Music in our life
Can you think of a day without music? We can hear
music everywhere: in the streets and at home, over the radio and on TV,
in the shops and in the parks. People all over the world are fond of
music. They listen to music, they dance to music, they learn to play
musical instruments.
But what is music? Specialists explain that music
isn't only a combination of pleasant sounds. It is an art which reflects
life. There are a lot of different kinds of music. Some of them
appeared long ago, and some are modern. For example, folk music appeared
long ago, but it is still alive. There are many local performers,
choirs and folk groups in Russia; but perhaps the most famous singer is
Nadezhda Babkina. Folk songs are very tuneful and pleasant to listen to.
Classical music is often associated with the music of the past.
However, this style also includes music being written now, and we may
speak of modern classical music. Rap is a modern musical style where the
singer speaks or shouts the words in time to music with a steady beat.
Such groups as Public Enemy or House of Pain are leaders in this style.
Great Britain has produced more popular music stars
than any other country. Over the last 30 years rock and pop music have
been very popular in Britain. The Beatles, with their style of singing,
eloquent and exciting, is still one of the most popular groups. British
groups often set new trends in music. New styles, groups and singers
continue to appear. Some of the more recent pop groups are Dire Straits,
Eurhythmics and Spice Girls. Many of the new bands have been able to
use the changes in technology to develop their music. Computerized drum
machines, synthesizers and other electronic instruments are now just as
popular as the piano and electric guitars.
Tastes differ. So people's musical interests range
from pop and rock music, which are extremely popular nowadays,
especially among young people, to classical music and opera.
My favourite style of music is pop music, because it
is breathtaking and full of energy. When I listen to pop music it makes
me remember happy times and forget the problems of everyday life. It
helps me to relax when I'm tired, and entertains me when I'd like to
have fun. My favourite group is Abba. It was formed in 1973 in Sweden.
Abba's cheerful tunes made them international pop stars and one of the
most successful groups of the seventies. Their most famous songs
("Waterloo", "Money, Money, Money", "Knowing Me, Knowing You", etc.)
often topped European charts. Though the group doesn't exist any more,
it is still popular with people of all ages. I can't but admire their
style of singing. I find it fascinating and overwhelming. When I have
free time I listen to their records. I also like having background music
while I am working.
I don't mind listening to dance music, especially
when I go to disco clubs. This style of music is catchy and I like
catchy tunes. It makes me more energetic.
It's a pity that many young people like to listen
only to modern music. As for me, I also enjoy listening to classical
music. I find it tuneful and appealing. Classical music is always a
complex of emotions. It gives me delight, pleasure and a sense of
happiness. Some pieces of classical music are really wonderful. Not long
ago I listened to the First Piano Concerto, composed by Tchaikovsky.
The power of his music captivated me. The impression was overwhelming.
The music I hate is heavy metal. I find it noisy and
dreadful. When I listen to this style of music it presents to my mind
pictures of dark days. Though some young people are fond of this style
of music, it is not to everyone's taste. To my mind, music too loud can
destroy our ears. I am indifferent to other styles of music. For
example, I don't mind listening to jazz. Improvisation is an important
part of this style, that's why a jazz song may sound a little different
each time it is played. I think that jazz is a mixture of many different
kinds of music, but I consider it a bit complicated.
My mother and father approve of my tastes in music.
Though they prefer to listen to classical and "bard music", they think
that, on the whole, modern music is not too bad. My parents agree that
each generation has its own tastes.
It goes without saying that music plays a very
important role in people's lives. It reflects our moods and emotions.
Music appeals to our hearts and transforms our feelings. It conquers our
souls and enriches our minds. Besides, listening to music is the
perfect way to spend free time and not to feel bored. You can hardly
find a person who doesn't like or need music and who never sings or
dances. Music is beauty in sounds; it is our magic source of
inspiration.
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