diverse range of influences)

Influential

They ‘stand the test of time’

Capture the era

Question 9

Where do we find canons?

Answer 9

In education. The canon defines the curriculum. English literature - needs to include Shakespeare

In award ceremonies. Prizes are awarded for the best in a particular field (Oscars, Grammys, Brits awards etc.)

Reference books, websites, compilation records (websites for the 100 greatest albums etc.)

Media lists, retrospectives (social media, newspapers, look back at the best films of the year etc.) Practices that establish canons in different fields

Statues of people, paintings, other physical tributes (e.g., Hollywood ‘Walk of Fame’ - great actors and directors from cinema), museums