English Music

English music has gained momentum ever since the 50s and had risen to its peak in the 70s and 80s. Today although it does not command a great hold in the market, its popularity has spread even into the remote villages of the world including India.
Music in ancient England was purely church music or in the form of ballads and carols that were sung during Christmas. In the 16th century Troubadours were quite popular for their songs. In those days when copyright issues did not exist songs were easily copied. It would be the same music with different lyrics.
In the 15th century a wave of polyphony ring tones took over the country. Composers like Leonel Power, Robert Fayrfax and John Dunstaple were acclaimed in that era. But most of the music that had been written down were destroyed by Henry VIII in the mid 15th century. In the 16th century and 17th century leisure time was more accessible and hence music was given more importance. The renaissance also had its share of influence on England’s music. Instruments used now included the dulicmer, lute and harpischorf.
There were other classes that used the tabor, bagpipe shawn, pipe, crumhorn and hurdy-gurdy for their folk music. Slowly yet steadily the fiddle came into limelight and enjoyed much popularity.
The 18th century saw music move to the commercial phase. It was more elaborately dressed and heard in theatres. Composers like Handel who was German born and Mozart with his operas and the English musician John Gay created revolutionary plays where music was exemplified.
The industrial revolution in the 19th century revamped the music outlook. As people moved to another standard from agrarian to industrial and moving to town, different sets of words were used in the music. The transformations were immense as the music in towns were much different from that in the countryside. The change was first evident in the ale houses. Later on they moved to the Music Hall and remained in this format for over a century.
A few individuals that were acclaimed in the period included Michael Balfe who wrote opera, oratories were written by Sir Arthur Sullivan. Comic operas were much preferred as written by W.S.Gilbert. Musical comedy gained wide popularity especially the ones written by Sidney Jones and Lionel Moncton.
In the 20th century classical music and bands came to the fore. The radio helped in bringing propaganda to the music making famous orchestras like Ambrose, Henry Hall, Billy Cotton and Geraldo. Singers of the time were Jack Buchanan and Al Bowlly.
The modern day music in England is a melee of ballads, rock, hip hop, rock and roll and heavy metal. In other words there are all types of music present. With the citizens and the government encouraging good music there has been a huge uproar in the standard of music.
Music can now be created with laptops and synced with the mobile to be heard anywhere anytime. England also houses some of the best DJs and rappers encouraging more and more newcomers to the music fraternity.