THE INFLUENCE OF CLASSICAL MUSIC ON AMERICAN AND ECUADORIAN CULTURE

Written Assignment-English Ab Initio

The influence of classical music on American and Ecuadorian Culture

1.       DESCRIPTION

            In the United States, classical music is important. In fact, around 11 million of Americans listen to classical music radio stations every week; this type of music is in second place, after the news. American women usually like listening to Mozart or Rachmaninoff melodies and men generally buy music magazines about the Mass in B-minor. Furthermore, Americans consider the fifth symphony of Beethoven as a symbol of Victory which is related to the Second World War.

2.      COMPARISON

In the United States and Ecuador, the classical music is taught in conservatories or in secondary art schools that are dedicated to educating people with a refined musical culture. In both cultures, the classical music is used as a therapy in pregnant women, since through the hearing, the future baby will have an excellent intellectual capacity.

            Currently, in New York, most inhabitants listen to classical music as a habit while Ecuadorians do it only on holidays. Otherwise, Americans use the classical music to perform daily activities or academic tasks, but Ecuadorians only use it to create musical compositions. Furthermore, Jazz is the music that identifies the American culture whereas Ecuadorians feel identified with The National Music (Pasillo).

3.      REFLECTION

Which aspect of your chosen topic surprised you?

It surprises me that, New Yorkers use the classical music to study. This kind of music creates an environment of knowledge which improves the concentration, academic scores, self-esteem and behavior. I guess USA has become in a world power thanks to its inhabitants listen to classical music.

Why do you think these cultural similarities /differences exist?

I think these similarities exist due to musicians from different cultures follow the heritage of the masters of classical music such as Mozart and Beethoven. Nowadays, Americans and Ecuadorians create their own compositions based on their example. However, the age to follow a musical vocation in both countries, depends on each culture.

What might a person from the target culture(s) find different about your chosen topic in your culture(s)?

An American would find different the National Music since it has a different harmony. The “Pasillo” is a musical genre with Andean rhythm. When the “Pasillo” arrived to America, it was modified through time, taking a romantic and sad tone. An American would consider a "Pasillo" as a dramatic symphony of a lost lover.  

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

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·         Robinson.S. n,d. Classical Radio Is Alive And Kicking!. Classical Radio is Alieve and Kicking. Retrieved from: https://www.musicalamerica.com/features/index.cfm?fid=213&fyear=2016

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·         Schemo.D. (1994). For Musical Appreciation, Sexes Go Their Own Ways. Retrieved from: http://www.nytimes.com/1994/11/15/arts/for-musical-appreciation-sexes-go-their-own-ways.html?pagewanted=all