William Grant Still

William Grant Still

Introduction

Everyone in his or her life would at least for once surely have heard the statement that music is the food of the soul. Music in this world is used for varying purposes. The astute human mind is capable of moulding a certain thing, in accordance to his emotional, psychological and even physiological needs. For instance, many individuals listen to music for the purpose of passing the time, many listen to it for the purpose of entertainment, and many find it to be the voice of their imbedded emotional feelings. However, where it may be food for soul for numerous individuals, and serve different respective functions, for many it is the mean for attaining a livelihood and profession out of it. Over time the music industry has paved ways for different distinct talent, who has successfully mesmerized their listener, via their skills and abilities. They may act as entertainment for their listeners, but for them music becomes their passion and profession. The music industry has rendered to the world numerous talented marvels, and amongst them was the 20th century's William Grant Still. This paper revolves around shedding light over the music journey of William Grant Still, and his compositions.

Music of 20th Century

Music has always been there in the lives of the inhabitants of this world. However, every era brought new dimensions to the domain of music, and the choices of the listeners and followers. In the similar context, the 20th century is believed to be the biggest turning point in the music domain and industry. It was the advent of technology and advancement that rendered new paths and courses for this industry, brought significant changes with respect to the recording and the distribution of music, as well as regarding the dramatic essence, styles and innovations included in it.

These advancements and technological aspect added to the music industry, enabled the musicians to acquire instant global recognition and fame, mainly because courtesy those aspects (of technology and advancements), music was no longer limited and confined to the boundaries of external, clubs concerts, opera theatres and other relevant places. Interestingly, 20th century paved a new and distinct course for the music genres and the musicians themselves. It equipped the musicians with greater freedom, and the provision of constant experimentations regarding the forms and styles of the music that openly rendered challenges for the preset norms and standards of the music of earlier times.

Numerous other technological advancements, such as the amplifications changed the course for the execution of concerts as well, by rendering the joys of attending concert to even those who can afford rather cheap tickets only (Boon, 2010). Numerous new genres found their way in the 20th century, and other consolidated their position with the astute assistance of the new emerging technology. Amongst the most followed genres of the 20th century are classical, Salsa, Electronic music, different forms of rock, folk, New Age music, pop music, hip hop, and many other.

William Grant Still

As discussed earlier, ...