Remember the term, 'barbershop quartet'? Today, barbershop music is officially celebrated. In case you were unaware, barbershop harmony is considered a style of unaccompanied vocal music characterized by consonant four-part chords for every melody note in a predominantly homophonic texture. Basically, a group of 4 people, usually men, singing a cappella with each other in perfect harmony (at least that is the goal). Each person in the group has a definitive part: lead, tenor, bass, and baritone.
In addition to that, we found out that there is an actual chord associated with barbershop music, and it's called the harmonic seventh. This is the root chord that songs of this nature are based. The origins of this type of music are up for debate, but it is generally associated with the 1930's. There are some reports which have it starting in the 19th century, but, again, these are speculative at best.
At any rate, maybe you're due to get a haircut soon. And, if so, we encourage you to think about all of the great musicians who used to (and maybe still somehwere out in the world keeping the tradition alive) sing outside of barbershops providing a great soundtrack for all the passerby and potential customers.
Happy Barbershop Music Appreciation Day!
No comments:
Post a Comment