jaunt music definition

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Pbs begins lively jaunt through music and culture.

By Paul Hyde

TV REVIEW – Let’s say you’re a classical music lover and you just won the lottery. Your next vacation abroad might very well resemble the sort of highly engaging jaunt violinist-conductor Scott Yoo enjoys in Great Performances: Now Hear This .

The new four-part PBS miniseries, making its premiere Sept. 20-Oct. 11 (check local listings), centers on such composers as Vivaldi, Bach, Scarlatti, and Handel. But Yoo, as the host, recognizes that today’s cultural traveler wants not only to hear great music but also to see the sights, eat a fine dinner, and maybe make a new friend or two.

Yoo himself describes the series as “ Anthony Bourdain meets classical music.”

In the debut hour-long episode, Yoo chases the story of Vivaldi’s  The Four Seasons through Venice but also spends time visiting splendid churches and whizzing around in a vaporetto water bus, dreamily gazing at the architecture. Later, Yoo and two friends enjoy antipasto and a glass of wine while analyzing The Four Seasons , finding dogs barking and cuckoos chirping in the score.

Yoo,  chief conductor and artistic director of the Mexico City Philharmonic , is a superb musical tour guide as he travels through Italy, France, Germany, Spain, and Morocco.

His enthusiasm is contagious. Offered the chance to play a few notes from the original manuscript of Vivaldi’s violin concerto known as L’Amoroso , Yoo seems entranced, almost in tears.

For Yoo, that was one of the highlights of making the episode called “Vivaldi: Something Completely Different,” he said in a recent interview.

“I’m looking at the handwriting of God, Vivaldi’s own handwriting,” Yoo said. “I’m reading Vivaldi’s music off the manuscript. I don’t think anyone else living has had that opportunity. That, for me, was a mind-bending experience.”

In his travels, Yoo follows his fancy, wherever it may lead. Noting that The Four Seasons , one of the most often-recorded works in history, was inspired by nature, Yoo takes the music to a Tuscan field to serenade an indifferent herd of sheep. For the viewer, it’s a delight.

Yoo’s tangents are always interesting. He visits with the violin-makers of Cremona, Italy, to discuss their ancient art. He chats with the versatile pianist Antonio Artese , who reharmonizes a Vivaldi tune in the manner of Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and Bill Evans.

“The premise of the show is that I’m the everyman and I’m learning, and the audience is learning from me,” Yoo said.

This very personal style of documentary-making reminds me of Kenneth Clark’s classic Civilisation series. The first four documentaries have a clear voice – and it belongs to Yoo and writer/director Harry Lynch . Now Hear This is no dry lecture series but a spirited journey offering both insight and entertainment. It’s what PBS does so well.

The “Vivaldi” premiere is followed by hour-long episodes of “The Riddle of Bach” (Sept. 27), “Scarlatti: Man Out of Time” (Oct. 4), and “Handel: Italian Style” (Oct. 11).

Plans call to extend the series into the classical and romantic periods of music and beyond.

I caught up recently with Yoo, who spoke by phone from his home in Columbia, Mo., where he lives with his wife, the flutist Alice Dade .

Classical Voice North America: How did this series come about?

Scott Yoo: I was performing a concert of the three Brahms trios with two colleagues and I presented “A Notable Encounter” [Yoo’s series of pre-concert talks]. A man came backstage and said, “My name is Harry Lynch and I’m a producer for PBS and I think we should do a TV show.” It was just luck!

CVNA: How did you design the format of the series?

SY: I wanted to come up with a legitimate successor to the Young People’s Concerts that Leonard Bernstein did years ago. The original idea was to film a bunch of “Notable Encounters” [discussions about composers from the stage]. But Harry Lynch and I agreed that we wanted there to be other culture – an art tour, a bit of history. Harry suggested it have a travel component. What it gradually morphed into was “Anthony Bourdain meets classical music.” It’s mostly about music, but we want to show how culture affects music and music affects culture.

CVNA: It sounds like you patterned it on the foodie revolution, with Americans becoming more conscious of the source, quality, and cultural backdrop of what they eat.

SY: Yes, we’re trying to accomplish what happened with food. I think art music or classical music is something that should really be a part of everyone’s life because it’s great and it’s cool. It’s really wonderful stuff, there’s something in it for everyone, and it’s still relevant to the human experience today.

CVNA: Did you learn a lot from the experience of making these documentaries?

SY: The biggest surprise for me was that until the 1940s Vivaldi was essentially the composer of The Four Seasons and a couple of operas. Everything else he wrote, for all intents and purposes, did not exist. And then someone accidentally bumped into a number of boxes and they realized, Oh my God, that’s the work of Antonio Vivaldi! I did not know that before filming the pilot. Harry, the director, asked me not to research Vivaldi. He wanted me to be surprised on screen. Stuff like that was really mind-bending.

CVNA: How long does it take to film each hour-long episode?

SY: Shooting was two weeks per episode, and then I do the voiceovers in the studio. We shot the pilot two years ago in May, 2017. Harry Lynch does all the writing. I feel like I’m working on it every day – in addition to my day job!

CVNA: What does the future hold for the series?

SY: We’ve already filmed the first show in Season 2 about Haydn. We’ll probably shoot documentaries also on Beethoven, Mozart, and Schubert. We’re doing it chronologically. We’re also putting together a university course to offer for free, with Now Hear This as a textbook. We think that can make a big impact. We want to get people listening to this kind of music when they’re young. We hope the show will go on for seven, eight, nine years. The idea is that it might not only cover the major composers, but we might have an episode on such topics as the flute or Indian classical music.

CVNA: How do you feel as Now Hear This is about to premiere before a national audience?

SY: I’m really proud of the work we’ve done. I think they’re really good TV shows with good content. I find them fun to watch. I hope everyone else does.

Paul Hyde, a longtime arts writer in Greenville, S.C., is a lecturer in English at Clemson University. Follow him on Facebook and Twitter: @PaulHyde7.

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Adams-sellars ‘el niño’ blows onto met stage with look of a fixture.

The most enjoyable program I’ve watched on TV in the past ten years. I’m 85, and I loved the Vivaldi and Bach; cannot wait for Scarlatti!

What an incredible film. I have wondered for years if someone somewhere would come up with a music show on PBS in the tradition of the great series in the past. This is it! If they keep up to the stunning Vivaldi premier, this will be a series of shows that we will remember forever.

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English Guide

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jaunt Definition

a short excursion or journey for pleasure.

Using jaunt: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "jaunt" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

We took a jaunt to the beach for the day.

He went on a jaunt through the countryside.

She enjoyed a jaunt around the city on her bike.

jaunt Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for jaunt, idioms using jaunt, take a hike.

go away; leave

I don't want to hear your complaints anymore. Just take a hike!

hit the road

to begin a journey or leave a place

It's getting late, so we should hit the road if we want to make it to the next town before dark.

constantly busy or active

She's always on the go, running from one meeting to the next.

Phrases with jaunt

an instance of driving a car or other vehicle in a reckless and exciting way, especially for enjoyment.

They took the car out for a joyride, speeding down the highway with the music blasting.

a journey or excursion completed in one day

We decided to take a day trip to the mountains and enjoy the scenery.

a long journey made on the road, typically in a car

They planned a road trip across the country, stopping at various landmarks along the way.

Origins of jaunt

from Middle French 'jante', meaning 'a horse's gait'

Summary: jaunt in Brief

The term 'jaunt' [dʒɔːnt] refers to a short journey or excursion taken for pleasure. It can be a day trip or a road trip, and is often associated with leisure activities such as sightseeing or hiking. Phrases like 'joyride' and 'road trip' are related to 'jaunt,' while idioms like 'take a hike' and 'hit the road' express the idea of leaving or beginning a journey.

Jaunt in a Sentence

42 examples of jaunt in a sentence, definition of jaunt.

jaunt (noun) - a sneer; gibe; taunt

View other definitions

How can jaunt be used in a sentence?

But the jaunt prompted criticism of slack policies towards children.

Blackshanks made the opening move, a bold jaunt forward with a knight.

Now the picture's finished I aim to take a little jaunt for my health. '

The short jaunt was a memorable treat and at least half the fun was getting there.

Surely you only treat yourself to this kind of jaunt as a reward after great achievement?

"Yes, all except Bakkun, who went off with the heavy-worlders on some jaunt of their own."

She reveled in a "jaunt" or a "day out," and her physical strength kept fatigue far from her.

Alvin started out with a 4ew bold steps, as easy as if he was on a Sunday jaunt on the commons.

Don Palomares (when did you become a DON?), No we haven't made the jaunt from the airport before.

The most scenic jaunt is the St. Mary Lake tour, which departs from the Rising Sun Boat Dock ($22 per person).

But if you want a really good jaunt through the future of an unattractive kind, you might try "Riddley Walker."

If they manage to keep you within the pale for more than a month or two, even after this jaunt, it will be a marvel.

Such a jaunt was a rare treat to the child, for Isabella Spencer seldom allowed her to go from home with anybody but herself.

The jaunt was the final event during Mr Berlusconi's private visit to Saint Petersburg, which has been ridiculed by the Italian Left.

But not unlike a certain mild-mannered cinematic professor given to the occasional jaunt, Mr. Hedges also had a passion for archaeology.

The details vary with the manufacturer, but a visit to the factory is always on the itinerary and a jaunt out to the tobacco fields common.

Just by being aware and focusing on things I was grateful for, I discovered things that I never stopped to appreciate during my daily jaunt.

After a quick five-minute jaunt we reached Dubie's apartment, an anonymous little claptrap located at the end of an alley behind a laundromat.

And finally, a deckhand on the vessel, Billy Blackwell, says the trip was a party jaunt to Cuba, during which Greene and his squeeze went shopping in Cuba.

I would actually recommend them to travelers who have spare time in the airport to go for a jaunt (with the caveat, that you're not looking fly while you fly).

When and with whom: Summer as a family or as a couple, Autumn I can picture a solo jaunt here for a number of days with a good book and catching a film or two in town.

So I wasn't going to have her making a Western jaunt an excuse for renewing fond acquaintance with Master Spotted Tail, who'd have her in the bushes quicker than knife.

O'REILLY: We have been trying for more than a year to find out how much money Hillary Clinton, Chelsea, and their entourage spent in their two-week jaunt to North Africa.

Referring to the minister's visit to Auschwitz as a "jaunt," the Toronto MP says Mr. Kenney should be here, or in Haiti, dealing with the aftermath of the devastating earthquake.

He talked of a Baltimore jaunt I wish he would hasten it - give my love to him and I pray you my dear Maria, wrtite more freqeuently to one who is always, most ---- fondly yours -

When I arrived in Italy, with my guidebooks, and my list of must-see activities, I fully expected an active jaunt through the streets, but that idea was put to rest at my very first sight.

But of her available tracks, the single, "Let You Know," stands out as the most instantly catchy and danceable, a musical jaunt found somewhere at the intersection of Britney Spears and Rihanna.

Summer Spain jaunt: The first lady's advisers told her it was not a great idea to take a luxury international vacation in the dog days of summer, when most Americans were planning low-budget staycations.

In reality, it went almost unused, at least when I was a student, because there was no more than a handful of students who actually owned ice skates and had time between classes to take a jaunt around the rink.

Richard Bloom, an aviation security expert at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Fla., said although this incident amounted to a childhood jaunt, it highlights legitimate safety implications.

The president will arrive Saturday and spend just over 24 hours in the Panama City, Fla., area, a quick jaunt in contrast to the family's upcoming 10-day vacation to Martha's Vineyard, known as a destination for the wealthy and privileged.

Before you blame your daily jaunt to Starbucks or weekly trip to the movies for breaking your budget, take a good hard look at how much you're paying for less obvious but much more expensive money wasters like overdraft fees and auto insurance.

A Piper Lance prop plane carrying two brothers and a teenage boy crashed shortly before noon into the rear of a Eurocopter AS-350 that had set off on a 12-minute jaunt over Manhattan with five Italian tourists and Jeremy Clarke, a 32-year-old pilot.

The girls were racing about in absolute delight over the ferns, while Mr. Rand, who had actually taken the "jaunt" from the hotel afoot, sat on a huge stone comparing notes with his muscles, and with the inactive years of discretion and indiscretion.

Then, very much under the radar, arrived one of those stories that could be as WAGy as all the rest, but ... a Georgia television station surveyed metropolitan Atlanta and found that 12 percent of that sprawling Obama-land plans to make the 652-mile jaunt to see history made.

Since, we're mostly broke, this jaunt has to be a cheap as possible, so our investment is a one-day unlimited MetroCard, ($8.25), and an official National Park Passport ($9) to get stamps in (we have to prove we've been there, and not all these places are worth photographing).

WOLF: That's one of the cool things that you really don't have to spend extra money to do those things and take those great jaunt at Pebble Beach or whatever sound a digital camera makes, just to the north, you got San Francisco, so you can go to pier 39, you go to fisherman's wharf.

This wizening of our features was due to the strain of travel and lack of sleep; we had enough to eat, and I have only mentioned it to help impress the fact that the journey to the Pole and back is not to be regarded as a pleasure outing, and our so-called jaunt was by no means a cake-walk.

When the fatal marriage was announced, he was planning what Boswell calls a jaunt into the country; and in a letter dated Lichfield, Oct. 4, 1784, he says: "I passed the first part of the summer at Oxford (with Dr. Adams); afterwards I went to Lichfield, then to Ashbourne (Dr. Taylor's), and

After a busy week, I finally stopped once to realize, WOW, I do really have a lot to be grateful for: fresh fruit, connecting with an old friend, a morning jaunt in one most beautiful cities in the world and oh yeah, I have jobs that I love (trust me, I've been at many jobs that I didn't enjoy).

The big yacht-politics story of the week comes from Florida, where Jeff Greene -- the titanically wealthy housing-market shorting tycoon running for the Democratic nomination for Senate -- has come under fire for rolling down to Cuba in his 145-foot yacht, Summerwind, on a jaunt that left the decks of said vessel "caked" in "vomit."

Two descriptive terms tend to jump out at you: The first is "party boat": the St. Petersburg Times 'Adam C. Smith reminds readers today of an account from Gregory Zuckerman's book, The Greatest Trade Ever, that describes a Summerwind jaunt to the Black Sea that involved "Ukrainian strippers" and "stewardesses from coastal towns" that were hired as crew-slash-massage therapists.

Tips for Using jaunt in a Sentence

You may have an easier time writing sentences with jaunt if you know what words are likely to come before or after it, or simply what words are often found in the same sentence.

Frequent Predecessors

Words that often come before jaunt in sentences. For example: " a jaunt" or " the jaunt"

Frequent Successors

Words that often come after jaunt in sentences. For example: "jaunt to " or "jaunt . "

Associated Words

Words that aren't necessarily predecessors or successors, but are often found in the same sentence.

Alternate Definitions

• jaunt (noun) - a jolting; a shaking up, as by much walking
• jaunt (noun) - a ramble; an excursion; a short journey, especially one made for pleasure
• jaunt (noun) - <strong>synonyms</strong> trip, tour, stroll
• jaunt (noun) - a felly of a wheel
• jaunt (transitive verb) - to jolt; to jounce
• jaunt (intransitive verb) - to ramble here and there; to stroll; to make an excursion
• jaunt (intransitive verb) - a kind of low-set open vehicle, used in ireland, in which the passengers ride sidewise, sitting back to back
• jaunt (noun) - a wearisome journey
• jaunt (noun) - a short excursion for pleasure or refreshment; a ramble; a short journey

Words and phrases

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† jaunt noun 2

• Hide all quotations

What does the noun jaunt mean?

There is one meaning in OED's entry for the noun jaunt . See ‘Meaning & use’ for definition, usage, and quotation evidence.

This word is now obsolete. It is only recorded in the early 1700s.

Entry status

OED is undergoing a continuous programme of revision to modernize and improve definitions. This entry has not yet been fully revised.

Where does the noun jaunt come from?

Earliest known use

early 1700s

The only known use of the noun jaunt is in the early 1700s.

OED's earliest evidence for jaunt is from 1706, in Phillips's New World of Words .

jaunt is a borrowing from French.

Etymons: French jante .

Nearby entries

• jaundiced, adj. 1640–
• jaune, adj. 1430–
• jaune antique, n. 1875–
• jaune brillant, n. 1851–
• Jaune Desprez, n. 1837–
• jaune jonquille, n. 1910–
• jaunette, n. 1423–1673
• jaunish | jawnish, adj. 1597
• jaunsel, v. 1590
• jaunt, n.¹ 1597–
• jaunt, n.² 1706–21
• jaunt, v. 1570–
• jauntily, adv. 1828–
• jauntiness, n. 1712–
• jaunting-car, n. 1805–
• jauntingly, adv. 1839–
• jaunty, n. 1902–
• jaunty, adj. 1662–
• jaup | jawp, n. 1513–
• jaup | jawp, v. 1513–
• Java, n. 1743–

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Meaning & use

Entry history for jaunt, n.².

jaunt, n.² was first published in 1900; not yet revised.

jaunt, n.² was last modified in September 2023.

Revision of the OED is a long-term project. Entries in oed.com which have not been revised may include:

• corrections and revisions to definitions, pronunciation, etymology, headwords, variant spellings, quotations, and dates;
• new senses, phrases, and quotations which have been added in subsequent print and online updates.

Revisions and additions of this kind were last incorporated into jaunt, n.² in September 2023.

Earlier versions of this entry were published in:

OED First Edition (1900)

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OED Second Edition (1989)

• View jaunt, n.² in OED Second Edition

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Citation details

Factsheet for jaunt, n.², browse entry.

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adjective as in wandering

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Example sentences.

Adding a dedicated water-wicking exterior layer or some extra fleece insulation to your dog’s body for your next extended jaunt in the rain or snow is essential to keeping them warm, dry, and happy.

This helped the level designers focus on building more traditional platformer levels like the older games, rather than the open-world jaunts of “Super Mario 64” and “Super Mario Sunshine.”

It seemed in her dream that the goat was harnessed to the jaunting-car belonging to the father of her friend Molly.

She was quick to notice that, besides the driver, three gentlemen and a lady filled the seats of the jaunting-car.

I have always wanted to ride in a jaunting-car, but it is more fun to talk about it than to really do it.

But as they reached their own door, the very jaunting-car they had met on the road to Killarney drove up.

She was not fond of driving over the dangerous roads, and for a jaunting car she had a special dislike.

Related Words

Words related to jaunting are not direct synonyms, but are associated with the word jaunting . Browse related words to learn more about word associations.

noun as in travel for pleasure

• exploration
• globetrotting
• peregrination

adjective as in meandering

On this page you'll find 9 synonyms, antonyms, and words related to jaunting, such as: roving, winding, roaming, strolling, traveling, and trekking.

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.

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Definition of jaunt noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

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• Music Theory

What is Music? Definition, History, Types, Effects & Examples

• April 4, 2024
• No comments

There’s music in everything; our bodies, the movement of the planets and stars in the galaxy, the communication between people and animals, as well as the movement of wind and water.

Leonard Bernstein says, “Music can name the unnameable and communicate the unknowable.” It’s the universal language that people can use when words fall short of conveying the meaning.

So, what is music? How has music influenced humanity throughout history? This article will tell you everything you need to know about music.

So keep on reading to learn more about this topic.

What is Music?

In short, music is the art of combining and organizing sounds along with other elements in time to create a composition. It incorporates elements of rhythm, melody, harmony, and color to create a unique piece.

Music also includes other elements like the pitch, which controls the melody and harmony, and the dynamics that affect its texture.

It’s one of humanity’s cultural aspects , usually used by humans to express emotions, statuses, events, and stories.

There are numerous types and music genres that either focus on or neglect these elements to create a new style with distinctive characteristics.

Music is performed using various musical instruments that can be incorporated with multiple vocal techniques.

Elements of Music

Some elements of music are fundamental , while others are less important and not that widely used.

The most fundamental elements include the style, dynamics, pitch, beat, tempo, rhythm, melody, harmony, vocal allocation, color, expression, articulation, form, and structure.

In some definitions, some of these elements aren’t considered fundamental. For example, British musicians add musical notations to these elements and ignore the presence of other elements like harmony and melody .

Pitch and Melody

The pitch refers to how high or low the sound is. This can refer to melodies, basslines, chords, and vocals.

The melody is the tune that’s made of a series of pitches or notes played in succession. The notes are played following a system or scale.

Folk music songs usually use notes from a single scale . Other genres like Freestyle Jazz and Bebop Jazz incorporate more notes from several scales.

Harmony and Chords

Harmony is made of 2 or more notes played at the same time. The chord is made of 3 or more notes, so chords make up harmony. More complicated pieces from Classical and Jazz music have more than one harmonious note.

Rhythm is the art of arranging sounds and silence periods in time, while grouping notes in measures or bars. In Western music, rhythm is defined in sets of 2, 3, or 4 notes.

Texture is the overall sound of a music piece or song and is determined by how other elements are combined.

Music pieces that have a thick texture feature many layers of instruments. The texture is also affected by the intensity of the sounds. Music texture can be divided into monophony, heterophony, or polyphony .

Color or timbre is the quality of the sound of the instrument or voice. The timbre differs according to the instrument used to play the note and the technique of the musician playing it.

Electronic instruments like the electric guitar and electric piano allow performers to change the tone by adjusting a few controls or adding electric effects .

With traditional instruments, the instrument’s material and the performer’s technique will add these effects.

The expression doesn’t change the notes but adds more quality to them. Performers can add expression to melodies by stressing words or adding vibrato to specific notes.

The style of the music refers to the elements upon which more weight is put . Rock music puts more emphasis on the craftsmanship of the performer, so it’s usually performed in live concerts.

Funk puts more weight on the rhythm and groove, while Jazz puts more emphasis on complex chords that change several times in a tune.

Metal music puts more weight on fast guitar solos and anthemic choruses. Rappers and Hip-Hop performers focus on the flow of music and lyrics . The performers are able to deliver words fast without getting tongue-tied.

Purpose of Playing Music

Music is played for various purposes, including religious, ceremonial, aesthetic pleasure, or entertainment purposes.

In the past, music performances were exclusive to churches, temples, and courts of royalties. Some religious practices involve the creation and performances of music pieces.

During the Classical era, music was directly related to a higher cultural and socioeconomic status . People learned to compose and perform music to become members of the elite community in Medieval Europe .

As a result, people tried to get music sheets to perform their favorite music pieces at home. Later on, the phonograph made records of popular songs more available and accessible .

The invention of the tape recorder and digital devices allowed people to create customized playlists of their favorite music genre . Music became a crucial component of other entertainment performance arts as movies and theatre plays.

Amateur musicians can compose, perform, or teach music for their own pleasure. Professional musicians are employed by institutions, organizations, or even work as freelancers.

Music is considered the main source of income for millions of people who currently work in the music industry.

Music Composition

Music composition is the process of creating a music piece or a song.

In most Western music genres, the process of creating music also involves the creation of music notation, which the performers follow. In some genres, the performers rely on improvisation.

In Classical music, the composer does the orchestration, but in other genres like Pop music , an arranger does this job.

Some of the world’s leading Jazz, Pop, and Rock musicians don’t use notation and usually compose and play their music from memory.

Because in some cases, the notation doesn’t specify all the elements of the music, the performer has some freedom to play or interpret the music according to their taste and vision .

The same music work can be differently interpreted by changing the tempo or playing style to create a unique piece.

Musical composition is usually the work of one artist but can also represent a collaboration of several composers.

This is more common in modern music genres like Metal and Blues , where one band member writes the melodies while another writes the lyrics.

In Avant-Garde and experimental genres of music, the computer adds digital effects to contribute to the process of music composition.

Music Notation

Music notation is using sheet music as a written representation of melodies using symbols. It also provides instructions on how the music should be performed by setting the tempo and genre .

First, notations were hand copied. The printing press made printed music easier to obtain. Nowadays, computer score writer programs are used to create music sheets.

In most music genres, the score is a comprehensive music notation that allows all the individual performers to work together on an ensemble piece. In Pop music, the notation is the lead sheet that states the melody, chords, and lyrics .

In Jazz music, musicians usually use several simple chord charts, which allow the rhythm section members to improvise.

Improvisation

Improvisation is the art of creating spontaneous music that’s played within a pre-existing harmonic or chord progression. It’s one of the main elements of several genres, including Jazz, Rock’n’roll, Blues, and Metal.

Performers add ornaments and use tones that aren’t from the same scale. In Pre-Classical music, performers usually improvised ornaments, while soloists improvised preludes to their performances.

In more modern genres, most details were listed in the musical notation, leaving little room for improvisation . After the Classical period, some genres allowed for more improvisation, which played the evolution of genres like Hip-Hop and R&B.

Musical Performance

The musical performance is the physical expression of the music, which occurs when the melodies are played by an instrument or a song is sung. The musical performance itself focuses on the interpretation by the performing artist.

Cover songs are an example of interpretation in modern genres like Metal and Jazz. The performing artist or band can add an instrument, change the intro of the song, or change the orchestration to change the whole genre of the original piece.

Ornaments are made of added notes to decorate melodies. The details vary between genres and musical eras.

During the Baroque period, performers learned to add simple ornaments to make music more unique. Composers didn’t describe in detail how a music piece should be played, allowing the performer to express the music individually.

In Classical music, the performance was usually rehearsed , and the rehearsal was led by the conductor. Interpretation is less common in the Classical music genre.

In Rock, Blues, R&B, and Jazz performances, the performers usually improvise based on the pre-existing chord progression. The music piece still maintains its original structure but might sound different every time it’s played.

Many genres like Blues were originally memorized by the performers and not written in music sheets. They were either handed down orally or aurally.

Once the name of the composer is no longer remembered or known, the piece is usually classified as folk or traditional music.

Folk music was used to pass on the history of a culture or a community . This is clear in genres like Blues, Jazz, and Country music.

The expressiveness of the music involved the use of tempo and pauses to make music more appealing. In the 20th century, music notation became more specific, and composers specify how the performer should play or sing the piece.

Other genres like Heavy Metal and Hip-Hop involved the extensive use of ornaments, especially during live performances. In Pop music solos, some performers recreate a famous version of other solos.

Music Throughout History

Music is as old as humanity itself. Paleolithic archaeology sites show evidence that humans played music using flutes that they carved from animal bones.

One of the oldest musical instruments is the Divje Babe flute which is believed to be more than 40,000 years old!

The Invention of Music

In prehistoric times, people didn’t think much about recording their music or other artistic creations . As societies evolved, people decided that literacy was a sign of high status and began to write down and record their music in the form of musical notations.

The definition of music as we know it is probably different from what it used to refer to in prehistoric times.

In some cultures, music was used to imitate natural sounds, while in others, the sounds were part of shamanic beliefs and religious practices.

In some cases, humans used music for entertainment or to lure animals for hunting. Humans used music for communication as well as ceremonial purposes.

In China and India, prehistoric musical instruments that date several thousands of years were found. The Hurrian Hymn to Nikkal is the oldest known musical notation and was written approximately 1400 BC.

The first musical instrument was probably the human voice itself. Through humming, singing, whistling, clicking, coughing, and yawning, humans were able to convey messages, warn others, or entertain them.

The vocal communication between mothers and their infants was another early form of prehistoric music.

Humans probably used music and dancing to demonstrate their fitness to mate since these activities involve physical effort that showed that they’re fit and healthy.

Anthropological and archaeological research shows that music was probably used around the time stone tools were invented.

Humans used their hands for clapping or struck stones together to create rhythm. Later on, humans used bone flutes and reed flutes.

Music in Ancient Egypt

Music was a crucial component of Ancient Egyptian culture . Ancient Egyptians believed that their gods Bat and Hathor created music, and Osiris used it to help make the world more civilized.

As early as the Neolithic period, Ancient Egyptians used music in rituals. They used seashells as whistles.

Music evolved a little during the Predynastic period, but in the Old Kingdom, musical instruments like the harp, flute, and double clarinets were played.

In the Middle Kingdom, percussion instruments like cymbals, lyres, and lutes were invented.

Today, Egyptian folk music still uses some of these instruments like the lute and cymbals, which makes the contemporary genre closely related to the ancient one.

Egyptians used music for religious purposes and ceremonial purposes. In royal palaces, musicians were part of the court, and the nobles taught their children how to play music.

Deities were praised in temples through music and chants , and tombs usually showed images of people playing music to please the gods.

In Modern Egypt, music plays an important role in Sufi Muslim and Coptic Christian traditions. The Alexandrian Rite is held by the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria and features several elements of ancient Egyptian music.

Music in Mesopotamia

A cuneiform tablet was found in Nippur and dated back to the year 2000 BCE. Scholars believed that it showed instructions for composing and performing music.

The notation indicates the names of the strings on the lyre that should be used to play the music.

While excavating the ruins of the ancient city of Ur , scientists found the remains of four different harps that dated back to the year 2750 BC.

Music in Asian Cultures

Asian music evolved differently across the continent from Arabia to Southeast Asia. The Indus Valley civilization had musical instruments like the seven-holed flute and sculptures that showed dancers.

Ancient Indian musicians created musical notation and used stringed instruments and drums. Present-day Hindu music is slightly influenced by the old Indian music genre , showing more influences from Persian and Afghan traditional music.

The Samaveda is an ancient Vedic Sanskrit text , which is made of melodies and chants. Some scholars say that it dates back to 1200 BCE.

Ancient Chinese music became popular as early as 3000 years ago. It follows a special system of musical notation and tuning. Bone flutes that are about 9000 years old were found in archeological sites.

Although the status of Chinese musicians was lower than that of painters, emperors collected folk music to record popular culture.

Music in the Bible

Instrumental and vocal music were important to Hebrews, New Testament Christians, and the Christian Church. Hebrews used litany , which is a form of prayer that was accompanied by music.

Music in Ancient Greece

In Ancient Greece, musicians, singers, and dancers played a crucial role in Greek culture. People played music for religious ceremonies, celebrations, and entertainment, and children began learning music at a young age.

The Ancient Greeks invented several stringed instruments like the aulo, kithara, and lyre. The Greek music theory is the basis of most Western music genres.

The Seikilos epitaph is the oldest surviving complete musical composition with notation and lyrics.

The Epics of Homer were sung with musical accompaniment, but there is no musical notation available that shows how the music was performed. Hymns by Mesomedes of Crete survived in a manuscript.

Music in Ancient Rome

Roman music borrowed elements from all the cultures that the Romans conquered. Instrumental and vocal musical compositions were part of social occasions and celebrations. Music was also played during funerals and at sacrifices.

It’s likely that the Romans used the same method followed by the Greeks to record their music. They might have also tuned their musical instruments to resemble the Greek modes.

Ancient Romans used several wind, percussion, and stringed instruments. The tuba looked like a straight bronze trumpet. It was usually used in spectacle events and in wars .

The cornu is a long tubular metal wind instrument that wrapped around the performer’s body and was used during parades and as a military signal. The Romans also used the tibia, which features two double-reeds.

The Romans borrowed the lyre from the Greeks , but it was later abandoned for the more complicated Kithara or cithara.

The strings were tuned by adjusting the sticks, which is the same technique used in the modern-day guitar. As a matter of fact, the origin of the word “guitar” comes from its name.

However, the guitar is more closely related to the lute , which had fewer strings. Because the strings can produce graduated notes, this instrument was more versatile.

Romans also invented a cross-over between the bagpipe and the organ . It’s unclear whether the pipes were blown by lungs or mechanical bellows, though.

The hydraulic pipe organ, water organ, or hydraulis was used in arenas and during stage performances . Historical evidence shows that Emperor Nero played it.

In ancient Rome, percussion instruments created the backgrounds for dance. They were also used in hunting and during military campaigns. The Romans used instruments like the timpani, castanets, and brazen pans.

Music in the Middle Ages

The Medieval era witnessed the introduction of single melodic lines that were used for chanting in Roman Catholic Churches. The church used musical notations to allow performers to chant the same melodies across the Catholic Empire.

In addition to these religious compositions, medieval music also included secular songs performed by several composers. Non-religious or secular music became more popular during the Renaissance period.

When the printing press was invented, musical notations became easier to copy, which also helped music spread faster.

This era also marks the shift of musical activity from the church to kings and queens’ courts. Franco-Flemish composers were highly valued and appreciated throughout Europe.

Music in the Early Modern Period

By the beginning of the 16 th century, Western civilization began to rise, and the music had become more complicated and textured .

The Renaissance period saw the introduction of Renaissance music, which included both church and secular music. Composers focused on blending musical strands to add more balance to the texture rather than contrasting it.

The Baroque music era began as the Baroque artistic style became popular across Europe. The first operas were written, and polyphonic music pieces were composed.

Later, the Baroque music genre became more complex, featuring more ornaments. Several music forms were defined, like the symphony, sonata, and concerto.

The Classical period followed the Baroque era, and the music created focused on elements of balance and adequate proportion . Classical music was lighter, and the main style was homophony. Instrumental melodies became more singable.

During this period, the fortepiano replaced the pipe organ as the main keyboard instrument, while the latter was still used in sacred music.

Newer music forms were invented, like the trio and string quartet. The sonata and its structure played a crucial role in the composition of other musical forms. The orchestra also became more standardized .

One of the most significant changes during this era was that music was played in public concerts rather than being exclusively played for the nobles and royal families. As a result, big public performance spaces were built to accommodate larger audiences.

After this period, the Romanticism era began, and the piano was the centerpiece . The music style was influenced by the literature and paintings of the same period.

Romantic music was characterized by its emphasis on individualism, the glorification of nature, and heavy emotions. The music became more dramatic, and songs were more expressive.

Composers of this era tried to tell stories or evoke mental images using instrumental music . Some composers also used folk music to promote patriotic pride.

During the late Romantic period, music pieces were longer, more dramatic, and involved the use of altered chords to produce new sounds. The industrial revolution also helped create better instruments.

Music in the Modern Period

By the end of the 19 th century, middle-class amateur music lovers were able to perform music pieces created by famous composers.

In the 20 th century, new technological inventions like the radio allowed people to learn more about new and old songs and music pieces.

This meant that lower-income people who couldn’t afford to attend a public concert, didn’t have a piano, or know how to read musical intonation, could still enjoy music.

Radios and gramophones also allowed people to enjoy music from other parts of the world.

The 20 th century’s music is characterized by the exploration and evolution of new styles and genres. Some genres like Jazz used elements from Classical music and built on them.

Other composers created totally new genres, using the new technologies that allowed for the creation and editing of music. This opened the door to less conventional styles, darker genres, and more innovative artistic creations.

The invention of the multitrack recording system allowed performers to overdub several layers of instrumental and vocal melodies that wouldn’t be possible to achieve in a live performance.

The 21 st century and the use of computer music apps now make it possible for amateurs to produce and record several types of music without a professional studio setup. Digital instruments are added, and the recording is edited to add and delete sounds.

Effects of Music on Individuals and the Society

Music has been linked to the human mind, our perception of the world, and those around us. The study of music and the topics related to it are all grouped under the umbrella of the Philosophy of Music , a subgenre of Philosophy.

In ancient and modern times, thinkers believed that music could affect the soul and refined humans’ taste. The tune and harmony of music could evoke feelings of joy or sadness.

In Ancient Greece, music and its mathematical compositions were linked to the cosmos and its dimensions . During the Romantic period, music was linked to nature and its beauty.

In modern times, philosophers focus on the relationship and the expression of different emotions evoked by multiple music genres and performances.

Music and the Brain

Cognitive neuroscience of music is the study of the brain-based mechanisms that relate to music . This includes composing, playing, performing, and listening to music. Science also investigates the relationship between learning languages and music .

Music and the Society

Unless the musician is building the music instrument, composing the music, and playing it without ever sharing it with anyone, music can’t be considered as an individualistic activity.

Music is a community-based activity that involves several performers and participants. This also applies to a situation where a single person is listening to a solo played by an artist in a live or recorded performance.

Participants share common values, mainly their love for a specific music genre or the belief in a topic. Musical performances have different forms in different cultures.

Throughout history, the introduction of new music genres was usually faced by resistance from society , other composers and performers, music experts, and the audience.

As a result, within the same community, some genres were viewed as high-culture, while others were viewed as low-culture.

High-culture music involved Early Modern era music, including all its forms from symphonies, concertos, and solos. The audience usually attended a concert or a live performance while being seated quietly.

Some performances also took place in religious institutions. In most cases, the audience and performers had higher-than-average income.

Other genres like Jazz, Blues, Soul, Country, Rock, Hip-Hop, and Metal were performed in bars, pubs, and nightclubs, where the audience was able to dance and cheer , unlike Classical music audiences.

The audience usually had lower incomes, and in some cases, belonged to the less-privileged communities.

In some cases, a specific genre even raised political and social concerns. This was clear in the case of Gangsta Rap.

Nowadays, this classification is no longer valid , as the division of the status of the music genre can’t be based on the income of those involved in the music scene.

Performers of these newer genres managed to achieve a higher socioeconomic status, and the venues have become more elegant and exclusive.

At the same time, the music performance of Rap, Punk, and Ska has become more sophisticated and textured.

Music and Technology

In prehistoric times, the invention of stone-age tools affected the evolution of music . The invention of the printing press and better musical instruments have also influenced the production, composition, and performance of music.

The 20 th century marked the widespread distribution of pre-recorded music pieces that could be broadcast over the radio or television.

Music was also available to be played on gramophones that were later replaced by tape recorders, CD players, and MP3 players.

With talking motion pictures, musicians were replaced with devices that replayed music. However, the need for talented musicians and performers was never eliminated.

Technology has influenced several music genres by producing better performances through the editing and mixing of sounds. Engineers can debug and layer melodies, which is impossible to achieve in front of a live audience.

In the past few decades, the internet created what is known as music-on-demand and streaming . Recorded and live music performances have become more accessible through computers and other smart devices.

Digital storage cost is low, which allows musicians to offer unique genres that might not be that popular. As a result, the number of genres and subgenres has drastically increased.

The internet also allows aspiring composers, performers, and singers to connect with other musicians and gain exposure. Amateurs are able to create and share mashups and remixes, as well as create original pieces that they can post and share with fans.

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Jaunt - definition, pronunciation, transcription

• Hindi (हिन्दी)

Extra examples

...took a leisurely jaunt up to the mountains for the day...

• ( archaic ) A wearisome journey.
• A short excursion for pleasure or refreshment; a ramble; a short journey.
• ( intransitive ) To ramble here and there; to stroll; to make an excursion.
• ( intransitive ) To ride on a jaunting car.
• ( transitive ) ( obsolete )'' To jolt; to jounce.

• Cambridge Dictionary +Plus

English pronunciation of jaunt

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(English pronunciations of jaunt from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus and from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary , both sources © Cambridge University Press)

Word of the Day

to fasten the belt that keeps you in your seat in a car or a plane

Searching out and tracking down: talking about finding or discovering things

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